The modern lighting source is equipped with different energy-efficient bulbs. You may rarely notice the usage of Incandescent bulbs at the home or industry level anymore. The reason is the low energy efficiency behind these bulbs. Do you want to know about the best bulb that produces great light at a low energy cost?
Yes, such bulbs are available in the market at affordable prices. These bulbs can be seen in modern lighting and are known as halogen bulbs. You may have a question: what are halogen bulbs and how many types of them are available in the market?
We will answer every question related to this modern bulb in this post. Let’s dive in to learn everything about halogen bulbs in detail.
What Is A Halogen Bulb?
Whenever we hear about the bulb, the first thing that comes to mind is Thomas Alva Edison. The man who invented the first bulb. Do you know what type of the bulb was invented by him? That bulb was incandescent and has been the lighting source for decades. This bulb has been replaced with halogen and is widely used in lamps and other lighting sources.
A halogen light bulb contains a filament of tungsten sealed in a transparent coating. It is also known as quartz halogen and contains a mixture of inert gas. The inner gas also contains a small amount of halogen from bromine and iodine. When the inert gas and halogen combine, it produces a chemical reaction. The halogen cycle helps the tungsten filament to operate at a higher temperature. This light bulb is used daily and comes at an affordable price.
History Of Halogen Bulbs
There is a long history behind the halogen light bulb. It is an advancement of the Incandescent bulb invented by Emmet Wiley and Elmer Fridrich in 1955. One major reason behind it is to protect the darkening of the bulb envelope. The halogen filament used the chlorine that was patented back in 1882.
After that, iodine was used to improve the efficiency of tungsten deposition back into the filament. Then in 1959, two workers of general electric named Emmet Wiley and Elmer Fridrich patented the first-ever halogen light bulb. The presence of the halogen in the inner tungsten keeps the bulb clean and produces constant output.
Components Of Halogen Light Bulb
Like any other bulb, halogen also contains the basic components. It consists of the base, filament, and glass envelope. Each component has its role in protecting the chemical composition. Following are the various components of the halogen light bulb:
Filament
The process makes the filament drawing tungsten with a binder-like material. It is kept under high pressure to turn into a fine wire. The shape taken after the binder process is of the orifice. After that, the coiled wire is attached to a lead wire that is spot welded later. The final filament wire comes under the “CC” type when it is coiled again.
Base
The base of the halogen bulb is manufactured by using molds. A hollow-shaped screw is also used in the base so that it can easily fit into a light socket. There are various halogen lamp bulb bases, including the 2-pin, 6-inch flexible leads, 1-inch ribbon leads, and 2-pin connector base. Each of the bases has its use in terms of the stability of the upper structure.
Glass Envelope
The glass envelope is the third and most important component of a halogen bulb. It is a shield and promotes the halogen cycle of inert gas. The bulb’s envelope also protects the electrodes from leaving the lighting device. Moreover, it also promotes the chemical resistance process with an enclosure and external temperature. The invention of the halogen light bulb is to stop the darkening of the glass envelope. The quality of the bulb’s envelope is also responsible for its working process.
What Are The Uses Of A Halogen Bulb?
Today, halogen lamp bulbs are widely used in homes and industries. As it is more energy efficient, various lamps have this bulb to provide good lighting intensity.
Commercial Uses
These bulbs have a large commercial use in various industries. One of the major benefits of halogen bulbs is that they offer good light when the space is limited. You can see halogen lamps in retail stores, museums, tracking ways, vehicle headlights, and many more. The large PAR bulb of halogen is used in security lights, high ceilings, and landscape lights. It has a larger wavelength and provides clarity at night.
Residential Uses
Halogen bulbs have a huge application as a daily lighting source. These bulbs are widely used as modern halogen lamps to decorate the home space. Its usage is in the working area that requires more high-intensity light. The halogen light bulb is ideal for the kitchen, living area, outdoor sitting area, and entrance.
Other Uses
Halogen lamp bulbs have other uses as flood lights. During infrared spectroscopy, these bulbs are also used as a lighting source. Moreover, it also has uses in inspection lights, illuminators, and lizard monitor keepers.
