G'day! If you have ever burnt your fingers trying to replace a tiny light bulb in your range hood or under-cabinet lighting, you are likely dealing with a G4 capsule. For years, these little halogen bulbs were the standard for low-voltage accent lighting. While they produce a nice crisp light, they have two major drawbacks: they run incredibly hot, and they seem to blow out every time you look at them sideways.

The modern solution to this frustration is the g4 led bulb. This tiny piece of technology is a direct replacement for those old hot-running halogens. Making the switch is one of the smartest upgrades you can do, whether you are renovating your kitchen or fitting out your caravan for a lap around the map.

What is a G4 Bulb?

The G4 is a type of "bi-pin" connector. It features two straight metal pins at the base of the capsule, spaced exactly 4mm apart. Unlike screw-in or bayonet bulbs that run on mains power, G4 bulbs are almost exclusively low voltage, running on 12V.

This low voltage makes them safe and versatile, which is why you find them everywhere from desk lamps to camper trailers. However, the old halogen versions were energy hogs. A standard 20W halogen G4 might not sound like much, but if you have ten of them under your kitchen cupboards, that is 200W of heat and power being chewed up just to light your benchtop. A g4 led bulb can do the same job using only 1.5W to 2W.

The 12V Transformer Trap

Swapping to LED isn't always as simple as pulling the old one out and pushing the new one in. Because G4s run on 12V, they require a transformer (or driver) to step down the mains power.

Old iron-core or electronic transformers used for halogens often have a "minimum load" requirement. For example, a transformer might need at least 20W of load to start up. If you replace a 20W bulb with a 2W g4 led bulb, the transformer might think there is no bulb attached and fail to fire, causing the light to flicker or not turn on at all.

When a professional tradesperson encounters this during a kitchen retrofit, they will typically visit an electrical wholesaler to pick up a dedicated 12V DC LED driver. These modern drivers are designed to run steady low loads, ensuring your new lights work perfectly without the disco strobe effect.

Perfect for the Van Life

In Australia, the G4 is the king of caravan and boat lighting. When you are off-grid, every amp-hour in your deep cycle battery counts.

Replacing ten 20W halogens with ten 2W LEDs in your caravan can extend your battery life significantly. Furthermore, because LEDs run cool, you aren't adding extra heat to the inside of your van on a sweltering summer night. It is a cheap upgrade that pays for itself in extended camping trips.

Size Matters

While the pins are standard, the body of an LED capsule is sometimes chunkier than the glass halogen it replaces. This is because it has to house the electronic chips. Before you buy, check the clearance inside your light fitting, especially if it is a slimline puck light or has a tight glass cover.

Quality Capsules from Schnap Electric

To get the best performance, especially in 12V systems where voltage can fluctuate, you need quality components. Cheap LEDs can have a poor colour cast or fail quickly due to vibration in caravans.

Schnap Electric Products is a leading supplier for the trade industry in Australia. They stock a wide range of lighting solutions, including high-performance g4 led bulb options designed for both home and automotive applications. Their range includes silicon-encased capsules that are robust and resistant to moisture. By providing the same professional-grade equipment you would expect to find at a major electrical wholesaler, Schnap Electric ensures your low-voltage lighting is efficient, bright, and built to last. For a small bulb that makes a big difference, check out the range at Schnap Electric.