What are metal halide lamps and what are their advantages?
Metal halide lamps are one of the most advanced technologies in the field of high intensity lighting. They are electric lamps that produce light by means of an electric arc through a mixture of mercury vapor and metal halides.
Thanks to this technology, metal halide lamps are able to generate a clear and natural light, with a light output that can reach up to 100 lumens per watt, making them extremely efficient.
Their color temperature, very close to that of sunlight, allows them to reveal colors with extreme precision, an essential feature in sectors such as cinema and television, where color accuracy is fundamental. Furthermore, compared to traditional incandescent lamps, metal halide lamps are up to five times more efficient.
How does a metal halide lamp work?
The operation of metal halide lamps requires specific devices for ignition and power management. During ignition, these lamps require a high voltage discharge, provided by a high voltage igniter, to start the electrical discharge process inside the lamp. Subsequently, to ensure stable and safe operation, it is necessary to use an electromagnetic or electronic ballast.
After an initial warm-up period, which can last a few minutes, the lamp reaches its maximum luminous efficiency, operating at a pressure between 4 and 20 atmospheres. For this reason, the safe use of metal halide lamps requires specialized equipment, such as ballasts and igniters specifically designed to ensure reliable and rapid ignition
In which sectors do they find application?
Thanks to their technical characteristics, metal halide lamps are widely used in many professional fields that require high-quality lighting. Among the main application sectors, we find for example:
- Lighting for video and television shooting, both indoors and outdoors
- Lighting for television broadcasts
- Lighting for large-scale events
- Theatrical lighting and live shows
- Underwater lighting
- Special effects in the cinema sector
- Projections on large screens
What are the technical requirements for their installation?
To ensure the best performance of metal halide lamps, it is essential to use short and well-insulated high-voltage cables, so as to avoid the loss of ignition energy and the risk of unwanted effects such as corona. Installation must be in compliance with CE regulations, and IREM guarantees certified products designed to comply with the most stringent technical specifications required by the main lamp manufacturers.
What solutions does IREM propose for the ignition and operation of metal halide lamps?
IREM offers a complete range of high quality hot restrike igniters and magnetic ballasts, designed to ensure correct operation and long life of metal halide lamps, with power ranging from 200W to 18000W. In particular, the AD series igniters stand out for their compact design and thermal stability, ensuring optimal operation with reduced noise level.
IREM igniters are compatible with both single-ended and double-ended metal halide lamps (MSR, MSI, HMI), and are available in various versions to suit different system configurations. The units must be installed close to the lamp, with proper thermal shielding and adequate grounding, to ensure maximum operational safety and prevention of electromagnetic interference.
The POWER LIGHTING IREM range includes ballasts and igniters designed to power high-pressure discharge lamps such as xenon, metal halide and metal halide; top-quality products essential for a wide range of professional applications, from cinema to television, from theatre lighting to large-scale events
Thanks to its consolidated experience in the sector, IREM is the ideal partner for those looking for reliable and safe solutions in the field of professional lighting. IREM products are designed to guarantee excellent performance, safety and durability over time, supporting a wide range of applications in demanding and professional environments.
