Halogen lamps

Lighting is an important factor in human life. Its quality depends not only on the productivity of work, but also on the state of health. Halogen lamps play an important role in organizing such systems. They are perfect for a variety of interiors, making them versatile and practical.

Halogen lamps are used everywhere today. According to some characteristics, they are even equated to LED counterparts. Their feature is the use of halogen lamps as the main light sources. The light emitted by them differs in quality indicators, and in the spectrum it is closer to white. Many experts argue that such radiation is a lot like sunlight. They provide soft and shadowless lighting.

The popularity of these lamps is due to several of their positive aspects:

• Bright and constant lighting, which does not burden the human eyes. Light parameters are distinguished by unique color rendering parameters. They can produce many other colors besides white and yellow.
• Long service life. Halogen lights last twice as long as standard incandescent bulbs.
• Variety of designs and shapes. This is achieved due to the fact that halogen bulbs can be very small. This, in turn, allows them to complement almost all types of lighting fixtures.

• The minimum level of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, such lighting does not cause fading of materials and protective paints.
• Variety of models. The modern market presents models that operate on a 220 V network, as well as low voltage products (6, 12 and 24 V). The functioning of the latter is carried out by introducing special step-down transformers into the network.
• Halogen bulb does not overheat during operation, which reduces the risk of fire.

But such lamps are not universal, as they have many disadvantages:

• The light output can irritate sensitive eyes.
• When the flask is destroyed, gases are released into the air. It should be understood that in small quantities they are safe. But if their concentration is high (for example, a whole chandelier has broken), then they can be the cause of poisoning.
• It is not advisable to use halogen lamps in high humidity. Therefore, for the bathroom, they are additionally protected by special enclosures.
• All operations for replacing the lamp require accuracy, since the bulb heats up and can cause burns.
• Luminaires of this type are very sensitive to voltage fluctuations in the electrical network. Some modifications may fail if this parameter has changed by only 5%. High-voltage lamps have a slightly higher threshold, which allows them to extend their service life. To exclude such a phenomenon, experts recommend connecting them directly after the voltage stabilizer.

The variety of lamps of this type is quite wide. This is due to the fact that connecting a halogen lamp is quite simple. This allows it to be incorporated into almost any enclosure. The design of such a luminaire consists of several main components:

• Halogen lamp. Its size and shape depends on the design of the luminaire and the manufacturer.
• Luminaire frame. This part is a special socket where the lamp itself is connected. An external aluminum radiator may also be present here, which removes heat. The shape of the frame can be different and consist of both a separate element and several parts (chandeliers).

As for the shape of the lamps, there are practically no restrictions.

The halogen bulb itself is a fairly simple device. It consists of several main parts:

• Shell. It is made of quartz glass, as it can withstand high temperatures and exposure to various chemicals. Note that the shell can approach the spiral very close. Due to this, the dimensions of the light bulb are reduced.
• Spiral. It is made of tungsten, which emits a stream of light when current flows.
• Aggregate gas. Mixtures of the halogen series are used as these substances. These gases are not chemically inert and do not interact with tungsten. Bromine, fluorine, iodine and other similar gases are used as fillers. They slow down the evaporation of tungsten, which makes it possible to extend the life of such a lamp several times.

Halogen luminaires can be classified according to several criteria. One of these is the type of lamp used in the device.

They can be divided into 2 groups:

• Low voltage. Luminaires can operate on a voltage no more than 24 V.
• Network. Classic modifications that are directly connected to the 220 V.

Depending on the design features, these lighting devices can also be divided into several groups:

• Embedded. The body of the product is completely hidden under the ceiling or in the wall. A striking example is the classic chiseled models installed in suspended ceilings.
• Suspended. The product frame is at a certain distance from the ceiling. This includes both track modifications and classic chandeliers. Many point modifications today are mounted on a small bracket, which allows them to be rotated in the desired direction. Projectors and other lighting equipment based on halogen lamps are mounted in a similar way.
• Overhead. The product frame is attached directly to the ceiling or wall. The luminaire is fixed with anchors or special metal strips.

