There are many different kinds of small halogen lamps and some are more
unusual than others. Some have screw bases and others have a push and turn
base like the MR11's we're talking about here. It's known as a double
contact bayonet base which is put into a socket by pushing with a slight twist
making the positive contact. One of the things about MR11 lamps in general
is that they're a smaller lamp
than it's larger cousin, the MR16 lamp. The MR11
double contact halogen was developed as a 12 volt lamp for use in low voltage lighting systems.
Like all halogen capsule bulbs, they are filled with a special gas that actually rebuilds the filament and
gives a longer life than normal incandescent bulbs. Along with this lamp, halogens come in
different shapes and sizes for various different uses. Some common halogen types
are PAR, JC, Double Ended, MR16, and A-Line or MB. The MR11 double contact is the one
that has a 1.5 inch reflector with a silvered (dichroic) coated which is usually
faceted when it's a flood light, non-faceted when it's usually a spot. The
base is smooth with small protrusions on either side which holds the lamp in the
socket under a slight bit of tension. It's actually a very good way to
have a lamp make a positive electrical contact, although it's not used that much
in the industry.
Halogen bulbs should not be touched with your skin in any way. If they
are touched, their is a good chance there will be premature failure. In case you ever
do touch a halogen bulb, wipe it thoroughly with a soft cloth or maybe one with
a bit of alcohol to completely clean off the oils. Bulbs that
are covered, like the PAR and some of the MR11 halogen light bulbs, are okay to
touch, since you are not touching the actual bulb but a heavy, thick glass that
covers the light bulb. Most commonly, they are put into an enclosure, but
be aware of touching a halogen capsule itself directly, is not a good idea.
The MR11 lamp is low voltage in most cases, but those voltages can vary to
include 24 volt, 12 volt or 6 volt.
If you have MR11 double contact halogen light bulbs in your home or business, then you want
to make sure of several characteristics when replacing them. You need to
make sure that the reflector opening is 1.4 inches, verify the operating voltage
of the lamp and the pin spacing of the bulbs themselves. A typical MR11
DC halogen has push and turn base with positive connections that hold it in
place. Of course, you will need to have the correct socket which works
with this base. It's important to also get the wattage
of the lamp which is clearly marked in most cases. Most of the times,
these lamps are a 35 watt version, but we have seen some others. If you can find these characteristics, then you can find
them on our web site or you can call us to verify your information.
In summary, halogen light bulbs are available in wide varieties and sizes,
and can be used, among many other things, to replace standard incandescent bulbs. Of course, you will need fixtures that will have the correct equipment
for the MR11 double contact halogen bulbs. They will emit a whiter, brighter light that is
considered by a vast majority of people more desirable than regular old bulbs. We have a large inventory
of halogen bulbs for nearly every type of light fixture in the field. If
you need help identifying a MR11 halogen bulb, our customer service
representatives can help you determine what you have regardless of the base it
might have.
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