A halogen lamp is a type of incandescent bulb that works on the same principle as a traditional incandescent bulb, but with some significant improvements. The difference lies in the use of a small amount of halogen gas (such as iodine or bromine) in the bulb, which makes for a more efficient lighting process and a longer lifespan.
How does a halogen lamp work?
Like a standard incandescent bulb, a halogen lamp uses an electric current passed through a filament (usually tungsten), heating it and emitting light. The difference is that the halogen in the gas causes the tungsten atoms that evaporate onto the bulb's inner wall to be returned to the filament. This process increases efficiency and extends the lamp's lifespan.
Features of halogen lamps:
- Better light quality : Halogen bulbs produce bright, white light with a high color rendering index (CRI), meaning colors look more natural compared to some other bulbs.
- Compact size : Halogen bulbs are often smaller than traditional incandescent bulbs and can be used in smaller fixtures.
- Higher Light Output : Halogen bulbs produce more light per watt of energy used than a standard incandescent bulb, but are still less efficient than LED or fluorescent bulbs.
- Longer life : They typically last longer than standard incandescent bulbs (up to 2,000 hours) because of the halogen circuit that prevents the tungsten filament from evaporating.
- Higher temperature : Halogen bulbs can get quite hot, so caution should be exercised when touching or installing.
Applications:
Halogen lamps are often used in situations where bright, focused light is needed, such as in:
- Spotlights and floodlights (for example in the garden or at exhibitions).
- Recessed lighting (such as in kitchens or bathrooms).
- Car lamps (such as headlights in vehicles).
Although halogen lamps outperform traditional incandescent lamps, they are increasingly being replaced by LED lamps , which are even more energy-efficient and durable.