Different Codes Of Traditional Halogen Bulb Types Explained

 

Halogen light bulbs are improved versions of the traditional incandescent bulbs and are some of the best light bulbs for outdoor and interior lighting today. The bulbs get their name from the halogen gas in their glass casing which helps increase their light output and lifespan.  Halogen lamps first appeared in 1882 when the bulbs manufacturers used chlorine to prevent blackening of the lamp. The use of halogen in the lamps was patented in 1959 by General electric. The halogen gas inside the halogen bulbs makes the bulb last longer than an incandescent bulb because halogen gas reacts chemically with the tungsten filament to stop it from evaporating and affixing itself on the glass. While the tungsten filament in incandescent bulbs evaporates and darkens the glass, the halogen gas in halogen lamps redeposits the evaporated tungsten to the filament and increases the bulb’s lifespan. Let us look at the different types of halogen bulbs and their specific uses.

 

JDD type halogen bulbs

 

The JDD halogen bulbs are mostly short and cylinder-shaped with a screw contact. JDD type halogen bulbs have a halogen filament that is enclosed in glass and then again covered by a glass jacket. The glass covering the bulbs comes either frosted or clear. The finishing of the glass, however, has an insignificant effect on the bulb’s illumination and overall lifespan. Due to their powerful lighting capabilities and small size, JDD type halogen bulbs have found their use in photography strobe lights such as the YS, M, H, L, and TS strobe lights. The bulbs are also widely used in both outdoor and interior lights such as small garden lights, restaurant track lighting, and undercabinet light fixtures.

 

 

JCD type halogen bulbs

 

JCD type halogen bulbs are tiny bi-pin bulbs with high voltage capacity ranging from 120 volts to 130 volts. The halogen bulbs come in three sizes, G6.35 with 6.35 millimeters distance between the pins, G8 with 8 millimeters distance between the pins, and G9 with 9 millimeters distance between the pins. The G9 bulb does not have pins but instead uses loops as contacts. The JCD type halogen bulbs’ miniature size makes them ideal for use in small strobe lights such as the GODOX pro moonlight probe. Apart from being used in photography strobes, JCD halogen bulbs have applications in interior lighting such as pendant lighting, desk lighting, and cabinet lighting. It is important to note that JCD type halogen lamps should not come into contact with bare skin because the oils on the skin may damage the bulb. Instead, use gloves whenever you need to change a JCD halogen bulb.

 

 

JC type halogen bulbs

 

The JC type halogen bulb is the low voltage version of the JCD halogen bulb. It comes with a voltage of 6 volts to 28 volts. Just like the JCD bulbs, the JC type halogen bulbs come in capsule shape and are also bi-pin. JC type halogen bulbs have two types, G4 with a distance of 4 millimeters between the pins, and G6.35 with a distance of 6.35 millimeters between the pins. The low voltage in the JC halogen bulbs makes them the best light bulbs for interior lighting such as accent lighting and under the counter lighting. Some desk lamps also use the JC halogen bulbs. Just like their counterparts, the JCD type halogen bulb, JC type halogen lamps should be handled using gloves since contact with bare skin might damage them or reduce their lifespan significantly.

 

 

JDR type halogen bulbs

 

JDR type halogen bulbs are small high voltage flood bulbs with a round reflector face and an E26 screw base. The bulbs have a voltage of 120 volts and measure 2 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches in length. The reflector face on the JDR type bulbs gives them a more precise beam control making them some of the best bulbs for accent and ambient lighting, track lighting, spot lighting, and desk lighting. They can also be used in retail stores to highlight the items on sale and museum galleries to light up artifacts. The JDR type halogen bulbs can either come with or without a glass face. A glass face can help reduce UV emission and also allow users to use colored glass to produce colored beams. It is essential to note that the JDR halogen bulbs run hot when they light up due to their high voltage so you should exercise caution when handling them to avoid burns.

 

 

 

J type halogen bulbs

 

The J type halogen bulb is a rod-shaped double-ended bulb with a voltage ranging from 12 volts to 270 volts. They come in small to medium sizes with lengths ranging from 3 inches to 16 inches. The J type halogen bulbs are commonly used to light up appliances like microwaves and ovens. They are also used in interior lights such as cabinet lights, under the counter lights, closet lights, desk lights, under cabinet lights, and ceiling lamps. Some outdoor lights such as motion sensor lights also use the J type halogen bulbs. You should exercise caution when handling the J type halogen bulbs because touching it with bare hands may reduce the lifespan of the bulb significantly. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the bulb to avoid direct skin contact.

 

 

PAR, R, and BR halogen floodlights

 

Halogen floodlights are high voltage lamps designed to produce high lumen beams of light. Halogen floodlights come in two types: Heavy glass and soft glass lights. The heavy glass halogen floodlights measure between 1.75 inches and 4.75 inches in diameter. They have a high voltage and are mostly used outdoors as security lights. They can also be used indoors in areas which require bright lightings such as the gym or an indoor arena. The thick glass halogen floodlights produce high lumen beams and come in different beam widths. The thick glass construct helps protect the light against weather elements such as rain, snow, wind, and sunlight. You can identify a thick glass halogen floodlight by the label “PAR” which means “parabolic aluminized reflector.”

The soft glass halogen floodlight, on the other hand, is mostly used in interior lighting since the soft glass cannot protect it from the harsh elements subjected to outdoor lights. This halogen flood light is identifiable by the labels “R” or “BR” and looks just like the standard incandescent light bulb. Soft glass halogen lights come in lower voltages than the hard glass halogen floodlights to avoid generating too much heat and to produce softer light beams.

 

 

In conclusion

 

Halogen light bulbs have been a significant improvement from incandescent light bulbs in terms of longevity, beam quality. Lighting a home efficiently and effectively is not a walk in the park, and you need a guide to light it right. When choosing a bulb for your lighting needs, you want to select a bulb that provides excellent beam quality for a more extended period. The halogen bulbs long lifespan and even color lighting provide all that without compromising on bulb size and aesthetics.