12V

Vinaco MR16 Halogen Bulb, 12V GU5.3

MR16 GU5.3 · MR16 Bulbs

4.5 176 ratings

$18.34$3.06 per bulb

Selected: 20W, 6-pack

  • GU5.3Base
  • 12VVoltage
  • 20WWattage

The low-voltage MR16 with two straight pins. It runs on 12 volts from a transformer and lights path lights, track heads and recessed spots.

Wattage and pack

Checkout, payment and delivery happen with our retail partner. Price from our update of 1 October 2026. How we update prices

About the MR16 Halogen Bulb, 12V GU5.3

  • GU5.3 bi-pin base Two straight pins 5.3 mm apart push into the socket. There is nothing to twist.
  • 20W, 35W or 50W 300, 480 and 800 lumens. The 50W is the brightest halogen spot in our catalog at this size.
  • Glass cover The front is closed with a lens, which suits enclosed outdoor fixtures.
  • Dimmable It dims from 10 to 100 percent with a dimmer made for low-voltage lighting.

Specifications

Base
GU5.3: two straight pins, 5.3 mm apart
Shape
MR16
Voltage
12V
Wattage
20W, 35W, 50W
Light output
300 lm at 20W, 800 lm at 50W, 480 lm at 35W
Color of white
2800K
Dimmable
Yes
Beam angle
38 degrees
Rated life, maker's figure
3,000 hours
Size
2 × 1.81 in
Technology
Halogen
Pack sizes
6, 10
Fixtures
Landscape & Outdoor, Track & Recessed

GU5.3 base

Two straight pins, 5.3 mm apart. It runs on 12 volts, through a transformer. See all eight bases

Where it fits

Landscape lights are the common home for this bulb. A transformer near the house drops the power to 12 volts, and each fixture along the path takes one MR16. When one burns out you pull it straight from the socket and push in a new one. The same bulb fits low-voltage track heads and recessed spots indoors. Six or ten to a box means the next burnout is already covered.

Check before you buy

  • Your fixture or transformer is marked 12V.
  • The old bulb has two thin straight pins, about 5 mm apart.
  • The wattage is within what the fixture and the transformer allow.
MR16 Halogen Bulb, 12V GU5.3: every pack with its price
Wattage and packBulbsPricePer bulb
20W, 6-pack6$18.34$3.06Restock on Amazon
50W, 6-pack6$18.26$3.04Restock on Amazon
35W, 10-pack10$26.75$2.67Restock on Amazon
50W, 10-pack10$26.75$2.67Restock on Amazon

Pick another one if

Do not put it in a 120 volt socket. A GU10 fixture has a twist-lock base and no transformer, and this bulb is not made for it. If your old bulb had two short pins with flat feet, you need our GU10 instead. And if the fixture burns all night, the 7W MR16 LED gives similar light for far less power.

LED option

Vinaco MR16 LED Bulb, 7W 12V GU5.3

The same GU5.3 base at 7W. It runs cooler and is rated for 30,000 hours. It does not dim.

$12.20 and up

What buyers say about the MR16 Halogen Bulb, 12V GU5.3

4.5 out of 5 from 176 ratings. Reviews word for word, with the critical ones left in.

  • 5.0 out of 5

    Great for ELV transformers and MLV transformers on dimmers

    Are they as good as the old GE MR-16 bulbs? No, but it seems all the major manufacturers have stopped making halogen and have moved on to LED only. The problem is a lot of the MR-16 fixtures were never designed to work with LEDs. ELV transformers especially used to need a minimum wattage on them or they would not work at all. with MLV transformers sometimes you get lucky and LED lights work, but if you have them on a dimmer or dimming system (like Lutron Radio Ra2 or Homeworks), it can not only damage the transformer, but the dimmer too.So while they may be off brand, these thing are a life saver for houses that still have them. By the way, the EPA ruling on incandescent bulbs has an exception for MR-16 bulbs so I hope more people continue to make these.

    See L. · June 5, 2024 · verified purchase
  • 5.0 out of 5

    Great value

    Great price, convenient, quality packaging, matching everything I was looking for. Exceeded my expectations.

    Ron D. · April 10, 2026 · verified purchase
  • 3.0 out of 5

    Bulbs

    I would have given 5 stars except 1 bulb broke as I was putting it in the socket the glass broke around the metal spikes that plug in so disappointed in that to say the least i hope it doesn't happen again!!! I guess I will see…. I had to throw the 1 bulb away that broke so that was money down the toilet!

    Brian C. · April 22, 2024 · verified purchase
  • 5.0 out of 5

    Good replacement bulb

    The brightness was the same as the old bulb. That's what I was looking for.

    Tim C. · July 15, 2026 · verified purchase

MR16 Halogen Bulb, 12V GU5.3: questions

How do I know if I need 12V or 120V?

Look at the pins. Two thin straight pins mean a 12V GU5.3 bulb like this one. Two short pins with flat feet mean a 120V GU10.

Can I use it outdoors?

The maker lists it for landscape lights and enclosed outdoor fixtures, and the bulb has a glass cover. The fixture itself must be rated for outdoor use.

What is the beam angle?

38 degrees, a medium flood that works for paths, shrubs and accent lighting.

Vinaco MR16 Bulbs

Low-voltage reflector bulbs with two straight pins. They run on 12 volts from a transformer. 2 lines, from $12.20 a pack.

All 2 Vinaco MR16 Bulbs