How to choose a halogen spotlight for street lighting?

Outdoor street lighting plays an important role in people's lives. Spotlights and lamps mounted on masts, various poles, overpasses allow improving visibility in the dark. Light is very necessary not only on the night streets of the big city, but also in the courtyards of small sleeping areas, and in private households.

Previously, as searchlights used the same lights, which were installed along the roads. Lanterns practically did not differ from each other in terms of device and principle of operation. Today the situation has changed: that street lamps, spotlights, lanterns for a summer residence correspond to requirements, it is necessary to work. Today's choice of lighting outdoor equipment is amazing. Halogen equipment is especially popular. With the help of these lamps, sculptures and other cultural values, billboards, facades are illuminated.

A bit of history

The very first system of outdoor lighting, which was used to illuminate the streets, was built in Amsterdam in the 17th century. The project was developed by one of the employees of the fire protection of this city. It was necessary to install about 2.5 thousand lanterns. Used as a source of light oil lamps, and finished them only in 1840.

This experience was assessed in other countries and cities. So, in 1807 in London began to appear lamps for outdoor lighting, working on gas. And in Moscow, the streets began to light since 1730.

Today is not the 17th century, therefore, as a source of lighting for both city streets and private cottages, a halogen spotlight is used.

What are the requirements for outdoor lighting sources

Outdoor lighting systems are very different from those for indoor lighting. Differences in everything - in design, in the way of installation, in technical characteristics. Choose a spotlight with a traffic sensor for the street also on other principles. And if for the use in rooms important parameter such as color temperature, then for such luminaires power is important.

The light output of a light source is the ratio of the light flux emitted by the source to the power consumed by it. As a rule, fixtures, spotlights for outdoor lighting are predominantly halogen. Their light output is 85-150 lm / W.

Another parameter is the service life. It is very important in the selection of a device. Since the process of replacing the spotlight is quite laborious, the long term of operation is a big plus.

What to focus on when choosing

Choosing a street lighting system, you should consider several nuances. So, climatic features of those territories where the halogen spotlight will work are very important. Also, the intensity of movement in the area that needs to be illuminated is important. In addition, take into account the impact of the external environment, the need for the territory in a saturated light, especially the installation.

Floodlights operate in conditions of high humidity, as well as sharp temperature changes, so it is important to take into account also the level of protection. This indicator indicates whether moisture or other foreign bodies can penetrate the luminaire housing. For example, a halogen spotlight should have a protection level of 23 IP for the electrical part, and 54 IP for a sealed compartment with a lamp.

Halogen Outdoor Light

This is a popular means for organizing outdoor lighting. They are used almost everywhere. These lamps are illuminated as the streets of cities, and private households.

Device

At the heart of the device are halogen lamps for spotlights. They are a cylinder filled with a buffer gas. It is this component that makes it possible to increase their lifetime several times.

As a basis for the lamp use tungsten wire. The shape of the wire is attached using special electrodes and holders.

Operating principle

Halogen spotlight works by the principle of the formation of tungsten halides, the evaporation of which triggers the decay and reduction of tungsten. Action is a closed loop.

Previously, such lamps used iodine atoms, but this caused certain drawbacks. Iodine proved to be highly aggressive to metals, and the light was of a green hue. In addition, it was not possible to calculate the norm of iodine necessary for stable operation of the lamp.

Then in the lamps began to use bromine, chlorine and fluorine. And these substances failed to give the lamp the necessary characteristics. In modern halogen bulbs use methyl bromide or methylene. These substances have the properties necessary for work. Lamps with a huge lifespan contain pure bromine in the flask, but their cost is prohibitive.

A halogen lamp works when electricity is supplied to a tungsten spiral. The spiral heats up and emits light. Working temperatures rise, and tungsten begins the process of evaporation. Atoms of the metal settle on the walls of the cylinder, and atoms of bromine or other substances return the metal to its original state.

How is the lamp

Even a not very powerful 150 W halogen spotlight will achieve optimal distribution and angular concentration of light. In the searchlight there is a lamp, as well as a special lens that concentrates the light in a certain direction. Most modern models use Fresnel-type lenses. In addition, outdoor projectors are protected from dust and moisture.

Advantages of halogen lighting

These lamps emit a beautiful light, which can be as soft or diffuse or, conversely, stiff. Halogen lamp differs more saturated light, and bright radiation can be regulated.

Floodlights on halogen lamps are very durable, and the luminous flux is constant throughout the time of use. These products can withstand even severe voltage surges. Lamps for searchlights are small in size, which saves energy. Such devices are reliable in any climatic zone.

The projector allows you to adjust any lighting angle. Powerful lighting equipment does not require special starting equipment. Also, the searchlight with a traffic sensor for the street will help save energy.

Types of halogen floodlights

Lamps vary in color. So, there are transparent and matte. If we talk about the structure of the lamp, then distinguish linear, with an external bulb, with a reflector and capsule-type lamps.

Searchlight with traffic sensor for street

This is the same halogen spotlight, but it is additionally equipped with a sensor that responds to traffic. The lighting device will light when the sensor locks in a certain zone. This is a very economical device.

The device is a one-piece product, and it is very easy to install and connect it. Installation of the device is carried out by means of a special bracket, which has an element for fastening. The device is nailed with standard dowel nails into the already created holes.

It is also very easy to connect this equipment to the network. The wires at the outlet are three cores. One of them is yellow or green, the other is black, the third is blue. There are options, but the ground wire is always yellow or red. To connect, you need other wires that connect to zero and phase.

It is desirable to install the device through a switch. The sensor can operate even on small pets, which sometimes can cause inconvenience.

Purchase

How to choose a halogen spotlight? Before making such a purchase, you need to pay attention to a few important nuances. If you need to get a light that looks like a sunshine, then recommend a device with a transparent lamp. The matt lamps give out a white color with a bluish tinge.

For outdoor installation, a device equipped with a motion sensor is recommended. When choosing an important number of light flux - choose the area of lighting. Very bright light, which gives a halogen spotlight 500 W, is not appropriate in all situations.

It is important to carefully consider the case of the device. It is recommended that you carefully examine the body, the glass part of the bulb, the quantity, and the quality of the reflectors. These devices are made of aluminum, so they will not overheat - you should buy just such devices. Lamps from tempered glass can withstand even serious mechanical effects.

Cost and Manufacturers

These lighting devices are produced all over the world and even in our country. It is not recommended to buy Chinese halogen spotlights, their price is available (up to 700 rubles.), But the quality is frankly low. But in the Middle Kingdom there are also worthy producers. Philips, Galad and other well-known brands also produce high-quality devices. The price for them is from 2 thousand rubles.