Halogen Desk Lamps That Serve A Purpose
Whilst halogen lamps come with many advantages over traditional light bulbs, there are also some disadvantages, which mean they are not the best choice for every lighting application. If you are considering buying a halogen desk lamp, this article will help you make the final decision.
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The first thing we must do is clear up a common misunderstanding – just as with traditional light bulbs, halogen bulbs are incandescent bulbs. With the growing tendency to call to traditional light bulbs ‘incandescent bulbs’, this simple fact is in danger of being lost. In very simple terms, both types of lamp work on the principle of running an electric current through a thin filament until it glows. In traditional bulbs, combustion is prevented because the glass of the bulb keeps oxygen away from the glowing filament.
In halogen bulbs, a transparent cover envelopes the filament; this chamber contains a small amount of halogen mixed with inert gas, which gives the filament a longer life. This longevity is surprising, given that the filament actually glows at a higher temperature. There is a downside to this higher burning temperature, however; halogen lamps should be used with caution for applications such as inset ceiling and wall lighting. This is because the rear of the fitting is, of necessity, in an enclosed space. If you are considering halogen lighting for such an application, take note of the relevant building regulations, which are quite specific.
Another characteristic that some people see as a disadvantage is the lack of the rosy glow that comes from traditional light bulbs. When it comes to task lighting, however, a rosy glow is far less essential than clear illumination.
The fact is, light produced by these lamps is markedly different from traditional light bulbs and whilst it is ideal for some applications, it is less useful for others. When it comes to halogen desk lamps, however really you can’t go wrong.
The reason for the increasing popularity of halogen reading lights and desk lamps is that halogen light shows colours bright and true to help reduce eye strain.
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There is a disadvantage to all of this bright light though – halogen bulbs simply have to be shaded. Once shaded, however, you can direct clear white light exactly where you want it; on a desk, this will be onto the papers or spreadsheets you’re working on.
The most regularly cited advantage of halogen lights is their long life. The fact is, if you turned on your halogen desk lamp today and left it on, day and night, it would run considerably longer than a standard light bulb before failing. And amazingly, it would do all of that on just 20% of the energy used by a standard bulb.
So there you have it – the truth about halogen lighting. These lamps may not be the definitive answer to all your lighting needs but when it comes to desk lamps they truly are the light of choice.
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Tags: desk lamp, desk lamps, desk lighting, halogen desk lamp, halogen desk lamps
