Halogen lamps: device, varieties, nuances of choice + review of the best manufacturers

Among the most popular light sources widely used for indoor and outdoor lighting are halogen lamps. They consume more energy than fluorescent and LED lamps, but their performance characteristics are superior to incandescent lamps.

In this article we will talk about the different types of halogen lamps, their advantages and disadvantages, and also introduce you to the best manufacturers and the nuances of choice.

Operating principle and device

A halogen lighting fixture is in many ways similar to a conventional incandescent lamp. It contains all the components: bulb, tungsten spiral, base.

There is only one difference: instead of an inert gas or vacuum, the flask is filled with halogens - bromine, fluorine, iodine vapor. Under the influence of electric current, tungsten atoms are released from the filament, interacting with halogens.

Halogen lamps work equally well on both direct and alternating current, allowing them to be used in different situations

The created compounds are deposited on the internal walls, but due to the reversibility of the process, they again decompose into their original components under the influence of high temperatures. Tungsten atoms are released on or near the surface of the helix.

This feature allows you to significantly extend the time of use.Under normal conditions, the lamp lasts 2000-4000 hours, and with smooth switching on, this period can be increased to 8000-12000 hours.

In addition, this process provides a special intensity of light flux characteristic of halogens.

Technical characteristics of light bulbs

The devices demonstrate the following performance qualities:

1. The power range varies from 1 to 20 W.
2. The luminous efficiency of such devices is 15-22 Lm/W.
3. Depending on the conditions of use, the rated voltage may be 6/12/24/110/240V.
4. Withstands temperatures from -60 to +100 °C.
5. The heating temperature of a tungsten filament is up to 3000 °C.
6. Heating temperature of the flask is up to 500 °C.
7. The pulsation of radiation is almost imperceptible; The color rendering index tends to 100%.
8. The efficiency of various types of halogen lamps is 50-80%.

Lamps intended for outdoor lighting can have high parameters for power, voltage, and filament temperature.

Currently, methyl bromide CH3Br and methylene bromide CH2Br2 are most often used to fill lamps. For high power devices, pure bromine vapor can be used

The operational requirements for this type of device, which is not classified as automotive, are set out in the current GOST R IEC 60357-2012.

GOST R 54416-2011 (IEC 60432-3:2002), part 3 is devoted to safety rules for the installation and operation of halogen tungsten devices.

Advantages and disadvantages of halogen lamps

This type of lighting device has a number of undeniable advantages compared to incandescent lamps. They have a longer service life, especially if the operating rules are followed, as well as lower energy consumption.

Due to the increased light output, the devices are characterized by a particularly bright luminous flux, which can have a warm or cool tint.

Consumers are offered a wide range of models of this type, differing in size, shape, as well as the brightness and tone of the light source. This allows you to find the ideal option for illuminating any space.

The light emitted by halogen sources is evenly distributed throughout the room. This provides comfort and helps reduce eye fatigue

Since the use of halogens prevents the deposition of tungsten on the glass walls, such devices can be made compact. The small volume of the flask also helps to increase the service life and efficiency.

The lamps in question tolerate adverse environmental factors well, including sudden temperature changes. Thanks to this, they are perfect for outdoor lighting, especially if you consider their tightness.

The design does not use harmful substances, therefore halogen devices are considered environmentally friendly and do not require special disposal. At the same time, you should not put them in glass containers, since the flasks are made of quartz material, which has different characteristics.

Halogen lamps also have a number of serious disadvantages. When using them, fire safety regulations must be strictly observed.

Since the tungsten spiral strongly heats the bulb, such devices emit an increased amount of heat, which is why it is undesirable to install them in easily melting chandeliers or other lighting devices.

It is also not recommended to mount light bulbs near the ceiling; If necessary, special pads can be used.

The downside of such products is also the low-frequency noise that appears in the AC network if they are used in conjunction with a dimmer.

The lamps are also sensitive to voltage changes, so it is recommended to turn them on through special transformer, which allows you to significantly increase the service life.

Halogen devices are used in various fields. They are used in household lighting fixtures, microwave ovens, photo and video recording devices, car headlights, and street spotlights.

Due to high temperatures, lamps are more susceptible to grease contamination. Do not touch the surface of the flask with your bare hands, as this may cause burnout or even disintegration of the product.

You should install the devices wearing gloves or using a clean cloth. In case of accidental contact with skin, it is advisable to immediately wipe the product with microfiber soaked in alcohol.

Types of halogen devices

There is a wide range of lamps on sale. Let's take a closer look at the main types.

Linear halogen devices

The first of the varieties of halogen lamps to appear was created back in the 1960s. The design consists of a quartz tube with double-sided leads, while the filament body is supported in the internal space using special wire brackets.

