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 garden-lamp-post decision.

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.

The tungsten filament in halogen lamps glows with a bright white light; there is none of the cosiness that comes with traditional light bulbs. Some folk find this off putting, however this clear light is superbly suited to paperwork and reading, which means that halogen desk lamps have a clear advantage over traditional lighting.

When it comes to desk lamp, the very different halogen light is ideal. This light bears little resemblance to the artificial light we have grown used to. It is bright, it is white and it goes exactly where you want it to.

Halogen light is bright and white, not only making colours appear brighter but also reducing eyestrain, which particularly explains why halogen lamps have become so popular as reading lights and desk lights.

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 other reason for the rising popularity of halogen lighting is the low running cost. A halogen light typically lasts two or three times longer than a standard bulb. Some commentators, in fact, quote a running life of up to 3,000 hours. At the same time halogen lamps use 10% to 20% less energy.

The simple truth of the matter is that whilst halogen lights may not be suitable for every lighting application, halogen desk lamps are brilliant – in more ways than one!

Tags: Desk Lamp, desk lamp ideas, desk lamps, desk light, desk lighting, halogen desk lamp, halogen desk light

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 12th, 2009 at 3:00 pm and is filed under Desk Lamp. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.