A multifaceted reflector (typically abbreviated MR) gentle bulb is a reflector housing format for halogen as well as some LED and fluorescent lamps. MR lamps were initially designed to be used in slide projectors, but see use in residential EcoLight home lighting and retail lighting as well. They are suited to purposes that require directional lighting akin to monitor lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, landscape lighting, retail show lighting, LED bulbs for home and bicycle headlights. MR lamps are designated by symbols reminiscent of MR16 where the diameter is represented by numerals indicating items of eighths of an inch. Frequent sizes for general lighting are MR11 (11⁄8 inches, 35 mm) and MR16 (16⁄8 inches, 51 mm), with MR8 (8⁄8 inch, 25 mm) and MR20 (20⁄8 inches, EcoLight home lighting sixty four mm) utilized in specialty functions. Many run on low voltage relatively 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, reasonably than the base, because the reference plane for focusing.

This allowed extra flexible electrical mounting arrangements and extra exact focusing. Most MR lamps encompass 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 path and spread of mild forged from the lamp. Some lamps use an aluminum coating as a reflector. Others use selective dichroic coating that reflects seen light and permits infrared radiation to go through. This kind reduces heating of illuminated objects since less infrared radiation is present in the sunshine beam. However, dichroic lamps should solely be used in appropriate fixtures that can dissipate the heat. Dichroic lamps must not be fitted to recessed or EcoLight home lighting enclosed luminaires with the IEC 60598 No Cool Beam image. The brightness of MR lamps will be adjusted when used with acceptable gentle fixtures and dimmers. Nevertheless, the colour temperature adjustments considerably when the lamp is dimmed, shifting dramatically to the hotter finish of the spectrum.

Like all halogen lamps, MR lamps produce vital heat and EcoLight energy care have to be taken to keep away from contact with skin or EcoLight home lighting proximity to flammable supplies when the lamp is on or has been on just lately. Halogen lamps (18 lm/W typical) are more power efficient than common incandescent lamps (15 lm/W typical) however still fall far behind other more-current varieties akin to fluorescent lamps (80-a hundred lm/W), gasoline discharge lamps (100-200 lm/W depending on sorts), and LEDs (125-a hundred and fifty lm/W typical in vibrant white depending on style). With both forms of incandescent bulbs, useful life will be significantly shortened if their filaments experience mechanical shock or vibration. Utilizing an digital transformer with a soft begin characteristic can considerably prolong life, because it reduces the characteristically excessive inrush current that occurs initially when the lamp is chilly. Dimming additionally extends life significantly. MR lamps, like all quartz-halogen lamps, produce some undesirable ultraviolet mild. Normally, this must be filtered out.

Additionally, the quartz capsules of the lamps might rupture or explode upon failure of the lamps. For EcoLight home lighting these two reasons, some MR lamps include a cover glass that serves as an built-in ultraviolet filter and explosion shield. MR16 lamps lacking this cowl require using a fixture that incorporates an external piece of glass specifically designed to provide each ultraviolet and physical safety. MR lamps are available in 10-75 watt energy ratings (150-800 lumens). MR lamps most often operate at 12 volts, though they are also available in other voltages. These lamps use a bi-pin connector for power: 12-volt MR11 bulbs often use a GU4 base, and 12-volt MR16 bulbs usually use a GU5.Three base. The widespread 12-volt MR16 lamps, therefore, require a ferromagnetic or EcoLight outdoor digital transformer-typically misnamed as a ballast-to transform the 120- or 230-volt mains voltage to the additional-low voltage required by the lamp. Certain MR lamps can function immediately on the mains voltage. These lamps usually use a GU10 turn-and-lock base, in order that they can't be unintentionally interchanged with low-voltage lamps.

GU10 is distinguished from the lower-voltage MR lamps by the U-formed ceramic base mount with a 10 mm (pin center-to-middle distance) 2-pin bayonet mount. MR16 lamps with an integrated transformer are additionally available. These lamps have screw bases to suit standard medium-base Edison sockets. MR lamps are commonly available in range of coloration temperatures, from about 2700 Ok to 7000 Okay, to fulfill varied applications. Retrofit lamps that generate gentle by a unique principle however uses the MR type-issue can be found. For example, LED-based mostly MR16 lamps seem much like halogen lamps and can be used in most fixtures designed for MR lamps. The identical is true of MR11-compatible LED lamps. Fixtures designed for halogen MR16 or MR11 lamps that use electronic transformers might have to be retrofitted with LED-appropriate transformers. There's a wide number of designs, various significantly with regard to beam width, mild color, effectivity and luminous energy.