Devices with small parameters have significant power - 1-20 kW, which is why they are practically not used indoors - they are mainly used for outdoor lighting, inserted into spotlights.

Modern linear flood light models are suitable for use both outside and inside spaces.The characteristic properties of such lamps are high light intensity and increased impact resistance.

Devices of this type are available in standard lengths; the most popular modifications are 78 and 118 mm. Most linear units, including the popular double-ended R7s, are designed to be mounted horizontally.

Halogen lamps with external bulb

Mains voltage devices are designed for direct replacement incandescent lamps. They are equipped with glass covers mounted on standard E14, E27 bases.

In the internal space there is a halogen device with a quartz lamp, designed for a voltage of 220 V. The outer shell of glass protects the smaller quartz flask from accidental touches and contamination.

Devices can be of different shapes and have different cap options: matte, transparent, milky. There are also modifications with glass that absorbs UV radiation.

Compared to traditional incandescent devices, halogen lamps have better color rendering, as they produce a luminous flux of high color t - 2900-3000 Kelvin.

This type of device is often smaller in size than standard incandescent lamps, allowing them to be used in miniature lighting applications. There are also decorative models in the form of candles, balls, hexagons, which can be used in a variety of lamps

Since the lamps are connected to the network without a transformer, their service life directly depends on the performance of the power supply device.

It is advisable to connect them through a protective block, which ensures a smooth start without a sharp increase in power at the moment of switching on.This same specialized device will allow you to level out possible voltage drops.

Directional lamps with reflectors

The design of this type of device consists of a small flask equipped with a special reflector. It redistributes the light rays sent by the device located in the center.

Reflectors can be made of different materials, but aluminum elements are the most popular.

There are several options for such lamps, produced in standard sizes MR8, MR11, MR16. The most popular is the latest modification with a flask diameter of 50 millimeters. Models also differ in the angle of radiation.

Lamps with a reflector are often used to organize spot directional lighting. They are often used for installation in suspended/stretch ceilings; a correctly calculated number of devices allows them to be used even for general lighting

As with all halogen devices, this category is characterized by high heat transfer, with thermal radiation directed forward. If this effect is undesirable, you can use models whose reflectors transfer heat back.

Devices with reflectors can be either low-voltage, designed for 6, 12, 24 V, or high-voltage, powered from the mains. In the first case, they are equipped with two-pin connectors GY4, GZ4, GU4, GX5.3, GU5.3, GY6.35, in the second with G9, G10 sockets.

The bases of low-voltage halogen lamps with reflectors - 6, 12, 24 V - can have different two-pin connectors. In this case, the numbers indicate the distance between the pins.

One of the most popular types of halogen lamps are 12 Volt halogens. Read more about them in this material.

An innovative type of reflector lamps are IRC-halogen. A special coating is applied to their flask, which does not transmit infrared radiation from the tungsten filament, but reflects it back onto the filament body.

This allows you to reduce heat transfer, which reduces energy consumption by almost half.

Models of this type may have transparent or colored protective glass, usually with UV protection. There are also modifications without a cap, which are used in closed luminaires

Halogen devices with a reflector are considered the most fireproof. The provided heat dissipation process prevents heating of nearby surfaces.

Capsule or finger modifications

This type of lamp is a miniature capsule with leads, and the filaments can be located transversely or longitudinally, depending on the model. Suitable for use in open luminaires without protective caps.

Capsule halogens are widely used for decorative lighting: they are mounted in chandeliers, built into furniture or into ceiling structures

For this category of light bulbs, sockets G4, G5.3, GY6.35 are used. The most popular are G9 mains voltage devices, which are widely used both for decorative purposes and for organizing work lighting.

Nuances of choosing halogen lamps

Lamps should be purchased only after purchasing a lighting device or thinking through a lighting scheme in the case of installing a suspended or stretch ceiling.

It is important to consider the following factors:

• lamp type;
• size of the bulb and base;
• device power;
• terms of Use.

When choosing, you must first of all pay attention to what type of light bulbs are compatible with the purchased lamp. What you can learn from the instructions attached to it.

The plinth, a structural part designed to be fixed in the socket, also requires attention. This element, made of heat-resistant materials, contains contacts through which electric current flows to power the device.

