Product Search
HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime.
 Lighting Products
Lights
Guide To Lighting
Halogen Light Bulbs

Halogen bulbs are another energy-efficient alternative to the standard incandescent bulb. Available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, many manufacturers make an array of alluring light fixtures in countless styles for halogen bulbs. Just remember to keep these lights away from flammable drapes and other items, as they do get hot, and to use a plastic bag to install your bulb. Oil from your fingers reduces the life of the bulb.

Energy-Efficient and Long-Lived

The secret to a halogen bulb's longevity is a Tungsten filament surrounded by a quartz envelope. Whereas incandescent bulbs use argon gas, halogen bulbs use inert gasses and a small amount of halogen gas. These gasses interact with tungsten atoms as the filament burns and replace them on the filament, creating a bulb that lasts longer. On average, halogen bulbs last between 2,000 to 4,000 hours, and approximately 2 to 3 times longer than a standard incandescent. And because the quartz envelope won't melt the way glass would at the high temperatures halogen bulbs operate, you get a brighter, whiter light per watt when compared to an incandescent.

Bulb Types

As we've learned, halogen bulbs are only partly filled with halogen gas, which constitutes approximately 1% of the gas present in the bulb. The other inert gasses are either argon, krypton or xenon.

  • Argon gas is cheaper and creates a very hot, yellow-tinged light.
  • Krypton is a step up on the performance scale, but is slightly pricier.
  • Xenon-filled halogen bulbs offer optimum performance, white crisp light and are also known as "Xenon" bulbs.

In addition to the variances of gasses used, there are different bulb sizes and shapes as well. One of the most exciting aspects of halogen bulb technology is the ability to opt for smaller bulbs and fixtures for modern track lighting designs and recessed wall lights. The brilliant white light of the halogen bulbs enhances color and space in ways incandescents simply can't!

Parabolic (PAR) 14, 16, 20, 30, 38, 56 and 64 Bulbs - These handy bulbs are commonly used in recessed and track lights, control light with impressive exactitude, and range from 35 to 95 watts. Weatherproof PAR bulbs are great as outdoor flood and spotlights for your landscape projects.

T-3 Bulbs - These come in a variety of sizes that make them compatible with torchieres and sconces. Weatherproof versions are useful as outdoor floodlights. Watts range from 75 to 250 watts. Single and double ended varieties are available.

T-4 Bulbs - Like the T-3, you can use the T-4 bulbs in torchieres and sconces as well as ceiling pendants. The T-4 comes in either a bayonet base or mini-can, and varies from 75 to 250 watts. Single and double ended varieties are available.

Purchasing Tips

When purchasing your halogen lamp from GREENCulture, you purchase quality fixtures you can trust. However, when investing in these items elsewhere, keep an eye out for certain markers that tell you if your lamp is of good quality.

  • Transformers - Because halogen fixtures have a different socket configuration or voltage, always use halogen bulbs, not incandescent. Fixtures come as line-voltage (120 volt) and low-voltage types. If you invest in a low-voltage lamp, you'll need a transformer. Make sure that the watt rating of your transformer is as high as or higher than the bulb you intend to use, especially if you plan to use it for long expanses of time each day.
  • Tight sockets - Good fixtures have tight sockets that keep bulbs firmly in place. Loose bulbs are bad news - they can burn out bulbs or the wires and sockets.

Copyright © 2007 GREENCulture Inc. All Rights Reserved.

BBBOnLine Reliability Program Click on the seal at http://www.greenculture.com to verify. Our shopping cart at http://www.greenculture.com has been validated and is secure for online transactions by NetworkSolution. Secure Site. HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime. Eco-lights.com is commitment to and partnership in the ENERGY STAR Program.