Halogen light bulbs buying guide

Posted on 19th November 201329th March 2022 by Andrew Evangelidis

Last updated on 29th March 2022

Halogen lighting has become very popular over the last fifty years. Halogen and Energy Saving Halogen bulbs offer a completely different set of features to other forms of lighting.

How halogen bulbs work

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent bulb and just like an incandescent use a tungsten filament. However, unlike the incandescent, the filament on the halogen bulb is enclosed by a small heat-resistant quartz or hard glass envelope. This envelope is filled with a halogen gas, which returns evaporated tungsten back onto the filament, increasing lifespan. This regenerative process is called the ‘halogen cycle’. A halogen bulb filament is hotter than that of an incandescent bulb, usually at 3000K.

A relatively large bulb such as a halogen GLS is essentially a ‘bulb within a bulb’, with the quartz envelope enclosed by a further glass casing. Smaller bulbs such as halogen capsules need especially careful handling, as they have no exterior cover and glass contamination causes premature failure.

Energy-saving halogen bulbs

Original halogen lighting is only fractionally more energy-efficient than incandescent. However, newer energy-saving halogen bulbs generally use 20-30% fewer watts than incandescent or standard halogen equivalents. This is achieved in two ways:

Premium-fill gases like xenon or krypton are used instead of argon, causing the filament to burn more brightly and reducing required power for identical output.
An IR reflective coating on the halogen quartz envelope bounces infrared heat back onto the filament, again causing it to burn more brightly for the same wattage.

Incandescent replacement

Energy-saving halogen technology is widely used in retrofit products for replacing incandescent bulbs, many of which have been phased out recently by EU legislation. It produces a marginally cooler, brighter-looking light than the old technology, and is better than incandescent light at rendering short wavelength colours (i.e. violets and blues).

Energy-saving halogen bulbs are available as an economical alternative to incandescent GLS bulbs, candles, ‘R’ reflectors, globes and golf balls. Halogen typically has twice the lifespan of an incandescent equivalent.

Halogen spotlights – mains-voltage GU10 & GZ10

Halogen is one of the primary technologies used in spotlighting, partly due to the fantastic choice of products available. Another reason for its popularity is its superb colour rendering. A halogen bulb includes all colours of the visible spectrum in its light, which means colour is displayed with more consistency than is possible in LED or fluorescent technologies.

The GU10 spotlight is by far the most common type of mains-voltage halogen reflector. It is used in accent lighting, task lighting, and general lighting. GU10 bulbs use what is known as a ‘twist and lock’ base, introduced by Sylvania in 1996. The base provides a very secure electrical contact, similar in principle to a bayonet cap.

One defining factor in a GU10 is that IR heat is always projected forward in the beam, whereas many MR16 low-voltage bulbs of the same size (50mm diameter) use a dichroic filter to dissipate heat through the back of the bulb.

The GZ10 bulb is a relatively rare mains-voltage bulb that dissipates its heat using a dichroic filter through the back of the bulb. The GZ10 is unsuitable for use in most GU10 light fittings, and despite having the same pin arrangement it should not theoretically fit (a GU10 bulb has a bevelled base, whilst the GZ10 is squared). Light fittings normally carry a ‘no cool beam’ symbol to signify incompatibility with the GZ10.

Halogen spotlights – low voltage AR111, MR8, MR11 & MR16

Halogen AR111 spotlights are often used in shops or showrooms, and normally have a metal block over their filament to prevent glare.

The massively popular MR16 is universally loved by specifiers, partly for its wide variety of designs and beam angles.

Low-voltage spotlights are available with an aluminium-coated reflector, which projects IR heat forwards, or with a dichroic filter that allows IR heat to pass through the back of the lamp. A dichroic spotlight is useful for displaying heat-sensitive objects like food, artworks, or textiles.

Another advantage of low-voltage spotlights is their sharper, brighter quality of light over mains-voltage counterparts. In addition to display lighting, LV halogen spotlights are common in downlights and wire lighting systems.

Halogen low-voltage spotlights use the following caps:

AR111 = G53
MR8 and MR11 = GU4
MR16 = GU5.3

All halogen low-voltage lamps require a 12V transformer, which is used to step down mains voltage to individual or multiple LV bulbs, dependent on maximum load.

Linear Halogens

Linear halogen lamps with R7s bases are found in floodlighting and security lights. The filament of the lamp is supported along its complete length, and the round bases at either end fit into sprung contacts. The filament must remain horizontal to maintain lifespan.

Specialist halogen R7s heat lamps include jacketed and non-jacketed versions. Jacketed lamps tend to last longer, since they’re protected from contaminants such as food.

Heat lamps are available in clear, ruby, or gold finishes. A clear finish is used where the bright white light of halogen is required in addition to heat. Ruby or gold finishes subdue light output for applications where heat is predominantly needed.

Capsules

Halogen capsules are used in applications such as caravan lighting, boat lighting, pelmet lighting, or desk lighting. They come in low-voltage G4 or GY6.35 types, or a mains voltage G9 format. The suffixed numbers in their names are based on the distance in millimetres between their two pin centres.

The G9 is the most compact mains-voltage halogen bulb available, and because it requires no 12V transformer it’s widely used in extremely small light fittings.

High-powered specialist halogen capsules are also available for applications such as theatre, TV, film, or projector lighting.

Take a look at our range of light bulbs.

Looking for more news, information and advice? Try our Lighting Advice section.

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Andrew is an experienced buying professional who takes an entrepreneurial approach to identify new lighting solutions and ensure Lyco have first-to-market ranges for our customers. Having previously worked for well known brands such as Wickes, Carphone Warehouse and Toys R Us, Andrew has now turned his hand to sourcing commercial lighting and ensure our customers receive top brand quality products at marketing leading prices. He manages a team of commercial and decorative buyers who travel the world finding new products that our customers don’t even know they need yet.

Buying Guide – Heaters

Posted on 10th October 201329th July 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 29th July 2021

There are various types of heaters available, each with their own set of advantages, disadvantages and uses for certain situations. For instance:

Need a low constant background heat? – a panel heater may be what you need
Need to warm an infrequently occupied room? – a wall-mounted fan heater may offer the best solution.

Each situation offers a unique heating challenge. In these days of ever rising heating costs, no one wants to waste energy and pay needless heating bills. Efficiency is definitely the watchword here and with that in mind we have put together a simple heater guide. It explains the different heater types and helps you select the best one for your overall heating requirement – saving you money, whilst keeping you warm.

Convection Heating

Convection heating works by passing the air over an element to warm it up and then circulating it back into the room. There are two types of electric heaters that utilize convection heating technology: convector heaters and panel heaters.

Convector Heaters

Convector heaters are a good choice for medium-sized rooms where an even temperature needs to be maintained. They provide heat fast, are very quiet and are light and easy to manoeuvre. There are free standing or wall mounted versions available, whilst many do both. Free standing convector heaters are great for using in temporary buildings and workspaces and when buildings are being refurbished.

Panel Heaters

Panel heaters are designed for smaller rooms requiring constant low-level background heat. Benefits include their slim, space-saving design and low running costs. Their unobtrusive size makes them particularly useful in bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels.

All our models of convector and panel heaters include a thermostat to control the temperature, as well as overheat protection which automatically turns the heater off if the warm air grill gets blocked.

Oil-Free and Oil-Filled Radiators

Radiators are somewhat misnamed, most of the heat that comes from them is actually by convection. Radiators heat the air that flows past them. As the air warms it rises away from the radiator and the colder air falls. This causes the air to begin to circulate around the room and the colder air is warmed as it passes the radiator.

Oil-Filled radiator

Oil-filled radiators have a large surface area, making them a great choice for heating larger sized rooms. Once the oil has been warmed up, electricity consumption stops and the oil retains heat for a long time. They are a reliable and economical source of heat and as there is no fan they are virtually silent, create no dust and don’t dry out the air. There are even mini, more energy efficient oil heaters available for smaller rooms.

Oil-Free radiator

Oil-free radiators use a unique oil-free, environmentally friendly heating technology to heat a room quicker and more efficiently than traditional oil-filled radiators. They have the same attributes as oil-filled radiators but are more heat effective, faster to warm up and tend to be lighter and easier to move.

Other Heater Types

Infra-Red heater

Infra-red heaters produce instant and directional hot air, providing fast heat. They are a safe and practical way to heat kitchens, bathrooms and work areas – anywhere were localized heating is required in fact.

Fan heater

Fan heaters are a great portable heating solution for workshops, garages, warehouses and office environments. They provide fast, directional heat and can be brought out when necessary and easily and safely stored for the rest of the time. Wall-mounted fan heaters are recommended for meeting halls and conference rooms, where heating is only required for relatively short periods of time.

Bathroom wall heater

Bathroom wall heaters have a compact, space-saving design, are quick and easy to install and provide fast warm-up with good air circulation.

Heated air curtain

Heated air curtains are the efficient way to keep heat inside and the cold out. They are ideal for doorways of shops, hotels, and offices.

Here at Lyco, we stock a full range of heaters to suit most requirements and are always at the end of the phone to answer any queries you may have.

For more buying guides, advice or inspiration go to our Lighting Advice section.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Charles started Lyco in 1995 with just 4 enthusiastic employees and has grown it considerably over the past 25 years. Charles is also the Managing Director of Lighting Direct and newly acquired Online Lighting. He now has a team of 50 lighting experts working on growing Lyco Group to be the UK leader in lighting for both businesses and homes. Away from the office he is a keen cyclist and is proud to have cycled 1017 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a new residential centre for adults with multiple learning difficulties.

Buying Guides – Light Fitting Types – Fluorescent Fittings

Posted on 26th July 201129th July 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 29th July 2021

When it comes to general lighting, fluorescent lamps have been popular since the 1950s. Nowadays, fluorescent tubes are commonplace in factories, schools, workshops, garages and in some parts of the home.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

A relatively modern fluorescent fitting that is becoming increasingly widespread is the compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). With many compact fluorescent lamps, the auxiliary electronics are integrated into the base of the lamp, which means they can be used in standard light bulb socket.

Fluorescent Tubes

Fluorescent light bulbs come in many shapes and sizes. They are identified by a standardised coding system that reveals valuable information about operating characteristics and physical dimensions. One key factor is a tube’s diameter, and this is given by the number following a ‘T’ (which denotes ‘tubular’). The figure refers to the tube’s diameter in 1/8ths of an inch, so, for example, a T8 tube would have a diameter of 1 inch.

T5 Fluorescent Tubes

The light output of T5 fluorescent lamps per unit length is almost identical to the larger T8 lamps. T5 lamps cannot be used as replacements for T8 lamps as they are slightly shorter. However, some luminaires can be adapted to accept either T5 or T8 lamps by changing the sockets and ballasts. The T5 is a versatile and effective source of illumination that is ideal for factories, schools, offices, supermarkets, underground railways etc.

Colour Characteristics

By using rare-earth phosphors, T5 fluorescent lamps achieve improved colour rendering and high efficacy. The correlated colour temperature (CCT) and colour rendering index (CRI) of the lamps is determined by the phosphors used in the manufacturing process. The CRI of T5 lamps can be specified from 70 to the mid-90s. For good quality lighting it is advisable to specify a CRI of at least 80.

T5 Ballasts

T5 lamps require special ballasts. These allow T5 lamps to operate at frequencies greater than 20 kilohertz and offer such features as instant start, rapid start and programmed start. In most cases, the T5 ballasts will not work with T12 or T8 lamps.

T5 HO lamps

‘HO’ stands for high output. T5 HO lamps produce more light than standard T5 lamps and are obtainable in higher wattages. HO lamps are available in the same diameter and length as standard T5 lamps.

T8 Fluorescent Tubes

The 32W T8 fluorescent lamp is becoming the standard for new construction and a replacement for 40W T12 fluorescent lamps. T8 lamps are easily available in a selection of straight and U-shaped designs. Compared to T12 fluorescent lamps, T8 lamps have the same 20,000 hour life expectancy and 32% lower typical energy usage, making them an ideal choice for offices, task lighting, schools, conference rooms, halls and retail outlets.

Colour Characteristics

T8 fluorescent lamps achieve both improved colour rendering and high efficacy by employing rare-earth phosphors. The correlated colour temperature (CCT) and colour rendering index (CRI) of the lamps is determined by the phosphors used in the manufacturing process. As with T12 lamps, T8 lamps are obtainable in a range of colour temperatures, including:

Warm (3000 K)
Neutral (3500 K)
Cool (4100 K)
Very Cool (5000 K)

‘Full Spectrum’ lamps are usually 5000K or more, and emit 10 to 20% of their output as UV light. The CRI of T8 lamps can range from 70 to as high as the mid-90s. For great lighting quality it is advisable to specify a CRI of at least 80.

T8 Ballasts

T8 fluorescent lamps require an electronic ballast that are designed specifically to operate lamps at a lower current than T12 lamps. When T12 lamps are replaced with T8 lamps, therefore, the ballast must also be replaced. The advantage of electronic ballasts is that they don’t flicker or hum and they use less energy than conventional ballasts.

T12 Fluorescent Tubes

T12 fluorescent lamps have traditionally been the most commonly used fluorescent tubes and have been installed in millions of homes, offices, retail outlets and schools. Although it was considered energy efficient in the 1970s, the T12’s reduced life expectancy, poor colour rendering and low light output often meant that more lamps and fixtures were usually needed, which generally offset the energy savings. At present, existing 40W T12 fluorescent lamps tend to be replaced by the more effective and more efficient 32W T8 fluorescent lamps.

Wide Range of T12s

The length of T12 bulbs varies from 15 inches all the way to 12 feet. They are available in two basic types: the standard and the high-output. Standard T12 bulbs have two pins on each end of the bulb. They provide a normal fluorescent light level for general applications. They should not be used in very cold areas, as they may fail to light up when temperatures get below 32. High Output T12 bulbs have one rectangular black plastic piece on each end of the bulb. The provide a higher level of light output than Standard T12 bulbs and use more wattage to do so. They are used in cold temperature locations, such as garages, outdoor signs, and freezers.

Please note – T12 tubes have now ceased production worldwide. We strongly advise stocking up on T12 tubes if you are not looking to change your light source in the short term..

2-Pin & 4-Pin

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are miniature versions of full-sized fluorescents that give off light that is similar to common incandescent bulbs rather than the fluorescent tunes used factories and schools. Current UK building regulations require a proportion of light fittings in newly built houses to be designed with 2- or 4-pin sockets, instead of the usual bayonet or screw fittings, so that they will only accept CFLs.

Bases & Sockets

The base of the CFL is the part that plugs into the electrical socket. Bases for CFLs are available in three forms: screw-in, 2-pin, and 4-pin.

Screw-in base – Identical to those used for incandescent bulbs, making them ideal for replacing screw-fit incandescent bulbs.
2-pin base – Found on CFLs with pre-heat starting. Each 2-pin lamp has an integral starter and requires a separate ballast.
4-pin base – Used on CFLs with rapid or instant start. 4-pin lamps require a separate control gear and starting device.

Pin-base CFL lamps are obtainable in a wide selection of outputs and sizes, making them an attractive option for both end-users and specifiers. Bear in mind that CFLs should not be used with the standard domestic wall-mounted dimmer switch. It is possible, though, to dim 4-pin lamps with specialist control gear and a compatible dimming controller.

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Buying Guides – Safety & Installation

Posted on 25th July 201129th July 2021 by Charles Barnett

Last updated on 29th July 2021

Electric lighting raises important safety concerns in two areas. Firstly, the installation of the lights inevitably involves dealing with electricity. The number of deaths and injuries caused by faulty electrical wiring – much of it installed by unqualified DIY enthusiasts – should act as a reminder to everyone of the importance of safety during all electrical lighting work.

Important Safety Regulations

In addition, the potential danger of electric lighting demands a basic knowledge of fire extinguishers, particularly those suited to electrical fires. It’s also important to remember that the light itself can pose a number of hazards. It may be too dim or poorly positioned so as not to illuminate essential areas sufficiently. This may cause discomfort due to glare, brightness or shadows.

Correctly installed lighting not only minimises the risk of harmful repercussions, but actively enhances the environment in which it is located.

Consulting a Qualified Electrician

The number of deaths and injuries caused by faulty electrical wiring (the majority of it installed by unqualified DIY enthusiasts) is reason enough to hire an experienced electrician, but not the only one.

Since 1st January 2005 any electrical work carried out in the home has to follow the strict rules set out in the Building Regulations ‘Approved Document P’.

Part P Building Regulations

Part P, as it is commonly referred to, gives you two choices when undertaking an electrical project in the home.

Employ a Part P qualified electrician to carry out the work and provide a signed record that it is all in accordance with the regulations.
Carry out the work yourself and ensure it is thoroughly inspected and subsequently approved by your local authority building inspector

What is Included in Part P?

Significant electrical work, such as rewiring a house or making additions to existing circuits in kitchens, bathrooms or outside the house will fall under Part P of the regulations. If you have any doubt over exactly what is included in the regulations, be sure to consult your local authority.

Qualified Electricians

When employing a qualified electrical contractor to do the work, your best protection against being let down by a ‘cowboy’ contractor is word-of-mouth recommendation.

As well as verifying their Part P status, look for an electrician that has completed projects successfully, on schedule and within the budget. Similarly, don’t be afraid to ask an electrician for references from past projects. If they are at all reluctant to give you the full details of a previous job then you would be well advised to look elsewhere.

