Halogen Light Bulbs - Things To Follow

Halogen bulbs are increasingly finding application for domestic and commercial purposes as these are more efficient than the conventional incandescent bulbs and are very versatile. As the technology applied for the manufacture of halogen bulbs is very much different than the incandescent bulbs, they have different operational and construction features. They are made from a different variety of glass that is given an altogether different treatment, are shaped different and emit much more light than the conventional bulbs. Its construction incorporates the use of quartz glass that can be kept closer to its surface. This constructional feature facilitates a reduction in the size of such bulbs.

These bulbs emit more light and therefore get hotter than the conventional electric bulbs that we are used to. Because the technology involved it lasts longer than incandescent bulbs. Here the tungsten filament undergoes a recycling process that prevents rapid loss of tungsten. This technical process goes to avoid blackening of the quartz surface. They are available in different shapes and can be used for general or decorative lighting. Eventually, these bulbs also call for replacement. Since these bulbs involve different technology and get more heated than the conventional bulbs, you need to observe the following precautions while handling them.



1. The most important precaution that you can ill afford to neglect is that the device has to be switched off before you touch the bulb. Give it sometime to cool off, if it were working just before you decided to replace it. Moist or oily hand or fingers may leave a residue on the surface of the bulb. Moisture on your body may even result to a short circuit. The residual impurities on the bulb reduce the lifespan of the bulb. For, when you switch it on again, the impurities are bound to get evaporated when the bulb heats up. So, it’s vulnerable to failure or sudden exposure. Your may either wear a hand glove or a clean cloth or a paper towel for holding the bulb.

2. Give it sometime to cool off, if it were working just before you decided to replace it. Make sure that it retains room temperature before you touch it. Bear in mind that halogen bulbs attain a higher temperature than other normal bulbs, and may take up to fifteen minutes before it becomes safe to human touch. It’s important to observe this precaution to avoid any burns on your skin. Further, if ever you happen to touch its surface, wipe of the marks with alcohol and let it get dried before switching it again.

3. Once it gone cold and your hand is covered, you may unscrew the bulb like any other bulb. Then, you may screw the alternate new or already used bulb if the same is in working order. Again, observe the precaution of not touching it with your bare hands. Switch on the power and see if it lights up.



Halogen lamps call for all the above precautions to be taken. Unlike the conventional bulbs used in most of the households, these bulbs attain a very high temperature, and improper handling may cause burns. You should ensure that flammable materials do not come in direct contact with the surface of the bulb while it is lighted. These bulbs emit a lot of energy and ultraviolet radiations to some extent. It is learned that prolonged exposure to such light may cause the effects akin to sunburn, but most of them are provided with UV filtered quartz bulb surface.