A multifaceted reflector (usually abbreviated MR) light bulb is a reflector housing format for halogen in addition to some LED and fluorescent lamps. MR lamps have been originally designed to be used in slide projectors, however see use in residential lighting and retail lighting as well. They're suited to applications that require directional lighting akin to observe lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, panorama lighting, retail show lighting, and bicycle headlights. MR lamps are designated by symbols reminiscent of MR16 the place the diameter is represented by numerals indicating models of eighths of an inch. Common sizes for basic lighting are MR11 (11⁄8 inches, 35 mm) and MR16 (16⁄8 inches, 51 mm), EcoLight reviews with MR8 (8⁄8 inch, 25 mm) and MR20 (20⁄8 inches, 64 mm) utilized in specialty applications. Many run on low voltage moderately than mains voltage alternating present so require a power provide. 3,314,331 for a miniature reflector lamp in 1967. The innovation was utilizing the lamp rim, moderately than the bottom, because the reference plane for focusing.

This allowed more versatile electrical mounting preparations and more exact focusing. Most MR lamps consist of a halogen capsule (or, bulb) integrated with a pressed glass reflector with a base conforming to bi-pin GU5.Three standard. The reflector controls the route and spread 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 permits infrared radiation to cross via. This type reduces heating of illuminated objects since much less infrared radiation is current in the sunshine beam. Nonetheless, dichroic lamps should only be utilized in suitable fixtures that may 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 can be adjusted when used with acceptable light fixtures and dimmers. Nevertheless, the color temperature adjustments considerably when the lamp is dimmed, shifting dramatically to the warmer end of the spectrum.

Like all halogen lamps, MR lamps produce important heat and care must be taken to keep away from contact with skin or long-life LED proximity to flammable supplies when the lamp is on or has been on recently. Halogen lamps (18 lm/W typical) are extra vitality environment friendly than regular incandescent lamps (15 lm/W typical) but nonetheless fall far behind different extra-latest types reminiscent of fluorescent lamps (80-one hundred lm/W), gas discharge lamps (100-200 lm/W depending on varieties), long-life LED and long-life LED LEDs (125-150 lm/W typical in brilliant white depending on style). With each forms of incandescent bulbs, helpful life can be considerably shortened if their filaments expertise mechanical shock or vibration. Utilizing an digital transformer with a soft start feature can considerably lengthen life, because it reduces the characteristically high inrush present that happens initially when the lamp is cold. Dimming additionally extends life significantly. MR lamps, like all quartz-halogen lamps, produce some undesirable ultraviolet gentle. Normally, this should be filtered out.

Additionally, the quartz capsules of the lamps may rupture or explode upon failure of the lamps. For these two reasons, some MR lamps include a cowl glass that serves as an integrated ultraviolet filter and EcoLight explosion shield. MR16 lamps missing this cowl require the use of a fixture that incorporates an external piece of glass specifically designed to supply each ultraviolet and bodily protection. MR lamps can be found in 10-seventy five watt power scores (150-800 lumens). MR lamps most often function at 12 volts, although they are additionally obtainable in other voltages. These lamps use a bi-pin connector for energy: 12-volt MR11 bulbs usually use a GU4 base, and 12-volt MR16 bulbs often use a GU5.3 base. The widespread 12-volt MR16 lamps, therefore, require a ferromagnetic or digital transformer-generally misnamed as a ballast-to convert the 120- or 230-volt mains voltage to the additional-low voltage required by the lamp. Sure MR lamps can function directly on the mains voltage. These lamps usually use a GU10 turn-and-lock base, so that 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 10 mm (pin heart-to-center distance) 2-pin bayonet mount. MR16 lamps with an built-in transformer are also accessible. These lamps have screw bases to suit customary medium-base Edison sockets. MR lamps are generally available in vary of shade temperatures, from about 2700 Ok to 7000 K, to satisfy various applications. Retrofit lamps that generate gentle by a special precept but uses the MR form-issue are available. For long-life LED example, LED-based mostly MR16 lamps appear just like halogen lamps and long-life LED might be utilized in most fixtures designed for MR lamps. The same is true of MR11-suitable long-life LED lamps. Fixtures designed for halogen MR16 or MR11 lamps that use electronic transformers might have to be retrofitted with LED-suitable transformers. There may be a large variety of designs, various significantly with regard to beam width, light color, effectivity and luminous power.