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

Types of halogen lamps.

There are many kinds and types of halogen light sources.

Linear. Lamps in the form of a tube. Used to illuminate large areas: warehouses, workshops, streets. Used in spotlights. Such light sources are durable, bright, powerful. But not energy efficient.

Capsular. Compact, small, low power. They are used for spot decorative lighting, in cars. Suitable for open type luminaires. Can be used with a reflector.

With reflector. They consist of a miniature light bulb with a domed reflector. Such lamps create directional radiation in a given space. Reflectors are aluminum or interference. In the first case, heat is removed to the front, and in the second, to the back.They also produce light sources with a reflector with a protective cover. Used for backlighting, table and wall lamps, suspended ceilings, cars, spotlights.

With external flask. Designed to replace incandescent lamps. They are produced with standard E14 and E27 socles, which allows them to be screwed into ordinary chandeliers and lamps. A miniature or tubular halogen bulb is placed in the inner quartz bulb. And the outer glass bulb is designed to protect the lamp from dirt, and the person from burns. The outer flask is made in different shapes and colors.

IRC halogen lamps. An analogue of lamps with a reflector, which is coated with a special composition that reflects infrared radiation. The most energy efficient type. A special coating reflects infrared radiation from the tungsten coil back onto the coil. As a result, the tungsten temperature rises and heat losses decrease. As a result, electricity consumption is reduced and service life is increased.

Halogen chandeliers. Miniature, beautiful light bulbs are a good find for interior decoration. It is recommended to use ceramic cartridges to avoid overheating.

Low voltage. Light sources powered by 6, 12 or 24 V. The most common option is 12-volt. Suitable for lighting flammable objects and rooms with a high level of humidity. Used for safe lighting in museums, spot lighting, etc. Are used for work in accumulator devices, vehicles. They are connected through a step-down transformer.

GL are divided according to the type of base. Depending on the purpose, size, design, lamps are equipped with different types of socles.

1. To replace incandescent lamps, halogen lamps with E14 and E27 screw bases are used.
2. Linear are equipped with an R connector
3. For cars, they produce lamps with an H / HB base: H3, H19, H1, H11; HB4, HB3, etc.
4. Low-voltage light sources are equipped with a GU 5.3, G4, GY 6.35, GU10, G9 or G12 pin base to prevent their installation in a 220 V network.

Plinth types.

Color rendering and luminous flux

The advantage of conventional incandescent lamps is a good color rendering index. What it is?
Roughly speaking, this is an indicator of how much light close to the sun is contained in the scattered flux.

For example, when sodium and mercury lamps illuminate the streets at night, it is not entirely clear what color people's cars and clothes are. Since these sources have a poor color rendering index - in the region of 30 or 40%. If we take an incandescent lamp, then here the index is already more than 90%.

Now the sale and production of incandescent lamps with power over 100W are not allowed in retail stores. This is done for reasons of conservation of natural resources and energy savings.

The main indicator here is the luminous flux, which is measured in lumens.

That is what you need to pay attention to when choosing

Since many of us previously focused on the popular power of 40-60-100W, manufacturers for modern economical lamps always indicate on the packaging or in the catalogs that their power corresponds to the power of a simple incandescent bulb. This is done solely for the convenience of your choice.

Connection diagram.

Since special devices are required to turn on and properly operate the MHL, the connection diagram is not so simple.

The pulse igniter (IZU) is connected in parallel with the lamp, and the current-limiting ballasts are connected in series.

Electrical connection diagram for MHL.

Similar circuits are applied directly to the housing of pulse devices and chokes.The main thing is to determine where the phase wire is, and where is the zero one.

Remember that working with electricity requires care, attention and minimal knowledge. If you are not sure of your abilities, then it is better to call a specialist

The dashed line in the diagram shows a capacitor (paper, non-polar). It is installed to reduce reactive losses when using an electromagnetic choke. The capacitance of the capacitor is chosen based on the power of the lamp (for a 250-volt one, 35 microfarads is suitable). The operating voltage of the capacitor is not lower than 400 V (for lamps up to 600 V). However, the installation of a capacitor is not a mandatory step.

When installing metal halide light sources, keep in mind that they get very hot (up to 300 ⁰С). Consider good ventilation and do not place the lamp near flammable objects.

LEDs

LEDs (the English abbreviation LED - light emitting diodes is also often used) are perhaps the most promising light sources today. Initially, LEDs were used in electronics, then in lighting technology (traffic lights, road signs, signs and signs). Later, this technology found its application in decorative lighting.

What are its advantages?

