Incandescent versus Halogen

[canduit]

It seems these http://www.screwfix.com/p/sylvania-halogen-energy-saver-spot-r80-es-42w/59908?_requestid=11709 lamps are designed to be a direct replacement for the incandescent equivalent. Has anyone had the opportunity to compare the the two, apart from the price difference?

 

[sparkticus]

I must admit that I am skeptical about defining these halogen lamps as low energy.

In fact both have filaments, it is just that the halogen lamp uses the halogen cycle to essentially recycle the tungsten evaporation from the filament.

I don't know what criteria the manufacturer uses to claim "low energy"

EDIT: OK my mistake on second reading I see they say "energy saver"


Is there not a CFL technology in that form factor that you could use?

 

[sparkticus]

Here is a "low energy" replacement.

http://www.ondemandsupplies.co.uk/p...rescent-CFL-Reflector-Spot-Lamp-ES{47}E27-cap

 

[flameport]

Light output is virtually identical.
They are a lower wattage, as the design takes advantage of the fact the filament can run at a higher temperature than normal incandescent lamps, so you get more light for a given power input.

Same idea as these:
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LAHGLS42BCCL.html

Although they use less energy, they are still inefficient when compared to fluorescent lamps. However they do start instantly and the light output is as close to 'normal' lamps as you will get. They can be used with dimmers, although this may reduce their lifespan.

 

[canduit]

I must admit that I am skeptical about defining these halogen lamps as low energy.

In fact both have filaments, it is just that the halogen lamp uses the halogen cycle to essentially recycle the tungsten evaporation from the filament.

I don't know what criteria the manufacturer uses to claim "low energy"

EDIT: OK my mistake on second reading I see they say "energy saver"


Is there not a CFL technology in that form factor that you could use?

I should of said before, I've got 3 rooms with the same set-up; recessed ceiling light units designed for incandescent 100mm diameter 60W reflector lamps and dimmers, and I'm happy with the light output, and I haven't changed any in 18 months when I moved in! I'm sceptical too, and confused. The government are happy to ban all incandescents, but AFAIK there's been no discussion relating too the plethora of 50W GU10/MR16 etc that a lot of folks have in their homes. And CFL's, are they really saving energy? Does all the mercury really get extracted at the end of their life? Why not have traditional 50W incandescents?

 

[EFLImpudence]

I'm sceptical too, and confused. The government are happy to ban all incandescents, but AFAIK there's been no discussion relating too the plethora of 50W GU10/MR16 etc that a lot of folks have in their homes. And CFL's, are they really saving energy? Does all the mercury really get extracted at the end of their life? Why not have traditional 50W incandescents?

Never assume those in charge know what they are doing.

 

[sparkticus]

I'm sceptical too, and confused. The government are happy to ban all incandescents, but AFAIK there's been no discussion relating too the plethora of 50W GU10/MR16 etc that a lot of folks have in their homes. And CFL's, are they really saving energy? Does all the mercury really get extracted at the end of their life? Why not have traditional 50W incandescents?

Never assume those in charge know what they are doing.

Exactly, I think there is minimal coordination. One problem replacing halogen MR16/GU10s at the moment is when there is a dimmer. Obtaining CFL and LED replacements to work well with dimmers is not quite there yet and expensive. Many of the semiconductor companies are developing dimmer chips to go into the lamps.

I fitted six megaman dimmable downlighter CFLs the other day. I have to say that I was quite impressed with them. I also fitted a "low load" dimmer because my remit was not to rewire the switch in an effort on provide a live & neutral. Now they do take about 1 minute to warm up so they do not dim well in that first minute but they illuminated the room nicely (for ceiling torches) and do dim very well when warm.