| Produces a bright, white light. Has longer life and provides more light (lumens) per watt than regular incandescent
bulbs. Maintains maximum efficiency throughout life of bulb. Available in both line-voltage (120 volts) and low-voltage (12 volts). Low-voltage types require a transformer to step down the voltage.
The specifications of a particular bulb is defined by the following parameters
Volts, Watts, Color Temperature, Reflector Type, Base Type, Bulb Type,
Filament, and Rated Life. Among the most popular tungsten-halogen
lamps are:
120V Parabolic
Aluminized Reflector (PAR) 16, 20 , 30 and 38 bulbs provide better beam control than regular incandescent PAR
bulbs. Available in numerous spot and flood beam spreads. Used in track, recessed and outdoor spot and floodlights.
Like all light bulbs, the number
represents the diameter of the bulb in 1/8s of an inch. Therefore, a PAR 16 is
2" in diameter, a PAR 20 is 2.5" in diameter, and a PAR 38 is 4.75" in diameter.
PAR16 - 2" Dia.
PAR20 - 2.5" Dia.
PAR30 - 3.75" Dia.
PAR38 - 4.75" Dia.
PAR halogen bulbs are the most well-known type of halogen for display lighting,
although the MR16 (12 and 120 volt) halogens are becoming the standard in many
galleries and studios, trade show lighting, and even residential lighting
applications. PAR bulbs are ideal for high-ceiling areas where the
lighting fixtures are well overhead or where the lighting fixtures are not in
close proximity to the area being illuminated. These bulbs give off a good
amount of light, but because of their aluminized reflector, can give off a good
amount of heat as well. Unlike MR16 type halogen bulbs which have dichroic glass reflectors, the PAR
bulbs have aluminized glass reflectors which
direct the heat generated by the bulb to the front of the bulb (towards what
you are lighting). These are usually not suitable for ceiling
installations of 8 feet or lower. For lower ceilings we recommend the use of
track fixtures or recessed lighting that uses MR16, MR11, or "J" type
bulbs. PAR halogens have a standard, medium screw-in type of base and will work in medium sized E26
sockets (such as the ones used in regular household light bulbs).
Halogen PAR bulbs produce a more diffused yet
directional type of light but is not as bright or white as MR16, MR11, or "J" lamps produce.
120V JCD and 12V JC Single-Ended T-4 bulbs come in both "mini-can" and "bayonet" base types, and are used in wall sconces, bath brackets, torches, pendants,
and under cabinet housings and light bars. The fixture controls the direction of the light.
MR (Multifaceted Reflector) Halogen Bulbs
are available in two
distinct voltage types - 120V AC and 12V AC/DC.
12V MR16 and MR11 bulbs are available in multiple color temperatures. These
bulbs can range in price from as little
as $2.00 each to as much as $25.00. MR bulbs produce a spotlight beam of light,
like a flashlight. MR bulbs are fast becoming the standard in art gallery,
museum and even trade and craft show lighting. They offer 4 major
advantages over the standard PAR halogens. First, MR bulbs
are much smaller than the PAR Halogens at just 2" in diameter at the reflector opening.
Second, because of the dichroic glass reflector used in these halogen bulbs,
about 85% of the heat generated by them is dissipated to the rear of the bulb
(away from what you are lighting). This means that you can have the
fixtures much closer to what you're displaying and not have much heat at all
radiating from the front of the bulb. Caution: the less expensive MR bulbs
sometimes use an aluminized reflector which sends more heat from the front of
the bulb than does the more expensive bulb with the dichroic reflector. Third, MR bulbs produce a lot of
light for the wattage. A 50 watt MR16 will produce roughly the equivalent
light level of a standard light bulb of 100 watts! This is achieved by the
multi-faceted reflector which maximizes the light output and delivers a much
brighter light output using less wattage. Fourth, MR bulbs are available in several
different beam angles and the more expensive bulbs have dichroic
reflectors. 12V and 120V MR16 bulbs are not interchangeable because one
operates on a 12V supply provided by a transformer and the 120V operates on line
voltage (normal house voltage) without requiring a transformer.
Additionally, the
pin spacing and pin diameters (see below) are different. This is done intentionally so the incorrect
bulb can not be accidentally installed. Pig tails are available that have
a base with the proper pin spacing so any housing can be retrofitted to
accommodate any style of MR16 bulb chosen. Also, these bulbs burn very hot
and any oil from your skin that gets on the bulb (the little round thing in the
center of the outer shell) will shorten the life of the bulb dramatically.
