There's never been a time where the lighted projector has been so needed by schools and educational institutions.  The needs of overhead presentation has exploded over the past three decades bringing with it the need for a consistent source of lamps.  And although computer presentation has been popular, there are still millions of regular overhead projectors in use on a daily basis.  The need for easy visual communication makes it something that will be used for many years to come.  There are a wide variety of overhead projector lamps that are used in projection equipment, and they don't all use the same bulb.  In fact, some companies who make these have switched bulbs in their design from time to time 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 writing or overhead transparencies.  Of course, having a bulb that is working is important as well because they seem to go out when you least expect it!

Many of the overhead projector lamps have a similar shape, and sometimes the exact same shape of another which might have a different voltage or wattage.  That's one of the reasons they're not interchangeable.  Almost always, the voltages vary and the amount of light as well.  In regards to the shape, many bulbs have the same shape as MR16 halogen bulbs, but that's where the similarity ends.  The MR16 has a few basic voltages and does not have the watts that are needed to produce the light that an overhead projector needs.  Another thing to remember, because overhead projector lamps have a very high light output, that usually means they have a much shorter life, it's just the way it is with the physics of incandescent lighting.  Since the life is shorter, it's good to turn off the lamp when it's not being used.  Every minute of time you save means the lamp will last longer and you'll be saving money. These bulbs should not be touched with your skin as the oils can react with the glass. If they are touched, the life span of the bulb will be greatly reduced and sometimes you might see a bubbling of the glass. In case you ever do touch a projector light bulb, wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Another thing to keep in mind when replacing these is that they are identified by a three 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 ENX or FXL, DYS, EVD, ELH or something similar.  The ANSI three 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, overhead projector lamps are available in a variety of sizes, and are used specifically for the projection equipment they operate in.  Of course, you will need projectors that will have the correct circuitry for the projector bulbs.  Whatever type of projector lamp you have, you will be the longest life bulb possible while getting the most light you can for your money.  We have a large inventory of overhead projector lamps for nearly every type of lighting presentation application in the field.  If you need help identifying a bulb, our customer service representatives can help you determine what you have.