How to choose your Halogen Light Bulb

Factors to consider when choosing a halogen lamp are voltage, base type, brightness, shape and size.

Lamp fixtures determine what voltage is necessary for operation. Low Voltage fixtures require a transformer, and are between 12 to 24 volts. A Line Voltage fixture does not require a transformer and are between 120 to 130 volts.

Common bases for low voltage halogen lamps include G4, GU4, GU5.3, and GY6.35.

Common bases for line voltage halogen lamps include GY8, G9, GU10, and RSC.

When selecting a halogen lamp light output should also be a focus. Use Lumens when measuring the overall illumination in a halogen lamp, and candela when measuring the directional illumination. 

Halogen lamps include many glass shapes such as Bi-pin, MR, PAR, reflector lamps, double ended, single ended, and A-shaped. 

The size of a halogen lamp diameter is measured by eights of an inch. MR16 = 2” in diameter and PAR38 =  4.75” in diameter. 

How to interpret a halogen ordering code

Q50GY6/12

Q= Quartz,  50 = Wattage, GY6 = Base and the 12 = Voltage

50Mr16/Fl35/C(Exn) 12V 

50 = Wattage, MR16 = shape, FL35 - 35 degree beam, C= cover shield and the 12 = Voltage

EXN = ANSI short ordering code

Factors to consider when selecting a Krypton & Xenon lamp are voltage, base type, brightness, shape , and size. 

Lamp fixtures determine what voltage is necessary for operation. Xenon are commonly in Low Voltage fixtures that require a transformer, and are between 12 to 24 volts. Krypton’s are commonly Line Voltage do not require a transformer and are between 120 to 130 volts.

Common bases for Krypton lamps are E12, DC, MC, E26, and J type. 

Common bases for Xenon lamps are FESTOON, RIGID LOOP, WEDGE, and Bi-PIn. 

When selecting a Krypton & Xenon lamp light output should also be a focus. Use Lumens when measuring the overall illumination in a Krypton & Xenon lamp.

The size of a halogen lamp diameter is measured by eights of an inch. Xenon T5 Bi-Pin = 5/8” in diameter and a Krypton G11 = 1 3/8” in diameter. 

Common shapes for Krypton lamps are flame, torpedo, and globe. 

Common shapes for Xenon lamps are Tubular T3 and Tubular T5. 

How to interpret a Krypton & Xenon ordering code

RLX10F/12

RL= Rigid Loop X = Xenon 10 = Watts F = Frost 12 = Volts