G4 halogen lamps: characteristics, pros and cons + rating of light bulb manufacturers

Modern G4 halogen lamps provide a dense light flux, consume little energy and last several times longer than the usual Ilyich bulb. You can purchase products in a company store or shopping center.

Consultants will help you make the right choice, but if the client knows in advance what the modules are, then he will need minimal staff assistance.

In this material we will tell you everything about the design of halogen lamps, help you understand the decoding of their markings and give a rating of top halogen lamp manufacturers.

How does the G4 halogen work?

The halogen-type device with a G4 base has a specific design. Inside there is an incandescent element and a buffer gas, or rather, a pair of iodine or bromine halogens.

Filling of this type increases the base temperature of the internal coil and helps to increase the service life of the lamp element.

The presence of bromine and iodine made it possible to almost completely solve the problem of darkening the flask, which negatively affected the quality of the radiation, making it weaker, dimmer and too diffuse

The overall operating temperature of the spiral of halogen lamps with a G4 base is about 3000K, and the light output level ranges from 15 to 22 lm/W.

Decoding lamp markings

The letters serve to primarily designate the type of lamp base. The letter G marks the pin base, and the digital value shows the distance between the working contacts, in this case 4 millimeters.

The length of the pins themselves, through which the module receives the electricity necessary for operation, does not exceed 0.75 mm, and the diameter cannot be less than 0.65 mm.

Previously, only tubular fluorescent lamps were equipped with sockets marked G. Today, the pin element is used more widely and can be used on both halogen and LED modules

The G4 type base comes in ceramic, metal and plastic.

The first two types are considered more reliable, can easily withstand high temperatures and are not afraid of intense operating loads.

A halogen module marked G4 with a ceramic base lasts significantly longer than an analogue with a metal or plastic connecting element

When installed in a lamp, the halogen socket with a pin base is not screwed in, but clicked into the lighting fixture. The pins fit tightly into the structure and securely hold the lamp in place.

Sockets marked GY4 and GU4 are an additional modification of the classic G4 version and have slight deviations in the basic diameter of the metal contact pins or in the distance between them.

Operating principle of G4 products

Inside the G4 halogen there is a tungsten spiral.When the device is connected to the mains, current passes through the contacts, enters the incandescent element and heats it to a high temperature. At this moment, a glow forms in the lamp.

The high operating temperature forces tungsten atoms to evaporate from the coil. The halogen vapors located in the bulb and surrounding the filament body combine with tungsten atoms and prevent their condensation on the colder internal surfaces of the bulb.

G4 halogen modules demonstrate equally high-quality operation on both direct and alternating current. When using the soft start mode in the system, they last much longer than the manufacturer claims, in some cases up to 8000-12000 hours

The whole process is reversible and represents a kind of cycle. The working compound disintegrates into its component substances in the immediate vicinity of the filament due to the high temperature, and the tungsten atoms return to the same place where they were.

This makes it possible to significantly increase the operating temperature of the spiral part and obtain a significantly brighter, more saturated and uniform light flux.

By contacting only the spiral element, tungsten atoms do not have a negative impact on the internal surfaces of the bulb itself and the service life of the light source is significantly increased.

The same point helps to reduce the size of the light bulb, while maintaining its full power.

General characteristics of devices

Halogen products with G4 socket consume significantly less electricity than classic ones incandescent lamps.

Their service life ranges from 2000-4000 hours under normal operating conditions under optimal conditions specified by the manufacturer in the accompanying documents.

Products with a G4 socket turn on and off almost instantly, losing literally a split second for initial ignition. The human eye is unable to detect this and the activation process is completely invisible to the user

The tungsten filament located inside the flask heats up to 3000 °C during operation. The luminous flux power, depending on the standard module design, ranges from 200 to 5000 lm. The rated voltage may vary depending on the conditions of use of the light source.

Scope of application of light sources

Due to their efficiency and miniature size, G4 light bulbs with a power of 5-10 W are excellent for arranging decorative and accent lighting in rooms for various purposes.

These devices are often used by designers to create bright spots of light, backlight areas or a starry sky effect in a room. Products of higher power are mounted in lamps for arranging background lighting.

Classification of modules with G4 base

This type of halogen is available in two versions: in the form of a small capsule or in the form of a truncated cone with a reflector. Each of the designs is intended for specific purposes and, under suitable conditions, correctly provides the required light output.

Features of capsule devices

G4 halogens, which have an elongated quartz glass bulb, are called capsule or finger-type. The incandescent spiral in them is located longitudinally or transversely and, as a rule, in one layer.

The rear wall of the internal space is covered with a special reflective composition. The modules do not require additional external reflectors and protective elements.

