I currently have a 100W halogen swing arm lamp over the bed, which I use for reading but also for lighting up the whole room as needed. Would I be disappointed by a move to a 50W Xenon instead? What about a 75W halogen?

Thanks,
-- Amanda

Hi,

    I don't think you will see any more light per watt with Xenon vs. Halogen. It will however burn cooler, still hot but cooler than a halogen.

You should be able to go to a 75 watt in either bulb without a very noticeable difference. Any more that that and I think you will feel the difference.

Paul

Thanks -- that's a big help, as always.

While I'm on the topic, I'm assuming that it's not possible to use a Xenon bulb in a halogen fixture. Why not?

Most of the swing arm reading lamps (dimmable/over the bed) I've found are halogen, but I'd prefer Xenon since it's cooler.

I'm assuming that it's not possible to use a Xenon bulb in a halogen fixture. Are there any standards for these bulbs? Would it be possible to use one instead of another if the pins were compatible?

The halogen fixtures are:
<img src="http://www.brandlighting.com/images/products/holtkotter523.jpg">
* Q 100 DC/CL - 120V/max. 100 Watt Bayonet Base Halogen Bulb

<img src="http://www.brandlighting.com/images/products/access50346.jpg">
* Halogen T3 78mm

The Xenon one is:
<img src="http://www.brandlighting.com/images/besa/1WU-174352-SN.jpg">
* Xenon 50w Bi-Pin T4

I really like the last one, but 50W is probably not enough. Any ideas?

Thanks,
-- Amanda

Hi Amanda,

     In order for you to replace a halogen bulb with a xenon bulb you would need all three of these things to be correct. The bulb type as in the number like T-4 bi pin, the voltage and the wattage. The most critical is the voltage and the base of the bulb. Unfortunately, xenon has not taken the place of halogen in any big way so I can understand your frustration.

Paul

Thanks! What bad things happen if you use a higher wattage than the fixture recommends?

(So I could start with the 50W Xenon and then replace with 75W Xenon if it wasn't bright enough?)

Hi Amanda,

     Yes, using a wattage that is higher than the listed amount for that fixture could be a bad thing. The reason a wattage is specified is mostly regarding the heat and what it could do to the fixture parts or wires if it is exceeded. It's best to follow those recommendations.

Paul