Fire Extinguisher : 101

The Importance of Halogen Light Safety

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Halogen lights are often used to bring luminosity on a specific object, such as a painting on a wall or an art object, in order to bring attention to it. They are also used in reading lights, outdoor lights, torchière style floor lamps, slide projectors, and many other light devices that require intense illumination. Halogen lights are popular as they are very effective, but their greatest disadvantage is that they emit an extraordinary amount of heat. A standard 75-watt light bulb operates at about 260 degrees Fahrenheit, while a 300-watt halogen light bulb can reach temperatures of up to 970 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some essential halogen light safety precautions so that no harm comes to you or the members of your family.

The following are halogen light safety guidelines:

• Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings that come with the product in order to know what is safe and what is not.
• Make sure to turn off or unplug the lamp and wait for the light bulb to cool down before attempting to change it.
• Avoid changing a halogen light bulb with your bare fingers as the natural oil of your skin can damage it; instead, use gloves or plastic wrap.
• Never drape clothing, towels, curtains, scarves or any fabrics over a lamp as it causes a potential fire hazard.
• Keep halogen lights away from children and pets, and avoid using them in areas where children or pets can possibly knock them over.
• Always turn halogen lights off when leaving the home for an extended period of time.
• If you purchase a halogen lamp that features a dimmer switch, you should operate it at its lowest setting whenever possible.
• Never operate a halogen lamp that is damaged or that is missing components.
• Keep halogen lamps at least twenty inches from walls, and even further from combustible materials and fabrics such as bedding, drapes, bookcases and furniture.

By following these preventive safety measures, the dangers associated with halogen lights will be significantly decreased. And remember, the initial and most important step to halogen light safety is to read the product’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.