The small dimensions of the flask allow you to create higher pressure inside. This reduces the rate of evaporation of tungsten atoms and increases the working life of the light bulb

The compactness of the products allows them to be used for illuminating furniture sets, ceiling space, shop windows and retail facilities. In everyday life, decorative sconces, chandeliers and lamps of the most unexpected shapes and configurations are equipped with small light sources.

Being low-voltage light sources, for correct connection to the 220 W network they need a transformer that lowers the base voltage.

Capsule-type devices generally have a warm range of working light flux. However, compared to classic incandescent lamps, their tonality spectrum is much closer to the natural white glow characteristic of the natural environment.

G4 halogens, even at low power, have good brightness and convey the complexion of the people in the room almost without distortion, and illuminate interior elements and pieces of furniture with a pleasant, neutral-warm light.

Halogen models with a g4 socket perform well in devices designed to create accent lighting in a room, demonstrate high-level color output and last twice as long as classic Ilyich bulbs.

On illuminated surfaces, capsule fixtures create an attractive gloss effect, while maintaining the natural tonality originally characteristic of the objects.

This lighting option allows you to convey the overall color orientation of the interior, emphasizing its most striking and original elements.

Distinctive features of models with a reflector

G4 halogen devices with a reflector have a specific shape, resembling a truncated cone, and are called reflective. They provide directional light flow at different angles.

Inside the bulb of such devices there is a special element that reflects light and distributes it more clearly and evenly.

The reflector usually comes in two types:

• interference;
• aluminum.

The first type has a translucent texture and actively transfers the generated heat back, which significantly increases the basic intensity of the light, but makes its flow diffused and wide.

The second option redirects the generated heat forward and creates a narrower, brighter and more concentrated beam of light.

There are also some differences in the design of the light bulbs. Various manufacturers produce modules with a G4 base, both with and without a protective glass cover. The configuration of products is determined by their intended purpose.

Halogen lamps with reflectors can be safely used in children's rooms. With this type of lighting, a child will be able to read, draw, or do any other activity for a long time without straining his eyes or feeling any fatigue.

The scattering angle of G4 halogen type reflective bulbs ranges from 8 to 60 degrees. This quality makes it possible to install light sources with reflectors in devices that provide directional illumination of goods and exhibition exhibits.

Modules with external protection against damage are suitable for use in open luminaires of any configuration.Halogen lamps without a cover are mounted only in closed lamps, where there is no direct access to the surface of the bulb.

Advantages and disadvantages of light bulbs

Like any other devices designed to create modern, practical and comfortable lighting systems for household, decorative and other purposes, halogen light bulbs equipped with a G4 base have certain advantages and disadvantages.

Due to their compact dimensions, G4 type halogen lamps are ideal for installation in crystal chandeliers or sconces of an original design. The light emanating from the lamps shimmers beautifully in the pendants and gives the lighting fixture a spectacular, rich and eye-catching look

The first category includes such parameters as:

• more economical consumption of electrical energy compared to classic incandescent lamps;
• optimal brightness of the light flux, which enhances concentration, but does not cause additional eye strain in both adults and children;
• good light density and almost complete absence of distortion of the natural colors of human faces, furniture, interior and decorative elements located in the illuminated room;
• almost 100% stability of the luminous flux transmitted by the lamp throughout the entire operational period declared by the manufacturer;
• 30% more supplied light at the same power as an Edison lamp;
• compact dimensions, due to which the products can be used in open and closed lighting fixtures of different sizes, designed for organizing spot, zone or background lighting;
• increased strength of the outer quartz flask;
• extended service life - from 2,000 hours if basic operating rules are observed and up to 12,000 hours when organized in a soft start system;
• the presence in this segment of a large number of offers from recognized, reputable brands that have proven themselves in the market of lighting equipment and related elements.

All these criteria attract the attention of customers and encourage them to give preference to halogen modules when purchasing.

Low-voltage capsule lamps have a power of 10 W, 20 W and 35 W. It is not possible to produce products of this configuration, but with a brighter light flux on a G4 base. If amplified radiation is required, it is worth using g4 reflector modules. They will give a glow of 20 W, 35 W and 50 W

But, despite the large number of positive qualities and progressive characteristics, halogen-type products also have their own negative features. There are slightly fewer of them than positive ones, but it is simply unreasonable not to take them into account when organizing a lighting system.

Among the disadvantages, the most frequently mentioned are the following:

• not too high level of efficiency, amounting to only 50-80%; such indicators are due to the expenditure of a large amount of energy for basic heating of the product;
• insufficient strength of the device shell, vulnerable to mechanical damage;
• health hazard - if the integrity of the flask structure is damaged, gas is released into the atmosphere, which has a negative effect on humans and provokes migraines and severe headaches;
• high moisture susceptibility - limits the scope of use of halogens and does not make it possible to use them in the bathroom due to frequent temperature changes and the presence of constant condensation.

It is not advisable to throw modules that have expired into a regular trash can. When broken, they release vapors that are harmful to humans and the atmosphere.

