Replacing Burned-Out Landscape Bulbs: What to Know Before You DIY
It’s tempting to swap out a landscape bulb yourself when one goes out — but if your system was professionally designed, replacing bulbs incorrectly can create bigger issues than you’d expect.
Here’s what you need to know before changing any lamps — from matching the right specs to understanding how a single bad bulb can throw off your entire system.
Not All Landscape Lighting Bulbs Are Created Equal
That multi-pack of generic MR16s online might fit your fixtures — but the quality isn’t even close to what your system was built around.
Low-grade bulbs often:
Flicker under outdoor voltage variation
Overheat or fail prematurely
Mislabel brightness, beam angle, or color
Damage sockets from poor electrical contacts or thermal output
Even if they look similar, these cheap replacements are built to different standards — and can quickly degrade your system’s performance.
Why Lamp Specs Matter More Than You Think
Swapping in a bulb that fits doesn’t mean it’s compatible with your design.
Using the wrong lamp can cause:
Color temperature mismatch (your warm white system now has bluish or inconsistent tones)
Inconsistent beam spread (leading to hotspots or dark patches)
Voltage sensitivity (some LEDs require perfect 12V, which outdoor systems rarely deliver evenly)
Load imbalance (affecting transformer output and longevity)
Your system was likely designed with specific beam angles, lumen output, and transformer capacity in mind — and changing that balance without knowing what you're doing can create ripple effects.
What If You Want to Upgrade or Add Lights?
Ecotek systems are designed with room to grow — meaning you can typically:
Add a few more fixtures
Use slightly brighter lamps
Adjust angles and output as needed
But that only holds true if you’re using quality lamps with the right specs. Randomly swapping in off-brand bulbs can strain your system, cause flicker, or reduce its lifespan.
Our Recommendation
If you're planning to replace a few burned-out bulbs yourself:
Stick to reputable lighting brands with proven outdoor performance
Match wattage, voltage range, beam angle, and color temperature
Avoid cheap, unverified bulbs from discount retailers or marketplaces
Reach out if you're unsure — we’re happy to help identify the right product
If you’re seeing multiple burnouts, flickering, or inconsistent brightness, that may be a sign your system needs a checkup — not just new lamps.
Need Help Replacing Landscape Bulbs?
Whether you're changing one bulb or thinking about relamping your entire system, the right lamp makes all the difference. Ecotek Outdoor Lighting can help you find the correct replacements — or take care of it for you. Fill out the form below to get started.