A halogen lamp, also known as a tungsten halogen lamp or quartz-halogen lamp, is a type of incandescent lamp that uses a halogen gas, such as iodine or bromine, to increase its brightness and efficiency.
The lamp consists of a tungsten filament enclosed in a small transparent quartz or high-temperature glass envelope filled with a halogen gas. When the lamp is turned on, the filament heats up and produces light, as in a traditional incandescent bulb. However, the halogen gas helps to recycle the evaporated tungsten back onto the filament, which prolongs the lifespan of the bulb and increases its efficiency.
Halogen lamps are commonly used in various applications that require high-intensity lighting, such as stage lighting, photography, automotive headlights, and home and office lighting. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including the popular PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) and MR (multifaceted reflector) lamps. Halogen lamps come in different styles as well such as halogen bulbs, halogen floor lamps, halogen desk lamps, halogen table lamps, among others.
What is the History of Halogen Lamps?
The history of the halogen lamp dates back to the early 1950s, when engineers at General Electric (GE) were searching for ways to improve the efficiency and lifespan of incandescent lamps.
In 1959, GE introduced the first commercially viable halogen lamp, which used iodine as the halogen gas and a quartz envelope to withstand the high temperatures. The lamp was initially used in specialised applications, such as aircraft lighting and medical equipment.
Over the following decades, advances in technology and manufacturing processes led to the widespread adoption of halogen lamps in various industries, including automotive, home and office lighting, and stage and studio lighting.
One of the key advantages of halogen lamps is their high brightness and colour temperature, which makes them suitable for applications where natural-looking light is important. In addition, the halogen cycle helps to extend the lifespan of the bulb and reduce the amount of energy needed to produce the same amount of light as a traditional incandescent bulb.
Despite their popularity, halogen lamps are gradually being phased out in many parts of the world due to their high energy consumption and heat output. They are being replaced by more energy-efficient alternatives, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Who Found the Halogen Lamp?
The development of the halogen lamp was the result of the work of several engineers and researchers at various companies and institutions.
One of the early pioneers of halogen lamps was Elmer Fridrich, a researcher at General Electric (GE), who filed a patent for a tungsten-halogen lamp in 1955. This work built upon earlier research on incandescent lamps by GE scientists such as Irving Langmuir and Frederick Terman.
Another important contributor to the development of halogen lamps was Werner Brandt, a researcher at Osram, a German lighting company. In 1959, Brandt and his team introduced a halogen lamp using a quartz envelope, which was more durable than the glass envelopes used in earlier designs.
Other researchers and companies also made important contributions to the development of halogen lamps, including Philips, Sylvania, and Toshiba.
What Are Halogen Lamps Used For?
Halogen lamps are used in a variety of applications where high-intensity and natural-looking lighting is required. Some common uses of halogen lamps include:
- Home and office lighting: Halogen lamps are often used as task lighting in homes and offices, such as desk lamps, track lighting, and under-cabinet lighting.
- Automotive lighting: Halogen lamps are commonly used as headlights and fog lights in cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
- Stage and studio lighting: Halogen lamps are widely used in stage and studio lighting due to their high brightness and colour temperature, which can be adjusted by using different types of filters.
- Projector lighting: Halogen lamps are used in slide projectors, overhead projectors, and movie projectors.
- Medical lighting: Halogen lamps are used in surgical and dental lighting, as well as in examining rooms and laboratories.
-
Industrial and commercial lighting: Halogen lamps are used in factories, warehouses, and other industrial settings, as well as in retail stores and commercial buildings.
How Does a Halogen Lamp Work?
Halogen lamps work by using a tungsten filament, which is heated to a high temperature by an electric current passing through it. The filament is enclosed in a small, transparent envelope made of quartz or high-temperature glass, which is filled with a halogen gas such as iodine or bromine.
When the lamp is turned on, the filament heats up and emits light as in a traditional incandescent bulb. However, the halogen gas in the envelope helps to recycle the evaporated tungsten back onto the filament, which prolongs the lifespan of the bulb and increases its efficiency.
The halogen cycle works as follows: as the filament heats up, some of the tungsten evaporates and combines with the halogen gas to form a tungsten halide. The tungsten halide is carried by the gas to cooler areas of the lamp, where it breaks down and deposits the tungsten back onto the filament. This process helps to maintain the integrity of the filament and prevent it from burning out prematurely.
Halogen lamps also use a quartz or high-temperature glass envelope, which can withstand the high temperatures generated by the filament. The envelope is usually filled with a gas mixture that helps to prevent the tungsten from depositing on the glass, which can cause clouding and reduce the amount of light emitted by the bulb.
What are The Differences Between LED and Halogen Lamps?
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps and halogen lamps are both types of lighting technologies, but there are several key differences between the two, here are 6 main of them:
- Energy efficiency: LED lamps are much more energy-efficient than halogen lamps, consuming up to 80% less energy for the same level of brightness. This translates into lower electricity bills and reduced carbon footprint.
- Lifespan: LED lamps have a much longer lifespan than halogen lamps, lasting up to 25 times longer. This means fewer bulb replacements and lower maintenance costs over time.