It is recommended to send them to special containers intended for processing chemical waste or hand them over to a company that disposes of devices containing aggressive substances.

Compact G4 halogen pins are perfect for creating decorative lighting systems in residential and sanitary premises, shops, advertising and exhibition halls

Of course, all these points are not fatal and are not worth completely abandoning the use of halogen lamps. Just before purchasing, you should think carefully about all the pros and cons in order to understand how to properly use the positive qualities of G4 lamps, and reduce the influence of negative ones to a minimum.

Rating of top manufacturers

The market for lighting equipment and related products is fiercely competitive. Recognized old-timers, who have been producing quality products for decades, are fighting for clients with active and promising newcomers who have seriously decided to reshape the territory for themselves.

In pursuit of customers, brands are introducing innovative technologies into production, trying to make lamps more reliable and operationally stable.

There are no clear winners in this fight yet, but Philips, Osram, Navigator and Era confidently hold on to the top four. Users buy the products of these companies most often and leave the best reviews about them.

More details about the features of choosing halogen lighting sources can be found in this material.

Philips products

The Philips brand produces a progressive Capsuleline line, consisting of halogen capsule modules equipped with a G4 base.

The outer bulb with UV protection and low-pressure halide filling opens up the possibility of using lamps without a glass shade.

Compact halogen products from Philips last a long time and provide crisp, rich light levels in a soft white hue throughout their lifespan.

The advantages include good brightness, excellent color rendering without distortion equal to 100%, the ability to connect lamps directly to the network without using a transformer and instant activation without delay for ignition.

The Brilliantline series are G4 reflective halogens with a dichroic reflective coating and xenon gas filling. Perfectly conveys all color shades and provides a high-intensity beam of light.

The luminescence angle of the products is 10-60 degrees. The radiation is cold because most of the heat is dissipated through the rear window.

What does Osram offer?

The halogen G4 series from Osram is represented by three diverse progressive lines. The first - DO low-voltage 6V - includes capsule modules with power from 10 to 35 W.

Products marked with the letters HLX have xenon rather than krypton filling. Due to this, the flow of their light is 10% more intense than that of their “classmates”.

Reflector modules from Osram are equipped with a glass reflector with an interference coating. It transmits infrared radiation well and produces a directed beam of light in a cool white shade, as close as possible to the natural glow

G4 halogens with a reflector from the DECOSTAR 35 series produce bright light of 10, 20 and 35 W and have a beam angle of 10 and 36 degrees.

Designed for installation in systems that place increased demands on heat dissipation. They perform well in ceiling and spotlights.

DECOSTAR 35 TITAN have an extended service life and function quite properly for 4000 hours. A coating is applied to the reflector to ensure stable light intensity throughout the entire operational period.

Era brand assortment

The Russian company Era offers users both capsule and reflector halogen lamps with a G4 base at a reasonable price. The products are included in the budget category and, thanks to this, are in steady demand among consumers.

The halogen lamp from the manufacturer Era is distinguished by its bright, rich color flow, decent build quality and attractive price. Among the disadvantages are the fragility of the transparent bulb and the high level of demands on the transformer. If this element turns out to be of poor quality, the lamp begins to flicker

The entire product range meets international standards and has appropriate certification certificates confirming its quality.

Navigator brand products

The Russian manufacturer Navigator is highly active in the market and tries to be in no way inferior to foreign competitors.

The brand’s reflective products with a G4 base are part of the NH series and for correct operation they urgently need a step-down transformer.

Navigator reflective modules use a dichroic coating, and the outer surface of the bulb, made of quartz glass, is equipped with a protective cover.This configuration allows the products to be used in open luminaires

NH-JC capsule modules have extremely compact dimensions, but at the same time demonstrate good light output.

They can even be mounted in very compact tabletop devices that provide high-quality lighting to the workplace for an adult or child.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Review of a halogen light bulb with a G4 base element, manufactured by the German company Osram. A detailed description of the markings on the packaging, inspection of the product and verification measurements for compliance with the stated figures in the video:

Discussion of all the nuances of the device and principles of operation of halogen reflector lamps. Video tips regarding the use of modules in interiors of different styles:

The combustion process of halogen capsules from start to finish. What does a lamp look like when it stops producing light and burns out completely:

User's opinion on the quality of G4 type halogen devices purchased abroad. Pros and cons of products. Purchase recommendations:

Halogen bulbs with a g4 socket provide a pleasant light flow that does not tire the eyes, does not flicker or dim during operation. And to extend their service life, you can use a special transformer for halogen lamps. Their loyal price makes them not only attractive, but also a reasonable purchase, with which you can illuminate your house or apartment with high quality, and at the same time save energy.

You can ask a question about the topic of the article, participate in a discussion, or share your experience of using halogen lamps in the block below.