Halogen Lamps
Halogen lamps are very similar to traditional
incandescent bulbs. Both fixtures use a tungsten filament, which is surrounded by gas and an enclosure. However, the
halogen lamp’s tungsten is encased in an area of quartz, which is much closer to the tungsten. The incandescent bulb is encased in a thin layer of glass, which is usually frosted. Another major difference is the type of gas used.
Incandescent bulbs use nitrogen or argon, while
halogen lamps use a form of halogen gas.
Both
halogen lamps and
incandescent bulbs operate using the same process. The gas is heated by the electrical current, which in turn heats up the filament inside. As the filament becomes hot it begins to glow, this reaction results in visible light. Over time the filament inside the
incandescent bulb begins to evaporate leaving thin spots. Eventually, the thin spot will break causing the fixture to burn out. With a
halogen lamp, the filament is constantly rejuvenated by the reaction of the halogen gas with the evaporating particles of the filament. The result is less energy required to heat the filament, because of the close proximity of the quartz encasement, and a longer lasting quality of light due to the regeneration of the filament.
Halogen lamps are available in a multitude of beam spreads and wattages. Bulbs range in wattages from 20 to 1500. This allows you to find the perfect bulb that will emit the amount of light to fit your needs. Beam spreads are just as versatile, ranging from 7 to 40 degrees. On PAR and MR fixtures the light is dispersed as a cone of illumination. The angle created on the outer edges of the cone determines the spread of the light. Beams that fall within the 25-degree range are characterized as floodlights. If the beam is less than 25 degrees then it is considered a spotlight. The amount of beam spread produced by the lamp determines the amount of light focused onto an object. Residents can purchase a fixture with a narrow beam spread or one that has a larger, wider beam spread. Many floodlights have a longer beam spread and produce a brilliant source of illumination for outdoor security purposes. This allows you to focus illumination onto architectural elements of your home.
Another excellent use of
halogen lamps is for
art lighting. The strong white light produced accentuates the color spectrum within art pieces. Low voltage bulbs deflect UV and infrared rays that could harm paintings, as well as other works of art. Many of the products allow you to adjust the beam, in order to focus the illumination directly onto the desired piece. These items may also be recessed for a refined look. We offer these products by superior manufacturers, such as
Phantom Lighting and
House of Troy.
Related Articles:
