Halogen Lights

Halogen lights are similar to incandescent bulbs as they are filled with gases that are enclosed in a glass envelope.  However halogen lights are filled with specific halogen gases that improve the filaments stability allowing the filament to last longer.  The filaments in these lights are also hotter, therefore producing a brighter, whiter lighter.  Halogen bulbs are commonly found in flashlights, work lights, lamps, or exterior lights. 

Because lights that use halogen burn brighter and hotter, it is not too commonly found in homes.  Because they burn hot they are considered a fire hazard if they are not used properly.  If you have halogen lamps in your home be sure not to install them in areas where there is heavy traffic due to the risk that it could be easily knocked over, burst and start a small fire.  It is also advised that halogen lights not be installed in a child’s bedroom or playroom as they pose as a hazard.  You also want to ensure that the light is not placed near drapes, bedding, or furniture such as a couch.  It is also advised not to drape the light with a scarf or blanket as it can easily catch fire from the heat of the halogen bulb. 

Halogen lights are also rather delicate bulbs, made with special glass to withstand the heat from the filament.  If you handle a halogen bulb with your bare hands, the oil from your skin can react with the glass causing the light to burn out.  So when you are installing a halogen bulb ensure that you wear gloves or cover your hands in plastic wrap.  However, if you do accidentally touch the bulb with your hands, you can wipe the bulb clean with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol, allowing the bulb to dry before turning on the light.

Although the halogen bulb may seem a bit more hazardous and need a bit more care during handling, it does have its benefits.  Halogen lights are very energy efficient in such a way that the glass envelope that is used for halogen bulbs are particularly special in a way that allows the matter released from the filament to remain in the bulb and recycled back to the filament giving it a longer life span.   And because the light produced from a halogen bulb is brighter and whiter, less wattage is needed for a halogen light.