There are many different kinds of small halogen lamps and some are more unusual than others.  Some have screw bases and others have a push and turn base like the MR11's we're talking about here.  It's known as a double contact bayonet base which is put into a socket by pushing with a slight twist making the positive contact.  One of the things about MR11 lamps in general is that they're a smaller lamp than it's larger cousin, the MR16 lamp.  The MR11 double contact halogen was developed as a 12 volt lamp for use in low voltage lighting systems.  Like all halogen capsule bulbs, they are filled with a special gas that actually rebuilds the filament and gives a longer life than normal incandescent bulbs. Along with this lamp, halogens come in different shapes and sizes for various different uses. Some common halogen types are PAR, JC, Double Ended, MR16, and A-Line or MB.  The MR11 double contact is the one that has a 1.5 inch reflector with a silvered (dichroic) coated which is usually faceted when it's a flood light, non-faceted when it's usually a spot.  The base is smooth with small protrusions on either side which holds the lamp in the socket under a slight bit of tension.  It's actually a very good way to have a lamp make a positive electrical contact, although it's not used that much in the industry.

Halogen bulbs should not be touched with your skin in any way. If they are touched, their is a good chance there will be premature failure.  In case you ever do touch a halogen bulb, wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth or maybe one with a bit of alcohol to completely clean off the oils. Bulbs that are covered, like the PAR and some of the MR11 halogen light bulbs, are okay to touch, since you are not touching the actual bulb but a heavy, thick glass that covers the light bulb.  Most commonly, they are put into an enclosure, but be aware of touching a halogen capsule itself directly, is not a good idea.  The MR11 lamp is low voltage in most cases, but those voltages can vary to include 24 volt, 12 volt or 6 volt.

If you have MR11 double contact halogen light bulbs in your home or business, then you want to make sure of several characteristics when replacing them.  You need to make sure that the reflector opening is 1.4 inches, verify the operating voltage of the lamp and the pin spacing of the bulbs themselves.  A typical MR11 DC halogen has push and turn base with positive connections that hold it in place.  Of course, you will need to have the correct socket which works with this base.  It's important to also get the wattage of the lamp which is clearly marked in most cases.  Most of the times, these lamps are a 35 watt version, but we have seen some others.  If you can find these characteristics, then you can find them on our web site or you can call us to verify your information.

In summary, halogen light bulbs are available in wide varieties and sizes, and can be used, among many other things, to replace standard incandescent bulbs. Of course, you will need fixtures that will have the correct equipment for the MR11 double contact halogen bulbs.  They will emit a whiter, brighter light that is considered by a vast majority of people more desirable than regular old bulbs.  We have a large inventory of halogen bulbs for nearly every type of light fixture in the field.  If you need help identifying a MR11 halogen bulb, our customer service representatives can help you determine what you have regardless of the base it might have.