• Profitability. LEDs operate at low voltage and, accordingly, consume very little electricity, since compared to conventional light sources, almost all of the energy is converted into light. This allows you to reduce energy consumption by 85%.
• Virtually eternal lifespan. Theoretically, up to 100,000 hours of burning, that is, when using the lamp for an average of 8 hours a day, it will last 35 years! For comparison, a conventional 10 watt halogen light bulb lasts only 2000 hours.
• Strength. Unlike traditional light sources, LEDs are much stronger and less susceptible to mechanical stress, since they do not contain elements (spirals, electrodes) that can be damaged.
• The absence of ultraviolet and infrared radiation in LEDs, which allows them to be used, in particular, for exposure illumination.
• Any shade. A special color mixing system (installation of three groups of LEDs in one housing) allows you to get almost any color of the light flux, which undoubtedly expands the possibilities of using LEDs.

In addition, LEDs have other advantages over existing light sources. So, small size makes an unusually wide range of their application. Several LEDs, combined in one form, can replace a conventional incandescent lamp: located around the perimeter, they can illuminate large areas (for example, LEDs can be considered an ideal light source for cornice lighting). As light sources for outdoor and decorative lighting, they have a number of unique advantages, including precise light directionality and the ability to control color and intensity of radiation. The disadvantages of LEDs include their higher cost compared to other light sources. However, it must be understood that the above advantages more than justify the investment.

was the first in Russia to offer its customers a 5-year warranty for QBX LED lamps based on the latest MCOB (Multi-Chip On Board) technology.

The nuances of choosing halogens

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

It is important to take into account the following factors:

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

When choosing, you must first of all pay attention to what kind of light bulbs are compatible with the purchased lamp. What can be found in the instructions that came with it

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

In halogen lamps, a wide variety of sockets with pins can be used. The design of these elements must correspond to the luminaire socket for which they are intended.

The most requested variants include the G9; G4; R7S; GU10:

1. The G4 model differs in the compact sizes. Such lamps are used for spot lighting or backlighting. They have a long service life, which is why they are 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 on 220 V AC mains.
3. For quartz halogen lamps, the R7S base is characteristic. Compact and lightweight devices are most often used in high-intensity installations.
4. Devices with a GU10 base are equipped with a thicker contact end that allows a swivel connection to the socket. This type of apparatus is connected to a 220-volt network without a transformer.

It is also important to take into account the scheme of the forthcoming connection, which is determined by the voltage level of the lamp. It depends on the need to use the power supply during installation.

The diagram shows various models of halogen devices with the designation of the letter marking characteristic of each variant of such devices.

The circuits can use high-voltage or low-voltage products. The former operate directly from the mains with a voltage of 220 V, so they can be connected without using additional blocks. Most of them work well with dimmers.

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

Low-voltage halogens 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 general lighting. Products with reflectors are considered the most economical, especially IRC devices.

Halogen lamps of different power and shape are actively used by designers. Such devices not only have a pleasant light for the eyes, but also allow you to create spectacular lighting schemes.

To prevent heating, it must be taken into account that the 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 fixtures. They have increased strength and intense glow.

Selection Tips

To choose the right lighting for your home, you need to take into account a number of factors:

1. Power and light output. Halogen bulbs have a higher ratio than incandescent bulbs. If an ordinary light bulb creates a stream of light with a power of 12 lm, then a halogen one - 25 lm. Accordingly, for the same light intensity, a halogen bulb with half the power is needed.
2. Voltage. Low-voltage type devices consume less electricity. In addition, they are small in size. However, to use them, you will need a transformer, since a direct connection to the network is not technically possible.
3. Module power. The indicator is calculated taking into account the total power of light sources. For three light bulbs with a power of 50 W each, a 150 W transformer is needed. We allow underload, but not more than 15 watts.

1. The wire. You will need a wire with a cross section of 1.5 square millimeters. The best option is 2.5 square millimeters.
2. Light regulator. A special device is selected for low-voltage halogen devices.
3. Plinth. For each light bulb there is a corresponding type of base.

Cons of halogen lamps

Of course, halogen lamps have their drawbacks.

• The first of them, oddly enough, is the very brightness of the light, which is also the advantage of the lamp. The fact is that in a small room or in a lamp located next to a person, light can hit the eyes and become a truly annoying, if not harmful, factor for the cornea.
• Halogen lamps can hardly tolerate being in a humid room, so in bathrooms and, even more so, saunas, as well as other similar rooms, they deteriorate very quickly.
• Broken halogen lamps are not so easy to dispose of - you need to contact special companies that deal with chemical waste. This is due to the gases with which they are filled. Standing out, they can harm human health, especially when it comes to several broken lamps at once.
• Halogen lamps are more expensive than other types of lamps.
• they get quite hot, and therefore they should not be placed where someone can touch them with bare skin, this can cause a burn.
• Halogen lamps are quite easily damaged during a power surge or if installed incorrectly.

