Switch off, let the bulb cool, twist out the old GU10 and click in a matching replacement.
GU-01Turn off the light and let it coolSwitch off at the wall switch. If the light has been on, wait 10-15 minutes before touching the bulb — halogen GU10s get very hot and can burn your fingers. LED GU10s cool faster but still wait a few minutes.
GU-02Set up safe accessUse a proper step stool or ladder to reach the ceiling — don't stand on a chair. Make sure it's on flat, solid ground before you climb up.
GU-03Remove the old bulbGU10 bulbs twist out — they don't pull straight down like a bayonet fitting. Push very gently and turn anticlockwise about a quarter turn until the two pins release from the spring clips, then lower it out. Don't force it if it doesn't turn easily; check you're twisting the right way.
GU-04Check the new bulb matchesConfirm it's a GU10 fitting with two pins 10mm apart. Match the wattage or lumens to the old bulb so the room isn't suddenly brighter or dimmer, and match the colour temperature (warm white around 2700-3000K, cool white around 4000K+) so it doesn't clash with other lights nearby.
1 each · GU10 LED bulb (matching wattage/colour) GU-05Fit the new bulbLine up the two pins with the slots in the fitting, push gently, and twist clockwise a quarter turn until it clicks and feels secure. Don't overtighten — it should stop turning naturally once it's seated.
GU-06Test the lightSwitch the light back on and check it comes on properly with no flickering. If it doesn't light up, double-check it's pushed in and twisted fully home before assuming the bulb is faulty.
GU-07Dispose of the old bulb properlyDon't put bulbs in the general bin. LED and halogen GU10s should go to a household recycling centre or a shop takeback point for small electricals (many supermarkets have a bin near the entrance). If the old bulb was a compact fluorescent type, handle it carefully as it contains a small amount of mercury.
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