What Is The Difference Between A Torchiere And A Halogen Lamp

Floor lamps provide subdued lighting.

A torchiere is a floor lamp. That is, it is tall with a bowl sitting on top, and the base sits on the floor. It provides indirect lighting as the light from the bulb shines towards the ceiling. The primary lighting sources for a torchiere are fluorescent or halogen light bulbs. Another alternative is the incandescent torchiere. Several significant differences exist between fluorescent and incandescent torchiere light bulbs and halogen light bulbs.

Brightness

Halogen lamps can be dimmed to several levels. Fluorescent light bulbs do not have that capability. This gives halogen lights more options for lighting effects. Incandescent lamps in torchieres also can be dimmed.

Heat

Halogen lamps produce more heat than other type of bulbs due to the fact they have less surface area. For example, a 300-watt halogen bulb found in a torchiere can reach a temperature of 1,000 degrees F. A fluorescent light bulb, by comparison, generates heat of 100 degrees F. To put the heat of a halogen in perspective, a 75-watt light bulb reaches a temperature of 260 degrees F and a 500-watt incandescent light bulb registers 350 degrees F.

Energy Efficiency

Halogen lights are more energy efficient if used wisely. Due to their small size and ability to generate heat, select a lower wattage bulb. It will produce the same amount of light as a higher watt bulb such as an incandescent.

Fire Hazard

Halogen light bulbs present a fire hazard. They are banned in residence halls at the University of Colorado at Boulder and their use in discouraged in campus buildings. The reason for the fire hazard is the extreme heat of the bulb which has the potential to ignite other materials. Other light sources for torchieres do not present this danger.

Tags: light bulbs, light bulb, fire hazard, Halogen lamps, halogen light, incandescent torchiere