Some desk lamps are known to operate mainly incandescent bulbs or incandescent bulbs that contain halogen gas. Both share similar mechanisms of producing light.
However, they are quite different in many aspects such as brightness, lifespan, safety, and many more factors.
So read on as we discuss more on what is a non halogen desk lamp, and the difference between it and hologen one.
What Is a Non Halogen Desk Lamp?
These are tabletop lamps that operate incandescent bulbs. Such bulbs consist of a coiled filament that lights up when current passes through it.
Unlike its halogen counterpart, its brightness isn’t as good due to the absence of the gaseous amplifier which is halogen.
As the name suggests they’re designed for home use, usually on your desk or nightstand. Its closest and safest alternative would be LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).
Halogen Desk Lamps vs Non-halogen Desk Lamps
1. Brightness
Halogen desk lamps produce a brighter light than non-halogen desk lamps.
How? They can generate more lumens of light at their lowest watt rating (1000 lumens at 43W). This allows them to beat the non-halogen lamp bulb.
Even when its highest wattage rating (60W) produces just 800 to 900 lumens of light.
2. Light Color
Regular incandescent bulbs give off a warm orange-yellow color.
Halogen desk lamps on the other hand give off a bright white color.
3. Gaseous Content
Halogen incandescent desk lamps are known to contain halogen gas which is used to amplify brightness. This is the same for regular incandescent lamps, as they also contain gas.
However, it’s usually inert gaseous mixtures such as nitrogen-argon.
4. Lifespan
The Lifespan of either type of desk lamp is majorly linked to the type of gas it contains and the type of envelope that is containing the gas.
For instance, the regular incandescent bulb consists of a very sensitive glass envelope that holds inert gas mixtures.
When the tungsten filament is heated up to a higher temperature, evaporation will occur in such a way the metal ends up being dispatched to the much cooler part of the envelope.
You’d notice a progressive darkening (a sign of slow deterioration) in the bulb which is quick and can only be stopped by reducing the filament temperature.
Halogen incandescent lamp bulbs on the other hand adopt a more “regenerative cycle” which is supported by strong materials.
Such as the halogen bulb’s fused Quartz envelope that can withstand much higher temperatures.
On top of that, the halogen build also contains vapor (iodine or bromine) which is meant to mix with evaporates (metal deposit) coming from the heated filament.
This reaction will then cause the deposit to return to the filament. Thus causing it to last longer than regular incandescent bulbs.
5. Price
Halogen bulbs are known to cost more because they’re expensive to make. That’s why the price of halogen desk lamp is 4 times that of regular incandescent lamps.
So if you get a non halogen desk lamp for $10, then you’re probably going to spend at least $40 on the halogen equivalent.
6. Efficiency
Regular incandescent desk lamps don’t use up energy like halogen ones that operate halogen bulbs.
Given that halogen desk lamps are the ones that heat up at higher temperatures than non-halogen bulbs. Thus making them more efficient.
Note: halogen runs at 55 watts while non-halogen runs at 43 watts.
7. Safety
Halogen desk lamps are more likely to cause fire outbreaks in homes due to the fact that they operate at higher temperatures compared to non halogen desk lamps.
Differences Between Incandescent Desk Lamps (Halogen or Non-halogen) and LED Desk Lamps
1. Mechanism
LEDs are as the name suggests, Light Emitting Diodes. They produce bright light when current passes through the chip in such a way the electron compound gets excited and then causes the release of light photons.
Incandescent bulbs on the other hand make use of a coiled filament which is heated to produce light.
2. Size
LEDs are quite small compared to incandescent bulbs.
Given LEDs are in the form of chips while incandescent lamps make use of bulbs that are significantly larger than LEDs.
3. Colors
Incandescent bulbs such as the halogen and non-halogen variant give off a bright white color and warm orange-yellow color respectively. Which is quite restrictive.
With LEDs on the other hand, it can give off any color you want.
4. Brightness
Light Emitting Diodes are known to emit 3,600 – 4,500 lumens of light.
Which beats incandescent bulbs that are known to emit no more than 1000 lumens of light.
5. Customization
LEDs are far more customizable than incandescent light bulbs due to their microchip-like structure.
6. Efficiency
Incandescent bulbs are known to use up lots of energy, especially the halogen type.
For LEDs, it’s completely different as they utilize 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
7. Safety
It’s very safe to use LED lamps. As the light sources don’t require higher unhealthyly temperatures to create vibrant bright lights.
But in the case of incandescent bulbs (specifically halogen bulbs), it requires a higher temperature to stay bright.
So, if the any flammable material is exposed to them the could catch fire.
8. Price
LED lamps are know cost as much or more that incandescent lamps.
You can get an LED table lamp for a price within the range of $20 to $100.
Regular incandescent bulb price usually linger below $50.
Similarities Between All Lamp Type
1. Mechanism
Both halogen lamps and non-halogen lamps make use of coiled filament tungsten to produce light upon heating. As well as gasses to amplify the brightness of the light. The only difference is the type of gas.
2. Safety
Both regular incandescent lamps and LEDs are less likely to cause house fires.
3. Energy Efficiency
LEDs and regular incandescent (non-halogen) lamps use up less energy than halogen lamps.
Comparison Chart
| Factors | Halogen Desk Lamp | Incandescent Desk Lamp | LED Desk Lamp |
| Lifespan | 2000 – 4000 hours | 750 – 2000 hours | 50,000 hours |
| Brightness | 1000 lumens | 450 – 800 lumens (for 40 – 60 watts) | 1100 lumens |
| Safety | Can cause fire outbreaks | Safe to use | Safe to use |
| Colors | Bright white | Warm orange-yellow | Any color |
| Mechanism | Coiled filament tungsten | Coiled filament tungsten | Current excites electron compound |
| Type of Gas | Halogen | Inert gas mixture | No Gas |
FAQs
1. Are led lights non-halogen?
The mechanism in which LEDs operate does not require halogen gas as incandescent bulbs do.
2. Are halogen bulbs hotter than incandescent?
Yes. Because they have a higher color temperature than non-halogen incandescent bulbs.
3. Why a halogen desk lamp is prohibited in some areas?
Halogen desk lamps are banned in some places due to the high temperature at which they operate.
Because a halogen desk lamp could cause a fire if flammable materials such as paper, clothing, and even panel bedding come in contact with it.