Common Fitting Problems

A lamp’s light output diminishes over the time due to the effects of dust and general wear and tear. To ensure the desired level of luminance is maintained, a routine of maintenance and regular lamp replacement is necessary. In addition, there are other factors which affect the light quality emitted from lighting fixtures – some of which raise important health and safety concerns.

Glare

When brightness goes beyond maximum recommended levels, disturbing or debilitating glare can occur. There are a range of things that can be done to minimise this glare:

Use larger numbers of low wattage fixtures rather than fewer high wattage ones
Locate control panels and PC monitors away from windows or bright fixtures
Elevate high wattage fixtures above the normal field of view and aim some light toward the ceiling to disperse any glare.

Shadow

Shadows cast over any area where people require light can be overcome by using larger luminaires or simply increasing the number of light sources used.

Stroboscopic Effect

The stroboscopic effect (caused by the flicker of fluorescent lighting) creates the illusion of motion or non-motion; especially where moving machinery is concerned. Modern fluorescent tube design has largely overcome this potentially dangerous problem by significantly minimising flicker.

Colour Effect

An object that is blue for example will only appear this colour if the light falling upon it contains blue in its spectrum. Therefore it is important to bear in mind that colours can appear different under various types of lighting. For instance: a red object will appear brown under a sodium street light. With this in mind the choice of lamp is crucial if colour is important in the appearance or function of the room being illuminated.

Fire Extinguisher Types & Placement

Fire extinguishers are classed according to the different types of fire that each is designed to tackle.

Class A: Solids (paper, wood, plastic, etc)
Class B: Flammable Liquids (paraffin, petrol, oil, etc)
Class C: Flammable Gases (propane, butane, methane, etc)
Class D: Metals (aluminium, magnesium, titanium, etc)
Class E: Electrical Apparatus (electric heaters, industrial control equipment, etc)
Class F: Cooking Substances (oil, fat, etc)

The main body of each fire extinguisher is red and features more specific colour coding related to the class of each extinguisher.

Water Fire Extinguishers

Class A fires
Colour coding: Red
Cheapest & most widely used
Do not use on fires involving liquids or electricity

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Class A & B fires
Colour coding: Cream
An expensive, but more versatile alternative to water
Not recommended for electrical fires, but a safer option than water if inadvertently sprayed onto live electrical apparatus

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Class A, B & C fires (most suited to running liquid fires – Class B)
Colour coding: Blue
The ‘multi-purpose’ extinguisher
Isolate the gas supply before extinguishing such a fire
Warning: when used indoors, powder can obscure vision and cause damage to goods and machinery

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

Class E fires
Colour coding: Black
Can also be used to extinguish class B liquid fires
Warning: with liquid fires, the CO2 extinguisher has no post fire security and the fire could re-ignite

Wet Chemical

Class F fires
Colour coding: Bright Yellow

Metal Fires

Class D fires
Colour coding: Blue
Specialist extinguisher for metal fires such as sodium, lithium, manganese and aluminium when in the form of swarf or turnings

Charles Barnett Managing Director

Halogen light bulbs buying guide

How halogen bulbs work

Energy-saving halogen bulbs

Incandescent replacement

Halogen spotlights – mains-voltage GU10 & GZ10

Halogen spotlights – low voltage AR111, MR8, MR11 & MR16

Linear Halogens

Capsules

Related Articles

Buying Guide – Heaters

Convection Heating

Convector Heaters

Panel Heaters

Oil-Free and Oil-Filled Radiators

Oil-Filled radiator

Oil-Free radiator

Other Heater Types

Infra-Red heater

Fan heater

Bathroom wall heater

Heated air curtain

Related Articles

Buying Guides – Light Fitting Types – Fluorescent Fittings

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Fluorescent Tubes

T5 Fluorescent Tubes

Colour Characteristics

T5 Ballasts

T5 HO lamps

T8 Fluorescent Tubes

Colour Characteristics

T8 Ballasts

T12 Fluorescent Tubes

Wide Range of T12s

2-Pin & 4-Pin

Bases & Sockets

Related Articles

Buying Guides – Safety & Installation

Important Safety Regulations

Qualified Electricians

Common Fitting Problems

Glare

Shadow

Stroboscopic Effect

Colour Effect

Water Fire Extinguishers

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

Wet Chemical

Metal Fires

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