Halogen lamps can use a wide variety of pin sockets. The design of these elements must correspond to the socket of the lamp for which they are intended

Some of the most sought after options include the G9; G4; R7S; GU10:

1. Model G4 differs in compact sizes. Such lamps are used for spot lighting or backlighting. They have a long service life, making them quite popular.
2. Products with a G9 base have also become widespread. They are suitable for installation in decorative lighting fixtures and are designed to operate in alternating current networks with a voltage of 220 V.
3. Quartz halogen lamps are characterized by an R7S base. Compact and lightweight devices are most often used in high-intensity installations.
4. Devices with a GU10 socket are equipped with a thickened end of the contacts, providing a rotary connection to the socket. This type of device is connected to a 220-volt network without a transformer.

There is an article on our website where we examined in detail the types of lighting lamp bases. To get acquainted, go to link.

It is also important to take into account the upcoming connection diagram, which is determined by the voltage level of the lamp. The need to use a power supply during installation depends on this.

The diagram shows various models of halogen devices with letter markings characteristic of each version of such devices

The circuits may use high-voltage or low-voltage products. The former operate directly from a 220 V power supply, so they can be connected without using additional units. Most fit well with dimmers.

Low-voltage devices include devices that can operate on voltages of 6, 12, 24 V. To connect them, you need to use a transformer or power supply that plays the role of a stabilizer, while several lamps can operate from one device at once.

Low-voltage halogen lamps consume significantly less electricity. They are difficult to combine with conventional types of dimmers, but the intensity of the glow can be changed using a transformer.

Capsule models are often used for decorative lighting, but can also be used for main lighting. Products with reflectors, especially IRC devices, are considered the most economical.

Halogen lamps of various wattages and shapes are actively used by designers. Such devices not only provide light that is pleasant to the eye, but also allow you to create effective lighting schemes.

To prevent heating, it is necessary to take into account that the light bulbs are at some distance from the walls of the lamp and the ceiling.

When organizing outdoor lighting, it is better to pay attention to linear lamps. They have increased strength and intense glow.

Review of the best manufacturers

Among the manufacturers of the best types of halogen lamps are such reputable companies as:

• Osram;
• Philips;
• Navigator;
• Camelion.

Osram. This is a well-known German company that was founded at the end of the 19th century. Currently, high-tech products are produced at 48 factories located in 17 countries, with exports to 150 countries.

OSRAM specializes in the production of all kinds of lighting devices, with the largest part of the turnover being made up of household light sources

Among the wide range of products, there are several hundred different types of halogen products, which differ in type - capsule, linear, with an external bulb. They vary in size, design, power, and type of base.

Philips. Dutch concern created in 1891. Currently, it is one of the leaders in the production of lighting products.

The catalogs present a huge selection of halogen lamps, including traditionally shaped models, capsule and reflective devices that provide intense light that allows you to illuminate any corner of the house.

In the production of all product lines, including halogen devices, Philips widely uses innovative technologies, which allows us to ensure the highest quality of products

Dimmable models and halogen headlights are also available. The latter are equipped with a special ultraviolet filter that prevents yellowing of car headlights.

According to the manufacturer, the driver's eyes do not get tired in this case, which has a beneficial effect on traffic safety.

Navigator. The history of the brand started in 1993. Initially, the company was engaged in introducing products of other companies to the market, but since 2006 it began manufacturing its own products. For this purpose, high-tech production lines were created in Klin.

All Navigator products are characterized by reliability, safety in operation, good quality and affordable prices. Products from this company are an excellent budget option.

Now the assortment includes lamps of different types, including all kinds of halogens intended for indoor and outdoor lighting.

Camelion. A world-famous brand with a distribution partner network in 80 countries on all continents. The brand entered the market in 1997, and soon it managed to take a leading position in the Russian Federation, Belarus and other CIS countries.

In addition, the company became the official supplier of the global Carrefour chain. The catalogs present more than 1000 items of various types of products, including light sources for industrial and domestic purposes, lamps of various types, control devices and others.

Today, this company leads the rating in the production of various types of lamps for home and office, including halogen devices

The company attaches fundamental importance to the quality of manufactured products, which are subject to repeated inspections both in its own laboratory and in certification centers of the Russian Federation.

Specialists carefully select parts and components, and also control all stages of production.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In the presented video you can hear a detailed story about halogen light sources:

Video review of the most popular halogen lamps used in residential premises:

Information on the rules of operation of a halogen light bulb, following which you can extend its service life:

Lamps whose bulbs are filled with halogens are distinguished by good performance, which allows them to be widely used in everyday life and in industry. Enterprises produce numerous lines of similar products, differing in design, power, and size.

A wide range allows you to choose an option that ideally suits your specific requirements. It is only important to comprehensively consider the features of the proposed devices.

Do you have experience using halogen lighting sources? Tell us which lamp manufacturer you preferred and what guided your choice. Please leave your comments, share your experience, and ask questions in the block below the article.