Xenon Lamps
Xenon lamps are an energy efficient alternative to more traditional types of lighting fixtures. These bulbs were developed in Germany back during World War II. These lamps gained wide acceptance in the movie industry where they were used for projectors. They replaced the older carbon arc lamps, but had problems with lumen efficiency. Modern day society has adjusted to this problem and has developed Xenon lamps that offer a more energy efficient alternative. These bulbs remain a popular choice within the movie industry, and are also being used for other domestic and commercial applications.
Residential Landscape Lighting and Design (RLLD) has a gorgeous selection of Xenon lamps and bulbs for your illumination theme. Our vast online selection gives customers a plethora of choices, including illumination devices for any type of setting. Our product line consists of commercial lighting fixtures, home illumination devices, and outdoor fixtures for your convenience. We also have security lighting devices, along with numerous other types of bulbs for your project. Our professional staff is devoted to assisting you with your selection and answering any question you may have about lighting design and proper technique.
Xenon lamps typically come in two types: short arc and long arc. Both are basically the same in structure, but the long arc’s glass tube is more elongated in size. Most long arc versions mounted with some kind of elliptical reflector simulate natural sunlight. These lamps are used for solar cell testing, rapid thermal processing, and for material inspection. Short arc lamps come in two types: pure xenon that contains only the gas, and xenon-mercury, which contains this gas and a relatively small amount of mercury.
Bulbs for these type of fixtures are filled with xenon gas. The color of the arc resembles daylight (6000 deg K) to a certain extent. Looking at the color spectrum, one would find that the light emitted by these bulbs is continuous in the visible range, but extends well into the ultraviolet side. These bulbs have wattages ranging from 75 to 30,000 watts. Most of the light produced by these fixtures is generated inside a small cloud of plasma. Electrons pass through this plasma cloud and clash with the anode, causing the fixture to heat up. The anode in these lamps has to be larger than the cathode or be water-cooled so the heat can dissipate in a safe, efficient manner.
Bulbs, which pertain to the xenon mercury design, contain a specified amount of mercury, along with a small amount of xenon. The gas is used to sustain the arc until the mercury has vaporized entirely. In addition, warm up time is slowed with these fixtures, with times averaging around 10-15 minutes to heat up. Since the bulb’s temperature determines the amount of vapor pressure in these devices, these lamps tend to be more sensitive to the effects of cooling. One problem with these bulbs is that they can be over-cooled to the point where full output is never accomplished. Tap water is normally used as the cooling agent because chilled water may actually interfere with operating voltage and the evaporation process.
Xenon lamps are called HID or high intensity discharge devices. The large light output from these devices has its benefits in commercial settings, and recently xenon headlamps have been developed for cars. Replacement ballasts for these kind of bulbs tend to be more energy efficient and operate at cooler temperatures. These ballasts will extend the lifespan of the bulb, putting money back into your pocket in the long run. RLLD has a fine selection of replacement ballasts, along with replacement xenon festoon lamps for your convenience. Come check out our unique online selection today and give your surroundings a spectacular touch of divine illumination!
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