OSRAM LED Capsule Bulbs – G4/G9 & GY6.35 miniature LED lamps
These small-format “capsule” LED lamps from OSRAM are designed for decorative, low-profile, display-cabinet, furniture, and accent lighting applications where space is limited and thermal headroom is constrained. They replace low-voltage halogen or incandescent capsules with lower power, lower heat and longer life. Keywords: osram led capsule bulbs, osram g4 capsule leds, osram tubular led lamps, osram decorative capsule lighting.
OSRAM Capsule LED Types & Use-Cases
- OSRAM G4 LED Capsule – 12 V (AC/DC) two-pin miniature base used in furniture lighting, display rails, under-cabinet, niche luminaires. Example spec: 1W = 100 lm (G4) replacing ~10 W halogen.
- OSRAM G9 LED Capsule – 220-240 V mains two-pin “loop” base (capsule shape) used in decorative pendants, small table lamps, designer luminaires. Example: 3.8 W replacing 40 W halogen.
- OSRAM GY6.35 / GX5.3 LED Capsule – also low-voltage two-pin, ultra-compact diameter (~13 mm), used in niche decorative/architectural lighting. Example: 2.2 W for 12 V/GY6.35.
Each type allows you to swap in a miniature LED lamp without changing the luminaire housing, preserving design lines and reducing service cost.
OSRAM Capsule LED Key Parameters – What to Check
- Supply voltage:
- G4/GY6.35: typically 12 V AC/DC.
- G9: 220-240 V AC mains.
Always confirm base and voltage; mismatch causes no start or failure.
- Power (W) and equivalence: For example, the G9 1.8-4.9 W lamp replaces 20-60 W halogen
- Luminous flux (lm): Example: G9 4.4 W = ~600 lm.
- Colour temperature (CCT): 2700 K (warm) typical for decorative; neutral whites 3000-4000 K may be available. Example 2700 K.
- Colour rendering (CRI): Typically CRI ≥80; check for CRI90 versions if colour fidelity matters.
- Lifetime: 15,000 h or more in many cases. Example: G9 capsule lists “Average Lifetime (h) 15000”.
- Dimmability: Confirm if the capsule supports dimming (phase-cut/ELV) especially in decorative or architectural use. Example: 4W/827 G9 is dimmable.
- Physical dimensions and fit: Capsule shapes are narrower than standard bulbs; check height/diameter especially in enclosed or shallow fixtures.
OSRAM Capsule LED Practical Comparisons
- G4 12 V vs G9 230 V: G4 gives low-voltage option but requires 12 V driver; G9 fits 230 V fixtures directly (easier retrofit).
- 2 W vs 4–6 W capsule: Lower power suits small accent spots; higher power gives better flux (lm) for ambient or display lighting
- Clear “glass” finish vs frosted capsule: Clear shows the filament/LED array for decorative transparency; frosted diffuses light, useful to avoid LED dots in narrow fittings.
- Dimmable vs non-dimmable: In hospitality or architectural use you’ll likely need dimmable versions; in utility decorative lighting non-dimmable may suffice (and cost less).
OSRAM Capsule LED Buyer Checklist & Common Mistakes
Checklist:
- Does fixture run 12 V or 230 V? Match base type (G4/GY6.35 vs G9) accordingly
- Is the fixture shallow or enclosed? Check capsule height/diameter and heat dissipation path.Is dimming required? Verify model is dimmable and that driver/transformer supports LED minimum load.
- Colour temperature and CRI consistent across the installation—avoid mixing 2700 K and 3000 K in same zone.
- Stock spares of the same batch to maintain colour consistency during replacement.
Common mistakes:
- Fitting a non-dimmable LED capsule into a dimmed circuit → flicker or failure.
- Trying to use the 12 V G4 capsule without a driver or with old halogen transformer whose minimum load is too high → no light.
- Using over‐power capsule in a very shallow fixture without ventilation → capsule overheats, lifetime reduces.
- Mixing decorative capsule colours (very warm 2700 K) with cooler trim lights → colour mismatch visible