If you've ever looked at the lighting in many retail stores, you might see one of the most important light bulbs to come out in the last twenty years, the MR16 halogen.  This lamp is a fine example of halogen light technology with very precise beam control.  Sometimes people say they look like little satellite dishes and there are some similarities to that shape.  The MR16 was developed as a 12 volt lamp for use in low voltage lighting systems.  It's almost impossible to get the same quality of halogen light effect from any other kind of lamp.  It has a unique illumination effect and the light control is great.  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. Some common halogen types are PAR, JC, Double Ended, MR11, and A-Line or MB.  The MR16 is the one that has a 2 inch reflector with a silvered (dichroic) coated which is usually faceted.  Halogen bulbs burn about 10 percent brighter, whiter, a hotter than normal incandescent bulbs. Extra heat is typically not a benefit, but whiter, bright light is something that is useful in a large number of lighting applications. 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 in any way. If they are touched, the life span of the bulb will be greatly reduced. In case you ever do touch a halogen light bulb, wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth. Bulbs that are covered, like the PAR and some of the MR16 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 MR16 lamp is low voltage in most cases, but there are some that are made with a line voltage.  The line voltage ones are becoming more popular because it means not having to use a 12 volt transformer.

If you have MR16 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 halogen has a pin spacing at 5.3 millimeters whereas some of the higher voltage MR16's can go up to 8 millimeters.  It's important to also 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.  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 light bulbs. Of course, you will need fixtures that will have the correct equipment for the MR16 halogen bulbs.  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 fluorescent you choose or 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 halogen bulb, our customer service representatives can help you determine what you have.