MR11 Halogen Bulbs

MR11 halogen bulbs are compact 1.4-inch (35mm) diameter reflector bulbs designed for applications requiring focused, directional lighting in small spaces – think compact track fixtures, small recessed downlights, display cases, retail accent lighting, and landscape fixtures where the larger MR16 bulbs won't fit or would be visually overwhelming. The smaller size makes MR11 bulbs ideal for tight installations while still delivering the crisp, bright white light and excellent color rendering that halogen technology provides.

The "MR" designation stands for multifaceted reflector – the parabolic reflector inside the bulb has faceted surfaces that help control the beam pattern. MR11 bulbs are available in various beam angles from narrow spots around 10-15 degrees for accent lighting to floods of 35-60 degrees for broader coverage. The beam angle determines how the light spreads: narrow spots create dramatic highlighting effects perfect for jewelry displays or artwork, while floods provide more general illumination suitable for small spaces or broader decorative applications.

Voltage configurations include both low voltage (typically 12V, sometimes 6V or 24V) requiring transformers to step down from line voltage, and line voltage (120V) versions that connect directly to standard electrical circuits. Low voltage MR11 bulbs are more common, particularly in track lighting, display lighting, and landscape applications. The lower voltage allows for more compact bulb designs and finer control over lighting, though it requires a transformer somewhere in the electrical circuit.

Base types vary by application and voltage. The GU4 base (bi-pin with 4mm spacing) is common on low voltage MR11 bulbs for track and display fixtures. The GU10 twist-lock base appears on line voltage versions. Some MR11 bulbs use specialized bases like screw bases (E14, E17) or bayonet bases (BA15d) for specific fixture types. The base configuration must match your fixture socket – even if voltage and wattage are correct, the wrong base simply won't fit or make proper connection.

Wattage in MR11 bulbs typically ranges from 20W to 50W, with 35W being quite common. These wattages might seem modest, but the focused beam and efficient halogen technology deliver substantial illumination within the beam pattern. The color temperature of halogen MR11 bulbs runs around 2900-3000K – crisper and whiter than standard incandescent bulbs but warmer than daylight, creating attractive illumination that makes colors pop in retail and display applications.

The compact size of MR11 bulbs allows for very slim profile fixtures that can be recessed into shallow ceiling cavities or integrated into furniture and cabinetry. This makes them popular in applications like under-cabinet lighting, jewelry cases, art niches, and anywhere you need quality directional lighting but don't have the space for larger fixtures. The downside is the smaller reflector provides less precise beam control than larger MR16 bulbs can achieve.

LED MR11 replacements have become available, offering the usual LED advantages of dramatic energy savings and long life. A 3-watt LED MR11 can replace a 35-watt halogen while lasting 25,000+ hours versus 2,000-4,000 hours for halogen. However, compatibility issues can arise with transformers (some transformers don't work properly with LED's low wattage), dimming behavior may differ from halogen, and the beam patterns might not match exactly. For critical applications, testing LED replacements in your specific fixtures before committing to quantity purchases is advisable.

Common Specifications: 35mm (1.4") diameter, 20W-50W wattages, beam angles from 10° (narrow spot) to 60° (flood)

Voltage Options: Low voltage (12V most common, some 6V or 24V - require transformer), line voltage (120V - direct connection)

Base Types: GU4 (4mm bi-pin - most common), GU10 (twist-lock), E14/E17 (screw bases), BA15d (bayonet), various specialty bases

Applications: Compact track lighting, small recessed fixtures, display cases, jewelry lighting, retail accent lighting, under-cabinet lighting, landscape fixtures, art lighting