G9 LED Bulbs: What They Are and How to Choose a Replacement
G9 globes are the tiny looped-pin bulbs in wall lights and chandeliers. How to swap halogen G9s for LED without fit, flicker or glare problems.
G9 is a small mains-voltage bulb with two looped pins, 9 mm apart, that push straight into the socket. It was designed for halogen capsules and is common in wall lights, chandeliers, bathroom fittings and small designer pendants. Today most people replace those halogen capsules with LED.
How to recognise a G9
- Two looped wire pins at the base, not straight pins or a screw thread.
- Pushes in and pulls out, no twisting.
- Runs directly on mains voltage, 240 V in Australia, with no transformer.
- Do not confuse it with G4 (tiny straight pins, usually 12 V) or GU10 (twist-lock spotlight).
Halogen vs LED G9
| Halogen G9 | LED G9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical wattage | 25–40 W | About 2–5 W for similar light |
| Heat | Very hot | Warm, much cooler |
| Life | Short | Much longer |
| Size | Very small | Often slightly larger; check the fit |
Choosing a replacement
- Size: measure the space inside the fitting; some LED G9s are longer or wider than the halogen capsule.
- Brightness: compare lumens. Roughly 200–250 lm replaces a 25 W halogen, around 350–450 lm a 40 W one.
- Colour: warm white (2700–3000 K) matches halogen most closely.
- Beam: in glass or crystal fittings, 360° "filament" or clear G9 LEDs sparkle like halogen; frosted ones look softer.
- Dimming: choose dimmable G9 LEDs only if the fitting is on a dimmer, and check the dimmer is LED-compatible.
Common problems
| Problem | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Flicker or buzz | Non-dimmable LED on a dimmer, or an old dimmer not rated for LED |
| Will not fit the shade | LED body longer or wider than the old capsule |
| Short life | Enclosed fitting trapping heat; choose LEDs rated for enclosed use |
| Glows faintly when off | Wiring or switch issue; ask an electrician |
Safety
- Switch off and let halogen capsules cool before removing; they get very hot.
- Do not touch halogen glass with bare fingers when fitting a new one; skin oils shorten its life.
- Replacing an old dimmer or rewiring a fitting is a job for a licensed electrician.
Other bases explained: E27 vs B22 and LED light bulbs.
Questions
What is a G9 bulb?
A small mains-voltage bulb with two looped pins 9 mm apart, common in wall lights and chandeliers.
Can I replace a G9 halogen with LED?
Yes, usually directly; check that the LED fits inside the shade and is dimmable if the fitting is on a dimmer.
Why does my G9 LED flicker?
Usually because it is on a dimmer that is not LED-compatible or the LED is not dimmable.
