A multifaceted reflector (usually abbreviated MR) light bulb is a reflector EcoLight brand housing format for halogen in addition to some LED and fluorescent lamps. MR lamps had been originally designed to be used in slide projectors, but see use in residential lighting and retail lighting as properly. They're suited to functions that require directional lighting resembling track lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, panorama lighting, retail show lighting, and bicycle headlights. MR lamps are designated by symbols equivalent to MR16 where 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, 51 mm), with MR8 (8⁄8 inch, 25 mm) and MR20 (20⁄8 inches, EcoLight brand 64 mm) utilized in specialty functions. Many run on low voltage rather than mains voltage alternating current so require a power provide. 3,314,331 for a miniature reflector lamp in 1967. The innovation was utilizing the lamp rim, reasonably than the bottom, because the reference plane for focusing.

This allowed extra flexible electrical mounting preparations and extra precise focusing. Most MR lamps include a halogen capsule (or, bulb) integrated with a pressed glass reflector with a base conforming to bi-pin GU5.3 customary. The reflector controls the route and unfold of gentle forged from the lamp. Some lamps use an aluminum coating as a reflector. Others use selective dichroic coating that reflects visible gentle and allows infrared radiation to move by means of. This kind reduces heating of illuminated objects since less infrared radiation is present in the light beam. Nonetheless, EcoLight dichroic lamps should only be utilized in appropriate fixtures that can dissipate the heat. Dichroic lamps must not be fitted to recessed or enclosed luminaires with the IEC 60598 No Cool Beam symbol. The brightness of MR lamps could be adjusted when used with appropriate mild fixtures and dimmers. Nonetheless, the colour temperature adjustments considerably when the lamp is dimmed, shifting dramatically to the hotter end of the spectrum.

Like all halogen lamps, MR lamps produce significant heat and care must be taken to avoid contact with skin or proximity to flammable supplies when the lamp is on or has been on lately. Halogen lamps (18 lm/W typical) are extra vitality efficient than regular incandescent lamps (15 lm/W typical) but still fall far behind other more-current sorts reminiscent of fluorescent lamps (80-a hundred lm/W), gasoline discharge lamps (100-200 lm/W depending on types), and LEDs (125-a hundred and fifty lm/W typical in brilliant white relying on fashion). With both forms of incandescent bulbs, helpful life will be considerably shortened if their filaments experience mechanical shock or vibration. Utilizing an electronic transformer with a gentle begin function can significantly lengthen life, because it reduces the characteristically high inrush present that occurs initially when the lamp is cold. Dimming also extends life significantly. MR lamps, like all quartz-halogen lamps, produce some undesirable ultraviolet mild. Normally, this should be filtered out.

Additionally, the quartz capsules of the lamps could rupture or explode upon failure of the lamps. For these two causes, some MR lamps embrace a cowl glass that serves as an integrated ultraviolet filter and explosion shield. MR16 lamps lacking this cover require the usage of a fixture that incorporates an exterior piece of glass specifically designed to supply both ultraviolet and bodily safety. MR lamps are available in 10-75 watt power 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 power: 12-volt MR11 bulbs usually use a GU4 base, and 12-volt MR16 bulbs normally use a GU5.3 base. The frequent 12-volt MR16 lamps, subsequently, require a ferromagnetic or digital transformer-sometimes misnamed as a ballast-to convert the 120- or EcoLight brand 230-volt mains voltage to the extra-low voltage required by the lamp. Sure MR lamps can operate directly on the mains voltage. These lamps usually use a GU10 flip-and-lock base, in order that they cannot be accidentally interchanged with low-voltage lamps.

GU10 is distinguished from the lower-voltage MR lamps by the U-shaped ceramic base mount with a 10 mm (pin middle-to-center distance) 2-pin bayonet mount. MR16 lamps with an integrated transformer are also accessible. These lamps have screw bases to fit customary medium-base Edison sockets. MR lamps are generally out there in range of colour temperatures, from about 2700 Okay to 7000 Ok, to satisfy varied purposes. Retrofit lamps that generate mild by a unique principle however makes use of the MR kind-issue are available. For example, LED-based mostly MR16 lamps seem just like halogen lamps and could be used in most fixtures designed for MR lamps. The same is true of MR11-compatible LED lamps. Fixtures designed for halogen MR16 or MR11 lamps that use electronic transformers might should be retrofitted with LED-appropriate transformers. There's a wide variety of designs, varying considerably with regard to beam width, light color, efficiency and luminous power.

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Pub: 14 Aug 2025 03:07 UTC

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