It's one of the most popular projector lamps on the market today used in all sorts of equipment. When looking for projection equipment lighting, it makes sense to find what what works and has the correct specifications. It's the FCS projector lamps that have been a favorite of designers and engineers for many types of lighting applications.  Although the needs of computer based presentation has increased recently, there are still many applications of overhead projectors in use everyday.  The need for simple visual communication makes it a popular option for years to come.  There are a wide variety projectors which use the FCS lamp, and they all have the same exact function.  In fact, some companies who make these projectors have swapped bulb types for any number of reasons.  The main purpose for a bulb like this is the light it puts on a screen, how well it fills out the screen space.  The brightness, as most people call it, needs to be enough to gain good contrasts of objects, writing or overhead transparencies.

All of the FCS projector lamps regardless of the brand, have the same shape.  It is a simple capsule bulb which has two pin connectors, and that's one of the reason it's been a favorite, it's simple design.  The FCS projector lamps are 150 watts and 24 volt and are sometimes known by the Osram number 64640/HLX .  In either case, they are the same bulb providing proper illumination for the equipment you have.  The color temperature is 3400K, so it can be used in many more types of equipment than other types that are limited to applications like stage lighting.  Something to keep in mind about these lamps is that they have a high light output, that usually means they have a much shorter life.  The life is shorter, about 50 hours, so it's good to turn off the lamp when it's not being used.   Another thing to remember is 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 the code as FCS as described here or ENX, DYS, EVD, ELH or something similar to that, you get the idea.  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 carry the Sylvania or Eiko brands which we have found to be a tested, quality light over time.  Another caution is that these bulbs should not be touched with your skin. The skin oils can react with the glass and there can be some reactions which will shorten the lamp life. If they are touched, you might see a bubbling of the glass over time, but it's not instantaneous. If you do touch it, simply wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth.

In summary, FCS lamps are used specifically for the overhead projector or other type of viewer they operate in.  Whatever type of projection lamp you have, you can get what you need while getting the most light you can for your money.  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 representatives can help you determine what you have.