Dimensions and layout

Refrigerator dimensions

The width and depth of a standard refrigerator is 60 cm, and the height can be different. For single-chamber ones - from 85 to 185 cm, except for narrow models, and for two- and three-chamber ones - up to 2 m and above. There are also compact options for small kitchens with a width of 45 cm and models with an increased volume of chambers with a width of 70 cm.Tip: if you are equipping the kitchen from scratch, first draw on paper or in a computer program a plan of what will stand and where, in accordance with the size of the room and the dimensions of household appliances. Evaluate how convenient it will be. And only after that proceed to the choice of a refrigerator and other equipment.

Embedded Models

If the refrigerator does not fit into the design of your kitchen, pay attention to built-in models. They do not have decorative walls, but there are fasteners for hanging kitchen facades.

Just take into account one nuance. In comparison with the classic versions, built-in refrigerators have a smaller volume of chambers with the same dimensions.

Number and location of cameras

Now they produce refrigerators with a different number of chambers:

• single chamber These are units with only a refrigerator or only a freezer. Refrigerators without a freezer are not widely used, but they can be found on sale. Single-chamber freezers are bought in addition to an existing refrigerator in order to store large volumes of frozen food: meat, frozen berries and vegetables from their summer cottage, etc.;
• two-chamber: here the freezer and refrigerator are usually separated. It is convenient and economical. In models where the freezer is located at the bottom, it is usually larger. There are refrigerators with an internal freezer (like Soviet ones), in which the freezer and refrigerator are located behind one common door. Such models are gradually leaving the market;

Two-chamber refrigerator BOSCH with a zone of high humidity for storing vegetables and fruits

• multi-chamber with three, four, five chambers, in which a freshness zone, a vegetable box or a “zero chamber” are placed. There are few such refrigerators on the market and they have a rather high price;
• FrenchDoor - a special kind of refrigerators, in which the refrigerator compartment has two hinged doors, and the freezer with one door is usually located below. The width of such models is 70-80 cm, and the volume of the chamber is about 530 liters. This is an intermediate option for those who find standard refrigerators too small, but Side-by-Side refrigerators are too large and expensive.
• side by side suitable for a large family and a spacious kitchen. It has a large refrigerator and freezer located next to each other. The doors open in different directions, like a closet. Often models have additional useful options: an ice generator, a dust repellent system, etc.

Side-by-side refrigerator

Special refrigerators

Separately, you can talk about wine refrigerators and humidors for storing cigars. To maintain quality, they maintain the optimum temperature and humidity for these products. In humidors, the shelves are made of wood to avoid the appearance of an unusual smell for cigars. Wine cabinets can have several zones with different temperatures for storing white and red wines. The shelves here are often tilted so that the cork from the inside always comes into contact with the wine and does not dry out.

freshness zone

"Fresh zone" is a container with a temperature 2-3 degrees lower than in the refrigerator, that is, close to zero. It is designed to store meat, poultry, fish for up to 5 days without freezing.LG refrigerator with high humidity and freshness zoneIn this refrigerator, the high humidity zone is located under the freshness zone.Zero zone found in top models of refrigerators from different manufacturers. This is a container with its own evaporator and control module. It has at least three modes of operation:

• easy freezing (quick cooling of drinks) - temperature -3 ° C, automatically turns off after 40 minutes;
• zero degrees is used to store chilled meat, fish, poultry for up to 10 days without freezing;
• zone of high humidity — temperature +3°С for storage of fresh vegetables and fruits. The zone can be used for soft freezing of processed cheeses and fish before further cutting.

Rating of lamps with H4 base

This type of halogen bulb has two filaments and can be used as high or low beam. Quite a popular type of light bulb used in the automotive industry for a long time, having a power of 55 W and a light output of 1000 lumens.Due to the fact that H4 lamps use two fibers, a metal plate is installed in the center of the lamp, which dims part of the light. Thanks to this, the low beam does not dazzle drivers traveling in the opposite direction. Depending on the operating conditions, the H4 bulbs will need to be replaced after approximately 350-700 hours of operation.

OSRAM SILVERSTAR 2.0

What headlights? Ideal for OSRAM Silverstar 2.0.