The location of these products can also be different, which allows them to be divided into several types:

• Ceiling. Chandeliers and spotlights, which are attached directly to the ceiling, are prominent representatives. There are both stationary and rotary models on a clothespin.
• Wall. The frame of the device is made in such a way that it can only be attached to vertical surfaces. A striking representative is a sconce made of plaster or metal.
• Tabletop. Luminaires of this type are intended to illuminate a small area. Often used in the bedroom or study, where you need to create the optimal atmosphere for a specific situation. There are many design solutions for such products that suit every taste.

• Outdoor. A striking representative of this group is the tripod floor lamp. It not only creates diffused and warm lighting, but also allows you to zone the room.
• Furniture. A feature of these designs is their small size. They are installed in wardrobes, bedside tables and other similar products. This allows for an optimal level of comfort when using the furniture.

There are many other classifications of halogen lamps.

Technically, halogen lamps are no different from other similar modifications. Their feature is the presence of a special socket that allows you to connect a halogen lamp to the network. These products are made from several types of materials:

• Glass. This material is used to create decorative inserts. It is rare to find chandeliers in which the entire frame is made entirely of glass. In many luminaires, the lamp itself is located underneath it. Glass plays a protective role here, preventing physical effects on the lighting device itself.
• Metal. This material is the main one in the production of such products. The substance perfectly tolerates high temperatures. Moreover, metal processing is also relatively simple. The main products can be several types of steel and cast iron, from which the body and frame of the luminaire are made. Sometimes craftsmen use aluminum and copper, which are easy to bend.

• Wood. This substance is also used as a decoration. It is often combined with metal to create unique pieces.
• Gypsum. This type of luminaire has appeared on the market relatively recently. Plaster structures are distinguished by a decorative frame, on which there is a base for screwing in a halogen lamp.

Halogen luminaires are a type of lighting fixture that can be used as decorative elements in any living space. The main purpose of this device is to create comfortable living conditions, as well as interior decoration.

The variety of halogen lamps is quite wide and each one has its own distinctive characteristics. Therefore, each of them should be selected for each room individually:

• Children's room. Lamps with warm yellow lighting are suitable for her. In this case, the optimal power indicator is considered to be 13 W / m2. This is important to consider when choosing. In the nursery, it is better to use several pendant models of lamps or chandeliers in order to prevent them from being damaged by children.
• Living room. For such rooms, you need a lamp or several devices with a total power of up to 40 watts. But at the same time, it is important to focus on the size of the room and its style.
• Bedroom. The optimal solution here would be variable wattage halogen lamps. With their help, you can easily change the atmosphere depending on your needs.

Bathroom fixtures are rarely used for the reasons previously discussed. It should be understood that virtually all modifications of these lighting fixtures are interchangeable. This allows them to be used in different rooms.

Halogen lamps are a unique opportunity to create a unique interior with high-quality lighting performance. But not all devices of this type have unique characteristics. There are several factors to consider when choosing halogen luminaires:

• Type of device placement. Today, many devices are intended for the ceiling, but there are also wall modifications. It is important that the luminaire illuminates the room from the angle you want, creating an optimal comfort zone.
• Lamp type. Luminaires can be equipped with both solid and collapsible lamps. In the event of a breakdown of the latter, the element can be simply replaced with a new one.
• Voltage. Lighting devices can operate both from a 220 V network, and in lower ranges. The latter type requires the use of special step-down transformers, which must be additionally installed.
• Place of installation. As already mentioned, halogen bulbs cannot withstand high humidity. Therefore, bathroom fixtures must be reliably protected from this factor.
• Shade material. This is important because a lot of heat is generated during lamp operation. The luminaire frame must be able to withstand this kind of stress. Many experts recommend buying devices with a cover made of quartz glass or ceramics.

The halogen spotlights in the white bathroom create the perfect atmosphere for total relaxation. They are located behind the sides of the corner bathtub, on the steps and ceiling they play the role of stars. Everything looks cute and very nice

Halogen lamps are also suitable for decorating the kitchen - here they were placed to illuminate furniture even under the countertop, which looks very original.

Halogen track-mounted luminaires, combined with recessed ceiling luminaires, make it possible to create ideal directional lighting in the living room.

You will learn more about halogen lamps in the following video.