Halogen Lamp
Beware of Halogen
Lamps
Halogen
lamps, by their inherent design, generate a tremendous amount
of heat. As a result, fires
often occur when portable halogen lamps fall over or have
combustible materials placed on or near the light. The Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning to
consumers that tubular light bulbs in most torchiere-style
lamp can reach temperatures hot enough to start fires if
they come in contact with curtains, clothes, or other flammable
materials.
The CPSC has received reports of
at least 30 fires associated with torchiere lamps
containing tubular halogen bulbs. Two deaths have
been associated with these fires. A torchiere lamp
is a free standing lamp with a light fixture mounted
on top of a pole about six feet tall. These lamps
first became available in 1983 and approximately
35 to 40 million lamps are in use in the United States.
CPSC tests have determined that
halogen bulbs can reach temperatures of 976 to 1200
degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, incandescent bulbs
can reach from 260 to 340 degrees Fahrenheit. Actual
temperature output is dependant on bulb size or wattage.
If you have one of these lamps,
here are some tips for safer use:
- Never allow a torchiere halogen
lamp to be placed where the bulb could come in
contact with curtains or other cloth window treatments.
- Never drape clothes over a
torchiere lamp (this includes baseball caps!).
- For lamps with dimmer switches,
operate the lamp at a setting lower than maximum
whenever possible.
- Keep halogen torchiere lamps
away from elevated beds and bedding such as lofts
or bunk beds.
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