Before discussing halogen bulbs, let’s start with an ordinary electric bulb which is a common fixture in household lamps. A fairly large, thin and frosted glass envelope makes up a normal light bulb. Gases such as Nitrogen and/or Argon are present inside the glass. A tungsten filament is located at the lamp’s center. This filament is heated by electricity (up to about 4,500 degrees F/2,500 degrees Celsius). At that amount of heat, the tungsten gets “white hot”, just like any hot metal. A great deal of visible light is emitted and produced. This process is called incandescence and it is essential to the functioning of halogen bulbs.
Introduced in 1958, the halogen bulb is also a type of incandescent light bulb. It became a popular choice for headlights and other applications that needed very bright lights for it is capable of burning much more brightly than conventional ones. Not to mention that halogen bulbs are also more efficient and longer lasting than the ordinary types. The halogen bulb’s design consists of a tungsten filament enclosed in another material, just like a conventional bulb. The tungsten filament heats up and puts out light with electricity; this is basically how light bulbs work. But the tungsten begins to break down as the filament heats up. Dark deposits begin to appear as the broken down tungsten collects inside the bulb. The light bulb will burn out afterwards because the filament will eventually break at a weak point.
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As a precaution, extra care is needed in handling halogen bulbs, especially when used in common household items like halogen desk lamps or halogen floor lamps. All light bulbs get hot but halogens get much hotter because the quartz envelope is so close to the filament. It can cause burns if not handled properly. And if it’s used near curtains or other flammable objects, it might start a fire. Also, the salts and oils present in our hands can react to the quartz in the bulbs and may create a weak point. That’s why handling the bulb with bare hands is not advisable, it may reduce the bulb’s lifespan. To prevent unnecessary contact, it is recommended to use gloves or cloth in handling halogen lamps. In case they are touched with bare hands, always wipe them down.