The classic Ø50 mm MR16 footprint with GU5.3 pins covers most fixed/tilt cans and compact gimbals. Power nodes typically 3.5/5/6.5/8 W, delivering ~350/500/650/800–900 lm depending on beam and CCT (2700/3000/3500/4000 K). Baseline CRI 80 is common; CRI 90 with healthy R9 is stocked for wood, food, fabrics, and skin tones. Operating window −20…+40 °C; keep Tc ≤ 85 °C in insulated ceilings. Pro lots target PF ≥ 0.90 (≥6–7 W), THD ≤ 15 %, and flicker discipline around PstLM ≤ 1.0, SVM ≤ 0.4 on approved dimmers.
Two optical engines solve 95 % of briefs. TIR-lens variants in 10°/15°/24°/36° produce crisp edges and high centre-beam candlepower (CBCP); reflector-glass styles read “halogen” in heritage trims and run 24°/36°/60°. Size by CBCP at the working distance, not lumens alone: a 6.5 W 15° head can exceed 2 000 cd @ 1 m. Accessory rings accept honeycomb or softening films to tame near-field sparkle on glossy stone and lacquer.
These lamps are 12 V and like short, chunky secondaries. For small groups, LED-rated electronic transformers with low minimum load work; for long multi-head runs, a 12 V constant-voltage driver per circuit is steadier. Keep twin-lead legs short to preserve low-end dimming. Use T-rated lampholders (polymer T180 or ceramic T300) where trims run hot; front IP (e.g., IP44) is defined by the host downlight ring, not the lamp itself.
Most lamps accept AC/DC. Trailing-edge (RC) channels run quietest; leading-edge (RL) may buzz on tiny loads. Expect smooth ~5–100 % on narrow beams and ~10–100 % on floods when the plate load sits in the dimmer’s stable window. Surge ride-through is typically 1–2 kV (L-L); add upstream SPD where lifts/VFDs share the board.
Die-cast or thermally-loaded polymer crowns move heat away from the board; Tc pads are marked for probe checks. Fronts are PMMA TIR or tempered glass with UV-stable seals. Overall length ~45–52 mm (verify on shallow trims). Through-wire downlight bodies keep control buses intact across rows when these spots mix with panels/linears.
In retail specs you’ll sometimes see star trading spotlight bulbs gu5.3 used as umbrella wording—mirror the phrase on the schedule, but size by beam/CBCP at distance so the look lands right the first time.
For estates moving off halogen, planners usually tag these as star trading low voltage led bulbs on the riser; publish transformer model/min-load and dimmer topology per area to avoid low-end shimmer during commissioning.
Straight swap programs often request star trading gu5.3 retrofit leds; lock five items on one line—beam (°) + lumen/CBCP at target + CCT/CRI + driver path (AC/DC or 12 V CV) + overall length—so cartons land site-ready.