The starting current of halogen lamps has many effects on tungsten wires. The following is a detailed analysis of these effects:
- Characteristics of starting current
When a halogen lamp is cold started, its current is usually much larger than the current when it is working steadily. For example, a 55W halogen lamp may have a current of about 30A during cold start (but the duration is extremely short, which is a surge current), while the current may drop to about 10A during hot start. In contrast, the current of a halogen lamp during normal operation is usually between 4.5 and 5A.
- Physical impact on tungsten wire
Thermal shock:
The instantaneous high current at startup will generate a large amount of heat, causing thermal shock to the tungsten wire. This thermal shock may cause local overheating of the tungsten wire and may even cause slight deformation or damage to the tungsten wire.
Resistance change:
Since the resistance of the tungsten wire increases with temperature, the instantaneous high current at startup will cause the resistance of the tungsten wire to rise rapidly. This change in resistance may affect the starting performance and stability of the halogen lamp.
- Impact on the chemical properties of tungsten wire
Accelerated evaporation:
The instantaneous high current at startup will cause the tungsten wire to heat up rapidly, thereby accelerating the evaporation of tungsten atoms. Although the halogen cycle mechanism can capture some of the evaporated tungsten atoms and redeposit them on the filament, long-term frequent startup may still cause the tungsten wire to gradually consume and thin.
Promote chemical reaction:
At high temperatures, the chemical reaction between the tungsten wire and the halogen gas may be more intense. The instantaneous high current at startup will intensify this reaction process, thereby affecting the life and performance of the halogen bulb.
- Impact on the life of halogen lamps
Frequent starting and shutting down of halogen lamps, especially continuously in a short period of time, will cause great impact and damage to the tungsten wire. This may lead to a shortened life of halogen lamps, because the gradual consumption and deformation of the tungsten wire will reduce its luminous efficiency and stability.
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