It's unusual and you may not run across it very often in the world of stage and studio and projectors, but the DAY / DAK projector lamps have had many specialized uses in the past.  These are made with a special shape which resembles and old TV tube with an unusual base.  Because the need to communicate visually is important and stage or studio lighting has special needs, these lamps will be an option in a number of places where nothing else will work.  There are a variety of studio equipment and projection equipment which use the DAY / DAK lamp.  The have a high light output which and ability for great light control because of the small filament.  Many types of studio lighting fixtures have a reflector system which needs a small focal point of light.  As well as the positioning of the filament, the brightness, as most people call it, needs to be adequate for stage presentations as well as overhead presentation viewing.

All of the DAY / DAK lamps regardless of the brand, have the same shape.  That's one of the reasons they're not interchangeable with other types of projection lamps.  The DAY is actually a replacement of the older number which is the DAK.  Many older types of applications will refer to the DAK lamp.  Almost always, the voltages of projection lamps are different and the lumen output as well.  The DAY / DAK projector lamps are 500 watts and 120 volt.  In regards to the shape, the DAY / DAK is very unique.  The base will almost certainly not fit in any other kind of socket.  This lamp is very specific for the application it's used in, so don't go looking for a replacement of some other type, simply replace it with another DAY / DAK.  Another thing to remember, because these have a high light output, that usually means they have a much shorter life.  The life is shorter, the rating is only 30 hours, so it's good to turn off the lamp when it's not in use.  The color temperature is also 3200K which makes it ideal for TV studio lighting as that is the color that usually works best with many kinds of television cameras.

Another thing to keep in mind when replacing these is that they are identified by a 3 letter code on the bulb itself.  You'll see it somewhere on the back or the top if it's more like a bulb as opposed to a reflector type lamp.  Sometimes you'll see a code such as DAY / DAK as described here or another type with the letters ENX, FXL, DYS, DYP, EVD, EVW or something similar to that.  The ANSI 3 letter code identifies that bulb as to the shape, wattage, voltage and any other standard information.  Unlike other types of bulbs, these have some standards across various manufacturers, the only thing that varies is quality.  We have two of the best manufacturers of all types which are Sylvania and Eiko.

In summary, DAY / DAK lamps are used specifically for stage and studio light fixtures and overhead projectors they are made to operate with.  Of course, you will need projectors that will have the correct voltage and socket for these projector bulbs.  Whatever type of projection lamp you have, you can get what you need from Service Lighting.  We have a large inventory of projector bulbs for nearly every type of lighting application in the field.  If you need help identifying a projector bulb, our customer service DAY / DAK representatives can help you determine what you have.