The outer shell is a reflector and not part of the bulb itself and therefore the
outer part of the shell can be touched during installation without causing
problems. Quartz-halogen lamps produce substantial amounts of ultraviolet light
that needs to be filtered and the quartz capsule of the lamp can sometimes rupture
or explode upon failure of the lamp. For these two reasons, some MR16 lamps include a cover glass that serves as an integrated ultraviolet filter and explosion shield. MR16 lamps lacking this cover require the use of a fixture that
incorporates an external piece of glass specifically designed to provide this protection.
120V MR16 bulbs are available in 45 & 50 watt GU8 and 50W
GU10 varieties. Fewer selections of wattage and
beam angle are available than with Low Voltage 12V MR16. You will not find
these bulbs at your local hardware store although recently I have seen the 120V 50W
GU10
bulb at my local Home Depot. The diameter of both 120V and 12V MR16 bulbs are the same
(2"), however, the 120V 50W GU10 MR16 is about 1/4" longer than the 12V MR16
and 120V 45W & 50W GU8 MR16 and can not be used in some adjustable spot trims that
will accommodate a 12V MR16 bulb. The 120V 45W & 50W GU8 MR16 and the 12V MR16
GU5.3 bulbs are identical in diameter and length. The only difference being the
pin spacing and pin diameters. Miniature size permits their use in smaller track and recessed fixtures. No transformer is required.
Therefore, to convert a low voltage housing to 120V MR16 housing, the transformer would
be removed from the circuit, a pigtail with the proper base (GU#) would be
installed in the housing, and the proper trim would be installed. 120V MR16 bulbs may not be used in DC
applications. 120V MR16 bulbs can be used with standard incandescent dimmers and components that are less costly than those used with Low Voltage systems.
12V MR16 and MR11 bulbs provide excellent beam
control and are available in numerous wattages (20W to 75 W for MR16 and 5W to
50W for MR11) with a large selection of spot or flood beam spreads. A
transformer is required to convert the power from 120V or 277V to 12V. Two
types of transformers are available, magnetic, and electronic. Magnetic
transformers are less costly but can produce an annoying buzz. They are
also larger and heavier than the electronic transformers. Special dimmers
are required that are designed to be used specifically with magnetic
transformers. Electronic transformers are more costly but generally do not
buzz. Some can be used with incandescent dimmers but many require the use
of a dimmer designed to be used with electronic transformers. 12V MR-16
bulbs may be purchased at most hardware stores. Miniature size permits its use in smaller track and recessed fixtures.
These bulbs are also used in
DC applications with outdoor spotlights.
Example of pin
type for MR16, MR11, and "J" bulbs:
GU4 th 8
GU10
Pin spacing is something that no one tells you
about but is one of the most important features of a bulb that must be known to
be able to purchase the proper MR16, MR11, or "J" bulb. Various
manufactures have different connection pin spacing used with their bulbs. It is important that you purchase
bulbs with
the same pin spacing and diameter as the receptacle (base) that is installed in your
housing. Or, purchase and install a
"pig tail" with a base that has the pin spacing and diameter for the
bulb you want to use. Listed below
are some of the base codes and
the associated pin spacing you will encounter when purchasing MR16, MR11, or "J"
bulbs. Pin spacing is the measurement of the spacing of the pins at the
base of the bulb. GU8 would mean that the distance from the
center of one pin to the center of the other pin is 8mm (millimeters).
There are many base configurations such as GU, GY, or GZ and these
configurations determine the diameter of the pin and it's shape. Some
pins are round and some are square. For example: GZ pins are 1mm in
diameter where GU pins are .7mm in diameter and GX pins are 1.53mm in diameter.
There are many variations of pin diameters, shape, and spacing and this list is
only intended to make you aware of the subject. When purchasing any
bulbs, know what base you have and what base configuration bulb you need.
This will keep you from purchasing bulbs that you can not use.
GU10 - 10mm pin spacing, 2 pin, 50 Watt 120V MR16 bulb for use with
120V Line Voltage or 12V Low Voltage trims with the exception of the NL-470 and
NL-680 series trims.
GU7.9 and GU8 – 7.9mm or 8mm pin spacing, 2 pin, 45 & 50 Watt 120V MR16 bulb for use with 120V Line Voltage or 12V Low Voltage trims. We no longer carry the GU8
bulb or G8 base but it is available from another internet source. Email us
for further information.
GU5.3 - 5.3mm pin spacing, 2 pin, most 12V MR16 bulbs for use with 12V Low
Voltage trims.
GU4 - 4mm pin spacing, 2 pin, most 12V MR11 bulbs for use with under
cabinet lighting.
GY6.35 - 6.35mm pin spacing, 2 pin, most 12V JC / T-4 bulbs for use with under cabinet light bars.
GY6.35, GY7.9, and GY8.6 - 5.3mm, 7.9mm, and 8.6mm pin spacing, 2 pin, most 120V JCD
bulbs
for use with under cabinet light bars.
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