Shedding Light On Halogen Lights And Bulbs
Jason Atilia
There are 32 light fixtures blazing away in an average American
household. These are the lights in your fridge, hallway,
workshop, and porch. Most of these light bulbs are cheap
two-for-a-dollar incandescent, screw-type bulbs. This is
remarkable because the incandescent bulbs have been around for
over a century using the same technology. Although these bulbs
still suffice for the lighting needs of the average household,
people have become discriminating and looked for other options.
Popular choices for many households are halogen lights and
halogen bulbs. They are preferred over the incandescent varieties
because they emit light that are of whiter and brighter nature.
Also, these halogen lights and bulbs generally last longer than
ordinary incandescent lights.
How do these halogen lights and bulbs differ from the
incandescent lights? Their difference primarily lies on the
principles governing their functions. Incandescent lights work
by having electricity flow through a fine filament of tungsten
inside the bulb filled with argon gas. This action causes the
filament to resist the electric flow, which makes the argon gas
heat up. The heat causes the argon gas to glow and emit light.
Miniscule tungsten particles evaporate and accumulate on bulb
walls as soot. As the tungsten burns out, the filament grows
weak and ultimately, burn out. There are key disadvantages to
this process. First, the soot reduces light emission, resulting
in duller light output. Second, the soot weakens the tungsten
filament and makes it brittle, hence, promoting faster burnout.
Given these problems, incandescent lights are best suited for
low traffic areas where soft lighting are better appreciated
like the bedrooms.
The function of halogen lights are similar to those of
incandescent bulbs, but with key structural differences.
Halogen lights and bulbs are composed of peanut-sized and
pressurized bulbs inside larger outer shells. The inner bulbs
are halogen chambers. The halogen from these bulbs direct the
evaporating tungsten to the filaments. As a result, the
tungsten filament is constantly rebuilt. Decreased outer shell
soot maintains bright light output. The rebuilding of the
tungsten filament also makes the halogen lights last longer.
The brighter and whiter light of the halogen bulbs make them
suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways, living spaces,
and work areas.
Because of these qualities, halogen lights and bulbs are
preferable in most situations. There are several benefits from
using halogen lights. Halogen lights are perfect for exacting
tasks that require focus like reading or woodworking. Bright
lighting reduces risks of eye strain and eye problems. Mistakes
are also lessened because everything is put under clearer focus.
Halogen lights are also best for display purposes. Bright light
highlights artworks, crystals, and photos perfectly by making
the colors and features stand out vibrantly. Halogen
floodlights are suitable for outdoor lighting because they
illuminate places with brighter light. Generally, halogen bulbs
are cheaper than the standard incandescent because they
eliminate the need for frequent replacements.
However, halogen lights and bulbs heat up quickly. As such,
they must be installed in higher places or in built-in
recesses. Their bright lights, while beneficial, must be shaded
to prevent eye problems. Halogen lights and bulbs are not
perfect, but with proper installation and correct use, they can
serve homeowners longer and better.
About The Author: Get informed about latest information on
halogen lights and bulbs and lighting fixtures, please visit
http://www.halogen-light.net
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