A multifaceted reflector (often 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, however see use in residential lighting and retail lighting as well. They are suited to functions that require directional lighting equivalent to monitor lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, panorama lighting, retail display lighting, and bicycle headlights. MR lamps are designated by symbols comparable to MR16 the place the diameter is represented by numerals indicating models of eighths of an inch. Common sizes for common 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, 64 mm) utilized in specialty functions. Many run on low voltage relatively than mains voltage alternating present so require a power supply. 3,314,331 for a miniature reflector lamp in 1967. The innovation was utilizing the lamp rim, rather than the bottom, because the reference aircraft for focusing.

This allowed extra versatile electrical mounting preparations and extra exact focusing. Most MR lamps consist of a halogen capsule (or, bulb) integrated with a pressed glass reflector with a base conforming to bi-pin GU5.Three customary. The reflector controls the direction and EcoLight solutions spread of mild cast from the lamp. Some lamps use an aluminum coating as a reflector. Others use selective dichroic coating that displays visible light and allows infrared radiation to go via. This kind reduces heating of illuminated objects since less infrared radiation is present in the sunshine beam. Nevertheless, dichroic lamps must only be utilized in appropriate fixtures that can dissipate the heat. Dichroic lamps must not be fitted to recessed or enclosed luminaires with the IEC 60598 No Cool Beam symbol. The brightness of MR lamps can be adjusted when used with applicable mild fixtures and dimmers. Nevertheless, the color temperature changes significantly when the lamp is dimmed, shifting dramatically to the warmer end of the spectrum.

Like all halogen lamps, MR lamps produce vital heat and care have to be taken to avoid contact with pores and skin or proximity to flammable supplies when the lamp is on or has been on not too long ago. Halogen lamps (18 lm/W typical) are extra vitality efficient than regular incandescent lamps (15 lm/W typical) however still fall far behind other extra-recent varieties resembling fluorescent lamps (80-one hundred lm/W), fuel discharge lamps (100-200 lm/W relying on varieties), EcoLight and LEDs (125-one hundred fifty lm/W typical in vibrant white depending on type). With both kinds of incandescent bulbs, useful life might be significantly shortened if their filaments experience mechanical shock or vibration. Utilizing an electronic transformer with a delicate begin feature can considerably prolong life, as it reduces the characteristically high inrush current that occurs initially when the lamp is cold. Dimming additionally extends life significantly. MR lamps, like all quartz-halogen lamps, produce some undesirable ultraviolet gentle. Often, this must be filtered out.

Additionally, the quartz capsules of the lamps might rupture or EcoLight explode upon failure of the lamps. For these two causes, some MR lamps embrace a cowl glass that serves as an integrated ultraviolet filter and EcoLight smart bulbs explosion shield. MR16 lamps lacking this cover require using a fixture that incorporates an external piece of glass particularly designed to provide both ultraviolet and EcoLight smart bulbs physical safety. MR lamps are available in 10-75 watt energy rankings (150-800 lumens). MR lamps most frequently function at 12 volts, although they're 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 often use a GU5.3 base. The widespread 12-volt MR16 lamps, subsequently, require a ferromagnetic or digital transformer-typically misnamed as a ballast-to convert the 120- or 230-volt mains voltage to the additional-low voltage required by the lamp. Sure MR lamps can operate straight on the mains voltage. These lamps usually use a GU10 flip-and-lock base, in order that they cannot be unintentionally interchanged with low-voltage lamps.

GU10 is distinguished from the decrease-voltage MR lamps by the U-formed ceramic base mount with a ten mm (pin heart-to-middle distance) 2-pin bayonet mount. MR16 lamps with an built-in transformer are also accessible. These lamps have screw bases to suit normal medium-base Edison sockets. MR lamps are generally accessible in vary of colour temperatures, EcoLight from about 2700 Ok to 7000 Okay, to fulfill numerous functions. Retrofit lamps that generate light by a special precept however uses the MR type-factor are available. For instance, LED-primarily based MR16 lamps seem just like halogen lamps and EcoLight solar bulbs could be utilized in most fixtures designed for MR lamps. The same is true of MR11-suitable LED lamps. Fixtures designed for halogen MR16 or MR11 lamps that use digital transformers might should be retrofitted with LED-appropriate transformers. There may be a large variety of designs, various considerably with regard to beam width, gentle color, effectivity and luminous energy.