Silverstar 2.0 was created for drivers who value safety and efficiency as well as price. They produce 60% more light with a beam length of up to 20m compared to conventional halogen lamps. Their durability has been doubled compared to the previous Silverstar version. Thanks to better illumination of the road, driving becomes more pleasant and safer.

Osram H4 COOL BLUE HYPER + 5000K

Cool Blue Hyper + 5000K are lamps of a well-known German brand. This product provides up to 50% more light.

Designed for use in the headlights of SUVs with optical tuning. The resulting light has a stylish blue color and a color temperature of 5000K. This is the perfect solution for drivers who appreciate a unique look. The Cool Blue Hyper+ 5000K bulbs are not ECE approved and are for off-road use only.

Philips Vision H4

Philips Vision ranks #3 in our H4 auto lamp ranking.

The H4 bulb is a spare part for the car, it is designed for main, dipped and fog lights. Special glass is protected from UV rays and vibrations, thanks to which it works perfectly in difficult road conditions.The lamp provides bright light with a long range, which improves driving comfort.

Advantages and disadvantages

Halogen-filled lamps have won their popularity with an extensive list of advantages:

• Long service life, especially with smooth start;
• Stability of functioning without flickering and drops;
• High shell strength;
• Extensive range from compact to standard models;
• Low level of ultraviolet radiation;
• The most useful for vision is “white” light;
• Double flask, preventing the spread of fragments during the explosion;
• Economical consumption of electricity.

However, it is worth considering the weaknesses of halogen lamps, including the following points:

• Replacing and screwing in the lamps is possible only with gloves, using napkins or polyethylene, otherwise the grease from the fingers will remain on the case and lead to the failure of the device.
• Strong heating of the bulb, which can cause melting of plastic and other fire hazardous elements in the lamp.
• The mixture of gases that fill the body is considered poisonous to humans.
• Light bulbs do not withstand power surges, which can adversely affect the service life.

Advantages and disadvantages

Halogen-filled lamps have won their popularity with an extensive list of advantages:

• Long service life, especially with smooth start;
• Stability of functioning without flickering and drops;
• High shell strength;
• Extensive range from compact to standard models;
• Low level of ultraviolet radiation;
• The most useful for vision is “white” light;
• Double flask, preventing the spread of fragments during the explosion;
• Economical consumption of electricity.

However, it is worth considering the weaknesses of halogen lamps, including the following points:

• Replacing and screwing in the lamps is possible only with gloves, using napkins or polyethylene, otherwise the grease from the fingers will remain on the case and lead to the failure of the device.
• Strong heating of the bulb, which can cause melting of plastic and other fire hazardous elements in the lamp.
• The mixture of gases that fill the body is considered poisonous to humans.
• Light bulbs do not withstand power surges, which can adversely affect the service life.

How G4 products work

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

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

The whole process is reversible and is a kind of cycle. The working compound decomposes into its constituent substances in the immediate vicinity of the incandescent spiral due to high temperature and the tungsten atoms again 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 much brighter, more saturated and uniform light flux.

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

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

Weak spots

Despite the fact that the tungsten-halogen cycle gives these lamps a number of advantages, thanks to it they also have characteristic disadvantages. These disadvantages are, first of all, associated with a very high heating temperature of the flask during operation. Firstly, it creates a risk of fire or melting of nearby objects, that is, it requires increased attention to compliance with fire safety regulations. Secondly, the slightest contamination of the surface of the lamp can lead to its instant failure - the glass in this area at the moment heats up to a critical temperature.

The disadvantages of halogen lamps are complemented by the relative high cost of the materials needed for production: inert gases, quartz glass, halogen compounds. Although the retail price does not exceed the cost of LED or fluorescent counterparts, incandescent lamps look more affordable than halogen ones.

Plinth type

Before buying a light bulb, it is first important to determine the type of base you need. Most household lighting fixtures use two types of screw base:

• socle E-14 or minion

• plinth E-27

It differs according to the diameter. The numbers in the designation and indicate its size in millimeters. That is, E-14=14mm, E-27=27mm. There are also adapters for lamps from one lamp to another.

If the ceiling lamps of the chandelier are small, or the lamp has some specifics, then a pin base is used.

It is denoted by the letter G and a number that indicates the distance in millimeters between the pins.
The most common are:

• G5.3 - which are simply inserted into the socket of the lamp
• GU10 - first inserted and then turned a quarter of a turn

The spotlights use the R7S base. It can be for both halogen and LED lamps.

The power of the lamp is selected based on the limitation of the lighting device in which it will be installed. Information about the type of base and the power limit of the lamp used can be seen:

• on the box of the purchased lamp
• on the ceiling of the already installed
• or on the bulb itself