How Is A Halogen Bulb Different From An Incandescent Bulb?
The majority of people have confusion between halogen and incandescent bulbs. Both of the bulbs look similar and work almost the same way. But there are a few differences that make halogen bulbs more convenient. Here are the key differences between these lighting bulbs:
Halogen Bulb | Incandescent Bulb |
The Halogen bulb has inert gas called halogen. When the bulb is turned on, iodine and bromine make bonds with vaporizing tungsten. | The Incandescent bulb has deposited vaporized tungsten inside it. Its filament is thin and takes charge during the working process. |
These bulbs have a lifespan of 2,250 to 3,500 hours. | These bulbs have a lifespan of 750 to 1,000 hours. |
It is more energy efficient. | It is less energy efficient. |
Halogen bulbs produce more visible light. It has a luminous efficacy of 16 to 24 (lm/W). | Incandescent bulbs produce less visible light. It has a luminous efficacy of 12.5 to 17.5 (lm/W). |
It produces a blue-white tone light that is ideal for working space. | It produces a yellowish tone light that puts more stress on the eyes. |
Also read: How To Find The Best Lamp Repair And Rewiring Service In NYC?
What Are The Different Types Of Halogen Bulbs?
There are various types of halogen lamp bulbs available in the market. Usually, these bulbs select after looking at their base. Before you start selecting a halogen bulb, let’s take a look at its types.
Arbitrary Halogen Bulb
One of the most popular bulbs is the A19 Halogen bulb. It is designed in A-shape that allows it to produce higher output. The majority of the standard bulbs are also coming in arbitrary shapes. That’s why halogen bulbs are commonly used to replace traditional lighting bulbs. You can use these bulbs anywhere in your home.
PAR Halogen Bulb
Parabolic Aluminized Reflector(PAR) bulbs are used in areas that require precise lighting. This halogen bulb uses an electric arc to produce light. Due to it, these bulbs have the edge over the other halogen light bulbs. It comes in different sizes, of which the most common are PAR14, PAR16, and PAR20. You can use these bulbs as floodlights, desk lamps, recessed, and accent lighting.
T-Type Halogen Bulb
It is a tubular-shaped halogen bulb used as a desk lamp, pendant light, floor torchiere light, etc. These lamps are less likely to be overheated or burst at higher temperatures. The diameter of these bulbs is smaller than the incandescent, which makes them suitable for different areas. Various industries use the T-type of halogen light bulb to facilitate their operations.
MR16 Bulb
The Multifaceted Reflector(MR) uses an advanced mechanism to provide a large light intensity. MR16 is the most common halogen bulb used for recessed lighting purposes. These bulbs highlight the particular area used for track, under-cabinet, and landscape lighting. Some other uses of this halogen bulb are floodlights and pillar lights.
Double-Ended Halogen Bulb
As the name suggests, this halogen bulb can produce light from both ends. It is also known as the J-type which looks similar to CFLs. These double-ended bulbs instantly generate light, unlike CFL, which takes longer to warm up and work. The J-type bulb is the lighting source for bathrooms, table lamps, and ceilings.
How Does A Halogen Lamp Bulb Work?
The working of the halogen light bulb is based on the mechanism of thermal radiation. During the process, light produces when the solid tungsten is heated at a high temperature. The halogen gas inside the glass envelope reacts with the tungsten filament whenever you turn on the switch. In the reaction, tungsten starts to evaporate and starts covering the filament.
Additionally, some amount of the tungsten returned to the filament that extends the bulb’s life span. The process protects the tungsten from attaching to the glass of the bulb. The total temperature required is higher, which is only achieved by quartz. Each halogen lamp bulb is manufactured by using a pure quartz capsule filled with halogen gas.
After that, the current flow starts to flow in the cycle, which makes the particles redeposited back onto the filament. That’s why these bulbs have a high luminous efficacy of 25,000 hours.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Halogen Light Bulb
Halogen bulbs have various advantages as well as disadvantages. You need to understand each of its pros and cons in detail.
