New Halogen Lamps That Look Like Light Bulbs

2007-Nov-11 |   Osram has developed halogen lamps that can be screwed into normal light bulb sockets. The lamps’ service life is at least twice as long as that of conventional light bulbs, however. The biggest advantage of this lamp — the Halogen Energy Saver — is that it consumes as much as 30 percent less electricity than normal light bulbs, while providing the same level of light intensity for interior lighting. The new lamp is available in a range of different designs. It comes in the socket sizes E14 and E27 and is also available in low-voltage variants for applications of a more commercial nature.

With this new development, Osram is paving the way for halogen lamps to enter a completely new market. Until now, these lamps had to be inserted into special sockets with two small contact pins, and they also required a transformer to operate at the 220 Volts standard of the German power grid. By contrast, the new halogen lamps can simply be screwed into normal light bulb sockets. Osram is thus creating an additional, medium price segment to go along with the kind of energy-saving lamps that have been available for years.

Because the halogen lamps are contained completely within the glass housing, they emit no more heat than a conventional light bulb. The Halogen Energy Saver is available in a variety of shapes: bulbs, candles, and spotlights. Osram uses a special UV-absorbing glass for the lamps to ensure that UV emissions are significantly below the limits set for halogen lamps. Osram uses only environmentally friendly materials in the production of lamps. The solder previously used for the base of all E14 and E27 lamps, for example, has been replaced by a lead-free solder.

Osram has also revamped its entire range of halogen lamps, which now consume 30 percent less energy as well. A variety of methods were used to achieve this reduction, including the application of an improved coating technology that reflects heat inwards to the filament. As a result, the filament does not have to be heated as much as in the past, which cuts power consumption.