There are many new track lighting systems which use line voltage or 120 volts here in the US and the GU10 halogen light bulbs have been one of the most popular new lamps in those applications.  It's designed to operate in a 120 volt lighting system but there's more to the story than that.  It gives you the ability to have MR16 lamps without using a transformer, how nice is that?  For some people, they prefer not to have transformers in their lighting systems as it represents another component that will eventually fail.  And it is admittedly easier to maintain and have it be on the same grid as other 120 volt lighting.  The GU10 bulbs are different than other kinds of lamps whether they are PAR lamps or MR16's.  The base has a sturdy two prong base with the ability to twist and lock for a secure seating which is important in a 120 volt light.  Like all halogen capsule bulbs, they are filled with a special gas that actually rebuilds the filament and provides longer average life than normal incandescent bulbs. Halogens come in different shapes and sizes for various different uses.  The GU10 MR16 is the one that has a 2 inch reflector with a silvered (dichroic) coated which is usually faceted for excellent beam control.  These always has a glass cover over the lamp, this is to protect from hot glass if the capsule is ruptures on a very rare occasion in violent failure.

Halogen bulbs should not be touched with your skin as the oils can react with the glass.  And in the case of these, they are sealed inside a glass covering, so it's impossible to touch the inner part and capsule.  In case you ever do touch a halogen bulb, wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth. If you have GU10 light bulbs in your home or business, then you want to make sure of several characteristics when replacing them.  You need to make sure that the reflector opening is 2 inches, verify the operating voltage of the lamp and the pin spacing of the bulbs themselves.  A typical GU10 halogen has a pin spacing at 10 millimeters and has two posts that make a positive connection.  These two posts are very sturdy and much heavier than the 12 volt MR16 lamps that you may have seen in the past.  Some of the more common codes in identifying these are EXN/GU10, FMW/GU10 and so on.

In summary, GU10 halogen light bulbs are available in a variety of wattages, and can be used in 120 volt lighting of many kinds which include track lighting and some types of recessed lights. Of course, you will need fixtures that will have the correct equipment for these lamps.  The equipment will have no transformers and there will be wattage limitations for the bulbs as well.  You'll be happy with the results as they will emit a whiter, brighter light that is considered by a vast majority of people more desirable than regular light bulbs.  We have a large inventory of halogen bulbs for nearly every type of light fixture in the field.  If you need help identifying a GU10 halogen bulb, our customer service representatives can help you determine what you have.