Halogen Track Lighting: Easy On The Eyes

Halogen track lighting is becoming ever more popular. Halogen lights have the advantage of rendering truer colors in objects they are focused on. If you want to use halogen lighting, there are some details you will want to find out.

First, halogen bulbs can be easily focused. The low voltage variety, especially, has a very small filament to accomplish this. This makes them a good choice for accent lighting. However, both line voltage and low voltage halogen lights can give off a tiny spot or a broad flooding effect.

Longer-Lasting Bulbs

Compared to incandescent bulbs and fixtures, halogen ones are more expensive. You will save with them in the long run, though, because the bulbs burn twice as long. They are also 1/3 more efficient when it comes to energy use.

When you want track lighting that is less noticeable, halogen lighting is a good choice. When you use halogen lights, the light will be as you set it, but the source of the light will not be obvious.

For accent lighting, there is an ideal way to set up your halogen track lighting. The light should strike the object at a thirty degree angle from the light head to the object or wall. Depending on how tall the object is that you want to illuminate, this will determine how far from the wall your track should go.

Halogen Types

There are two main types of halogen fixtures and heads, and a third kind that is up and coming. The two main kinds are the low voltage MR16 and the line voltage Par20. The newest type on the market is the GU10. The standard halogen bulb used is a 50 watt bulb.

The MR16 halogen lighting system works best for accent lighting, but it can be used in other applications. It can be used for under cabinet lighting in a kitchen. This lights up a dark area and adds to your layering of light. However, you would not want to use halogen track lighting in a bathroom because it is not as safe in a moist environment.

The MR16 head is smaller and more expensive than the Par20's. On the other hand, the MR16's bulb is brighter and less expensive than the Par20's. The GU10's head has a lower price, about the same as the Par20's. The GU10's bulb is less expensive like the MR16's. At the same time, the GU10's bulb is just as bright as the bulb for the MR16.

Easy On The Eyes

Halogen track lighting is a gentle and warm light. It causes little eye strain if it is aimed properly. However, there are some things to watch out for. The halogen bulbs burn very hot, so you have to use gloves when you touch the bulbs.

This is necessary because the heat interacts with the oils of your fingers and can even ruin the bulbs completely. The heat also causes the problem of a fire hazard if the bulbs are too close to curtains and such. Halogen bulbs have even been blamed with disrupting the aim on one of the newer video game system controllers. All in all, though, the halogen track lighting systems are an attractive and economical addition to many homes.