A multifaceted reflector (typically abbreviated MR) light bulb is a reflector EcoLight housing format for halogen as well as some LED and fluorescent lamps. MR lamps were originally designed for use in slide projectors, however see use in residential lighting and retail lighting as effectively. They are suited to applications that require directional lighting akin to track lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, landscape lighting, retail display lighting, and bicycle headlights. MR lamps are designated by symbols corresponding to MR16 the place the diameter is represented by numerals indicating units of eighths of an inch. Frequent sizes for common lighting are MR11 (11⁄8 inches, 35 mm) and MR16 (16⁄8 inches, fifty one mm), with MR8 (8⁄8 inch, 25 mm) and EcoLight MR20 (20⁄8 inches, 64 mm) utilized in specialty functions. Many run on low voltage relatively than mains voltage alternating current so require a power supply. 3,314,331 for a miniature reflector lamp in 1967. The innovation was utilizing the lamp rim, relatively than the bottom, as the reference airplane for focusing.
This allowed extra flexible electrical mounting arrangements and extra precise focusing. Most MR lamps consist of a halogen capsule (or, bulb) built-in with a pressed glass reflector with a base conforming to bi-pin GU5.Three standard. The reflector controls the path and spread of mild solid from the lamp. Some lamps use an aluminum coating as a reflector. Others use selective dichroic coating that reflects seen gentle and permits infrared radiation to go via. This kind reduces heating of illuminated objects since less infrared radiation is present in the sunshine beam. Nonetheless, dichroic lamps must solely be utilized in compatible fixtures that may dissipate the heat. Dichroic lamps should not be fitted to recessed or EcoLight dimmable enclosed luminaires with the IEC 60598 No Cool Beam image. The brightness of MR lamps will be adjusted when used with acceptable gentle fixtures and dimmers. Nevertheless, the colour temperature modifications considerably when the lamp is dimmed, shifting dramatically to the warmer end of the spectrum.
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Like all halogen lamps, MR lamps produce important heat and care have to be taken to avoid contact with skin or proximity to flammable supplies when the lamp is on or has been on not too long ago. Halogen lamps (18 lm/W typical) are more energy environment friendly than common incandescent lamps (15 lm/W typical) but nonetheless fall far behind other extra-recent varieties comparable to fluorescent lamps (80-one hundred lm/W), gas discharge lamps (100-200 lm/W relying on sorts), and LEDs (125-one hundred fifty lm/W typical in vibrant white relying on type). With both forms of incandescent bulbs, helpful life may be considerably shortened if their filaments expertise mechanical shock or vibration. Utilizing an electronic transformer with a soft start feature can significantly prolong life, as it reduces the characteristically high inrush current that happens initially when the lamp is chilly. Dimming additionally extends life considerably. MR lamps, like all quartz-halogen lamps, produce some undesirable ultraviolet gentle. Usually, this should be filtered out.
Additionally, the quartz capsules of the lamps might rupture or explode upon failure of the lamps. For these two causes, some MR lamps embrace a cover glass that serves as an integrated ultraviolet filter and explosion shield. MR16 lamps missing this cowl require the usage of a fixture that incorporates an exterior piece of glass particularly designed to supply both ultraviolet and physical safety. MR lamps are available in 10-75 watt energy scores (150-800 lumens). MR lamps most often operate at 12 volts, although they're also accessible in different voltages. These lamps use a bi-pin connector for energy: 12-volt MR11 bulbs often use a GU4 base, and 12-volt MR16 bulbs normally use a GU5.3 base. The common 12-volt MR16 lamps, therefore, require a ferromagnetic or electronic transformer-typically misnamed as a ballast-to transform the 120- or 230-volt mains voltage to the additional-low voltage required by the lamp. Sure MR lamps can function instantly on the mains voltage. These lamps sometimes use a GU10 turn-and-lock base, so they can't be accidentally interchanged with low-voltage lamps.
GU10 is distinguished from the decrease-voltage MR lamps by the U-shaped ceramic base mount with a ten mm (pin heart-to-heart distance) 2-pin bayonet mount. MR16 lamps with an integrated transformer are also accessible. These lamps have screw bases to suit commonplace medium-base Edison sockets. MR lamps are commonly obtainable in range of color temperatures, from about 2700 Ok to 7000 Ok, to satisfy various functions. Retrofit lamps that generate gentle by a special precept however makes use of the MR type-factor can be found. For instance, LED-primarily based MR16 lamps seem much like halogen lamps and can be used in most fixtures designed for MR lamps. The identical is true of MR11-suitable LED lamps. Fixtures designed for halogen MR16 or MR11 lamps that use electronic transformers may must be retrofitted with LED-suitable transformers. There's a wide number of designs, varying considerably with regard to beam width, gentle color, effectivity and luminous energy.