- Heat output: Halogen lamps produce a lot of heat, which can be a safety hazard and can also increase cooling costs. LED lamps produce much less heat, making them safer and more efficient.
- Colour temperature: LED lamps can produce a wider range of colour temperatures, from warm white to cool white, while halogen lamps have a limited colour temperature range.
- Dimming capabilities: Both LED and halogen lamps can be dimmed, but LED lamps generally offer smoother and more consistent dimming performance.
- Cost: LED lamps are generally more expensive than halogen lamps upfront, but the cost is offset by their longer lifespan and energy efficiency.
Is The Use of Halogen Bulbs Prohibited?
In some countries, the use of certain types of halogen bulbs has been restricted or banned due to their low energy efficiency and environmental impact. For example, in the European Union, the use of non-directional halogen bulbs (such as those used in household lighting) with a wattage of 35W or higher has been prohibited since September 2018, in an effort to promote the use of more energy-efficient lighting technologies such as LED bulbs.
However, some types of halogen bulbs are still permitted, such as low-voltage halogen bulbs (often used in landscape lighting), directional halogen bulbs (such as those used in track lighting), and halogen bulbs with a wattage lower than 35W.
It is important to note that the regulations and restrictions on the use of halogen bulbs vary by country and region. It is always a good idea to check with your local authorities or consult with a qualified lighting professional to determine which types of bulbs are permitted in your area.
Is The Use of Halogen Bulbs Prohibited in the UK?
Yes, the use of certain types of halogen bulbs has been prohibited in the UK as part of the government's efforts to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Specifically, the sale of non-directional halogen bulbs with a rating of C or lower on the energy efficiency scale has been banned since September 2018. This includes most types of non-directional halogen bulbs, such as GLS bulbs and candle bulbs.
The ban does not apply to directional halogen bulbs, such as spotlights and floodlights, or to halogen bulbs with an energy efficiency rating of B or higher. However, these bulbs are also being phased out and will be banned from sale by September 2023.
The ban on halogen bulbs is part of a wider effort to phase out inefficient lighting and encourage the use of energy-efficient alternatives such as LED bulbs. While the ban may inconvenience some consumers in the short term, it is an important step in reducing energy consumption and fighting climate change.
Why Was The Use of Halogen Bulbs Banned?
The use of certain types of halogen bulbs has been restricted or banned in some countries due to their low energy efficiency and environmental impact. Halogen bulbs are less energy-efficient than other lighting technologies such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) and CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) bulbs, which means that they consume more electricity and produce more greenhouse gas emissions for the same level of light output. This makes halogen bulbs less sustainable and contributes to climate change.
In the European Union, the use of non-directional halogen bulbs (such as those used in household lighting) with a wattage of 35W or higher was prohibited from September 2018, as part of the Ecodesign Regulation for Lighting. The aim of this regulation is to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of more energy-efficient lighting technologies such as LED bulbs.
While halogen bulbs are still permitted for certain uses, the ban on higher-wattage halogen bulbs aims to encourage consumers to switch to more energy-efficient and sustainable lighting options. This can help to reduce energy consumption, save money on electricity bills, and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
What Are the Different Types of Halogen Lamps?
There are several types of halogen lamps available, including:
Tubular halogen bulbs are straight or slightly curved glass tubes with a filament running through the center. They come in both low voltage and mains voltage versions and are often used in floodlights, outdoor lighting, and decorative fixtures. In the UK, some common models for tubular halogen bulbs are the R7s and the T3.
Reflector halogen Lamps
Reflector halogen bulbs have a reflective coating on the inside of the bulb that directs the light in a specific direction.
Reflector halogen lamps come in various types based on their shape, size, and application. The most common types are:
- MR: MR stands for "multifaceted reflector". MR bulbs have a small size and a narrow beam angle, typically between 20-60 degrees. They are commonly used in track lighting, landscape lighting, and display lighting.
- PAR: PAR stands for "parabolic aluminized reflector". PAR bulbs have a larger size and a wider beam angle, typically between 25-60 degrees. They are commonly used in outdoor floodlights, stage lighting, and retail display lighting.
- GU: GU stands for "glass pin base with a U-shaped bracket". GU bulbs have a pin base that fits into a socket with a U-shaped bracket. They are commonly used in residential and commercial settings for track lighting, recessed lighting, and display lighting.
- AR: AR stands for "aluminized reflector". AR bulbs have a built-in reflector that helps to direct light in a specific direction. They are commonly used in retail lighting, museums, and galleries.
In the UK, some common models for reflector halogen bulbs are the GU10 and the MR16. They are available at different beam angles.
Halogen capsule lamps
They are small in size and produce a bright, focused light. Capsule halogen lamps are a type of halogen lamp that features a small, compact design and two prongs at the base. They are commonly used in low-voltage fixtures(12V), such as desk lamps, cabinet lighting, and other small fixtures and pendant lighting, chandeliers, and accent lighting. Capsule halogen lamps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be classified into three main types based on their shape:
- G4: These capsules have a bi-pin base with a spacing of 4mm between the two pins. They are commonly used in low-voltage landscape lighting, as well as in desk lamps and pendant fixtures.
