For some new track lighting systems, the MR16 120 volt halogen has been one of the latest ideas in lighting.  It's designed to operate in a 120 volt lighting system and is usually a track lighting situation.  It gives you the opportunity to have MR16 lamps without using a transformer.  For some people, they prefer not to have transformers in their lighting systems as it represents another component that will eventually fail.  It's almost impossible to get the same quality of halogen light effect from any other kind of lamp except for comparable 12 volt MR16 lamps.  Like all halogen capsule bulbs, they are filled with a special gas that actually rebuilds the filament and provides longer average lifespan than normal incandescent bulbs. Halogens come in different shapes and sizes for various different uses.  The MR16 is the one that has a 2 inch reflector with a silvered (dichroic) coated which is usually faceted.  This 120 volt MR16 always has a cover over the lamp, this is to protect from breakage in power surges or violent failure.  They have a bipin or GU10 base which pushes into the socket and then there is usually a holder in the fixture or sometimes they are out in the open.  MR16 lamps put out a light that gives a good color rendition to anything you're lighting. This is especially useful in retail showrooms, where color is important to make merchandise look its best.

Halogen light bulbs should not be touched with your skin as the oils can react with the glass.  And in the case of these, they are sealed inside a glass covering, so it's impossible to touch the inner part and capsule.  In case you ever do touch a halogen light bulb, wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth. If you have MR16 120 volt 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 2 inches, verify the operating voltage of the lamp and the pin spacing of the bulbs themselves.  A typical MR16 120 volt halogen has a pin spacing at 8 millimeters and some have the GU10 base as was mentioned before.  It's also important to get the wattage of the lamp which is clearly marked in most cases.  If you have these basics, then the only other thing you will need is the beam spread.  This is determined by degrees but also by a descriptive term like narrow flood or narrow spot and so on.  These bulbs also have 3 letter codes associated with them and we can tell the watts and beam spread from that code.  Some of the more common codes are EXN/120, EXT/120, EXZ/120, BAB/120 and so on.  If you can find these characteristics or codes, 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 a variety of sizes, and can be used, among many other things, to replace standard incandescent light bulbs. Of course, you will need fixtures that will have the correct equipment for the MR16 120 volt halogen bulbs.  The equipment will have no transformers and there will be wattage limitations for the bulbs as well.  You'll be happy with the results as they will emit a whiter, brighter light that is considered by a vast majority of people more desirable than regular light bulbs.  Whatever type of halogen you have, you will be saving energy while getting the most light you can for your money.  We have a large inventory of halogen bulbs for nearly every type of light fixture in the field.  If you need help identifying a MR16 120 volt halogen bulb, our customer service representatives can help you determine what you have.