Halogen Lamp Explained: Function, Advantages and Disadvantages
What Is a Halogen Lamp?
A halogen lamp is an advancement of the incandescent lamp. Here too, a tungsten filament is heated to incandescence, but the glass envelope contains a halogen gas (usually iodine or bromine). This gas enables a chemical regenerative cycle in which evaporated tungsten is redeposited onto the filament. The result: a longer lifespan, a higher operating temperature and thus whiter, more brilliant light than a conventional incandescent lamp.
What Are the Characteristics of a Halogen Lamp?
- Colour Temperature: approx. 2,800–3,200 Kelvin – a warm white, brilliant light
- Colour Rendering: CRI 100 – the best possible colour rendering
- Luminous Efficacy: approx. 15–25 lumens per watt – better than incandescent lamps but significantly below LED levels
- Lifespan: approx. 2,000–4,000 hours
- Dimming Behaviour: Excellent dimmability; when dimmed, the light becomes warmer (natural dim-to-warm behaviour)
What Has Happened to Halogen Lamps?
Since September 2018, most halogen lamps have no longer been permitted to be placed on the EU market (exceptions: certain specialist types such as R7s and G9). Since September 2023, the ban has also applied to the remaining exceptions. Halogen lamps have since been consistently replaced by LED light sources, which offer similar or superior light properties at significantly lower energy consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are halogen lamps still available to buy?
Remaining stock may still be sold. However, new halogen lamps may no longer be placed on the EU market (with a few specialist exceptions).
Which LED replaces my halogen lamp?
For virtually every halogen lamp, a suitable LED retrofit light source is available – with the same base, a similar colour temperature and comparable brightness at a fraction of the energy consumption.
In Summary:
The halogen lamp was the standard for brilliant, warm white light for decades. Today, LED light sources have taken over its role – more energy-efficient, longer-lasting and more versatile. At Leuchtenland.com you will find the right LED replacement for every halogen lamp.