- G6.35: These capsules have a bi-pin base with a spacing of 6.35mm between the two pins. They are commonly used in low-voltage fixtures, such as pendant lighting, chandeliers, and under-cabinet lighting.
- G9: These capsules have a looped pin base with a spacing of 9mm between the two pins. They are commonly used in small pendant lights, chandeliers, and wall sconces.
Capsule halogen lamps are known for their bright, white light and their long life. They are also very efficient, producing more light per watt than traditional incandescent bulbs. However, they can get very hot during operation, so care should be taken when handling them or installing them in fixtures. Additionally, it's important to use the correct wattage and voltage for your fixture, as using the wrong type of bulb can lead to overheating, shortened bulb life, and potential safety hazards.
GLS (General Lighting Service) halogen bulbs
GLS halogen bulbs are similar in shape to traditional incandescent bulbs and are designed for use in standard household light fixtures. They come in mains voltage versions and are often used in table lamps, floor lamps, and pendant fixtures. In the UK, some common models for GLS halogen bulbs are the B22 and the E27.
GLS (General Lighting Service) halogen lamps are a type of halogen lamp that is designed to replace traditional incandescent bulbs in household and commercial lighting fixtures. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be classified into three main types based on their base:
- Bayonet cap (BC): These GLS halogen lamps have a bayonet cap base, which is commonly found in household light fixtures in the UK. They are available in a range of wattages, from 28W to 205W, and are typically used in table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and wall sconces.
- Edison screw (ES): These GLS halogen lamps have an Edison screw base, which is also commonly found in household light fixtures in the UK. They are available in a range of wattages, from 28W to 205W, and are typically used in table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and wall sconces.
- Small Edison screw (SES): These GLS halogen lamps have a small Edison screw base, which is commonly found in smaller household light fixtures. They are available in a range of wattages, from 28W to 70W, and are typically used in table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and wall sconces.
GLS halogen lamps are known for their bright, white light and their long life. They are also very efficient, producing more light per watt than traditional incandescent bulbs. However, they can get very hot during operation, so care should be taken when handling them or installing them in fixtures. Additionally, it's important to use the correct wattage and voltage for your fixture, as using the wrong type of bulb can lead to overheating, shortened bulb life, and potential safety hazards.
Here's a brief overview of some of the most common halogen lamp types:
Tubular:
- T3: Used in desk lamps, accent lighting, and under-cabinet lighting. Typically low voltage.
- T4: Used in specialty lighting applications, such as landscape lighting and pendant fixtures. Available in both low and mains voltage options.
- T10: Used in large fixtures, such as floodlights and outdoor security lighting. Typically mains voltage.
- R7s: This is a type of linear bulb that is often used in floodlights and security lights. It has a two-pin base and is designed to be used with a mains voltage of 230V.
Reflector:
- MR8, MR11, MR13, MR16: Used in track lighting, recessed lighting, and landscape lighting. Available in both low and mains voltage options.
- PAR14, PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR36, PAR38, PAR56, PAR64: Used in floodlights, spotlights, and stage lighting. Available in both low and mains voltage options.
- AR70, AR111: Used in retail lighting, museums, and galleries. Typically mains voltage.
Capsule:
- G4, G6.35, G9, GY6.35: Used in low-voltage fixtures, such as pendant lighting, accent lighting, and chandeliers.
- GU10, GZ10: Used in mains-voltage fixtures, such as track lighting and recessed lighting.
GLS:
- A60, A65, A70: Used in general lighting applications, such as table lamps, floor lamps, and ceiling fixtures. Typically mains voltage.
In the UK, these models are commonly referred to as:
T3: Miniature Halogen
T4: Capsule Halogen
T10: Tubular Halogen
MR8, MR11, MR16: Dichroic Halogen
PAR14, PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR36, PAR38, PAR56, PAR64: PAR Halogen
AR70, AR111: AR Halogen
A60: Classic Shape
It's worth noting that the specific names or abbreviations used for these halogen bulb types may vary by region or manufacturer.
Each of these halogen lamp types has its own unique characteristics and benefits, so it's important to choose the right type of lamp for your specific lighting needs.
Are Halogen lamps better than LED lamps?
It depends on the specific application and the priorities of the user. Here are some factors to consider:- Energy efficiency: LED lamps are generally more energy efficient than halogen lamps, consuming less electricity for the same amount of light output.
- Lifespan: LED lamps typically have a longer lifespan than halogen lamps, which can help to offset their higher initial cost.
- Heat output: Halogen lamps can generate a lot of heat, which can make them less suitable for certain applications. LED lamps produce very little heat and are often a better choice for applications where heat management is important.
- Colour rendering: Halogen lamps have a high colour rendering index (CRI) which means they can produce a warm, natural-looking light that accurately reflects colours. While LED lamps have improved their CRI in recent years, some users may still prefer the look of halogen lamps.
- Dimming: Halogen lamps are generally easier to dim than LED lamps. While LED lamps can be dimmed, they require compatible dimmer switches and there may be some compatibility issues with certain types of LED lamps.