Advantages Of Halogen Bulbs
Some of the advantages of halogen lamp bulbs are as follows:
- These bulbs offer a gold-standard quality of light. The output produced is of high intensity and consumes less power. A halogen bulb has a higher intensity than other artificial sources of light.
- The size of these bulbs is compact and used for different applications. One of the reasons behind this is the use of quartz which is of small size. You can easily use this bulb inside the appliances and tools.
- One of the major advantages of halogen lamps is their cost efficiency. The price of this bulb is relatively lower than other modern lighting solutions.
Disadvantages Of Halogen Bulbs
Some of the disadvantages of halogen bulbs are as follows:
- A few people know that halogen lamps are inefficient in terms of lumen/Watt ratio. However, these bulbs’ efficiency is higher than the traditional incandescent bulbs.
- It has many hidden components that are invisible from the outside. The filament of the bulb is enclosed with small-sized quartz.
- Halogen bulbs are sensitive to any oily substance. When it comes in contact with them, the bulb’s lifespan decreases. Moreover, simple halogen lighting will only accentuate your space if you seek modern lighting.
How To Select The Right Halogen Light Bulb?
Whatever your lighting needs, selecting a good halogen bulb is necessary. Today, the market is full of modern lighting products. Whether it’s a flood light or halogen lamps, one common thing in all of them is a halogen bulb. So, if you don’t know how to select the right bulb, keep the following things in mind.
Size Of The Bulb
Halogen bulbs are available in different sizes based on their diameters. When you select the bulb, there is a set of number displays in front of each type. You have to decide the size of the bulb that serves your lighting purpose. Usually, a smaller size is suitable for a small space like a particular room.
The Base Of The Bulb
The base of the bulb is different, but one of the important things to remember. It is the part of the bulb used to fix the bulb on the wall or ceiling. The selection of the right base depends on the size of a halogen bulb. The base of the bulb is measured in millimeters (mm). Select the right base if you are planning to purchase a too-small or large bulb. The most common size of the halogen base is the medium or E26/E27.
Intensity And Color
Another important thing you need to consider is the intensity of the halogen light bulb. It measures in Watts and determines the intensity of a bulb. Calculate the required wattages to determine the right intensity of light you need.
Another factor is the color of the halogen bulb light. These lighting bulbs are available in various colors, like bright white, soft white, and warm white. Always keep in mind your home decor while selecting the right color.
Ease Of Installation
The location of the bulb’s installation is also important in selecting the right halogen bulb. If you want to install a bulb outdoors, consider the larger one. The other thing is the ease of installation. Most halogen lighting supports the simple steps installation process. So, if you are well aware of the DIY installation process, choose the bulb that fulfills your needs.
Cost Of The Bulb
The last thing you should remember is the cost of a halogen bulb. The average cost of these bulbs is $2-$5, depending on their type and design. Once you specify your needs, it’s easier for you to select the right bulb. The cost of the other halogen lamp, like A-type, is $3-$6 per bulb. Other types of bulbs fall in the mid-price category.
Conclusion
The bulb is the major source of lighting. Today, halogen bulbs have replaced incandescent bulbs completely. Still, people often ask: what are halogen bulbs, and how many types of it are available? These bulbs are more energy efficient and are available at affordable prices. Before selecting the right one, you must determine a few factors like size, brightness, color, and cost of halogen bulbs.
If you need to gain knowledge about bulbs, take the help of our experts. Safety Lamps Repair has a vast collection of halogen lamps that brings an aesthetic feel to the space. Our team tested each product in terms of quality before selling it to the customers. We also provide repair and installation services at affordable prices. To explore our lighting products, visit our store at 1713 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128. For more info or queries, call 212-348 5267.
Frequently asked questions
The different types of halogen lamps are as follows:
- Double-ended bulb
- A19 halogen bulb
- PAR bulb
- T-shaped halogen bulb
- MR16 bulb
The halogen bulb provides less stress to the eyes than the incandescent bulb. There are other options available, like CFL and LEDs, that are less harmful to the eyes.
Halogen light bulbs are better in terms of efficiency than incandescent bulbs. There is a difference in the working mechanism of both bulbs. The advantage of a halogen bulb is that it protects the glass shield from getting black due to high temperature.
