Mains voltage halogen lighting information

The filament of a mains voltage halogen (or tungsten halogen) bulb burns at a higher temperature than in a standard tungsten bulb and uses a higher gas pressure. This means that bulbs are smaller and made from quartz in order to withstand the greater heat.

Halogen bulbs are available in both mains and low voltage. The information below refers to mains voltage halogen. For information on low voltage halogen, click here.

Type of light - a cool, crisp, white light. Of all domestic light sources, they produce a light closest to natural daylight.
Voltage – 240V
Lifespan – up to 3,000 hours
Colour temperature – 3,000 degrees Kelvin

Mains Voltage Halogen Advantages
• Halogen bulbs last longer and produce more light than a GLS bulb of the same wattage
• Provide an instant controllable light
• Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, beam spread, colours, fittings and wattage
• Dimmable

Mains Voltage Halogen Disadvantages
• As inefficient as an ordinary tungsten bulb
• Expensive to buy and expensive to run
• Generate lots of heat – it’s essential that they’re used in a heat-proof fitting
• Touching the bulb’s glass will shortens it life. To find out why, click here.