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 have been initially designed for EcoLight use 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 observe lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, panorama lighting, retail display lighting, EcoLight home lighting and bicycle headlights. MR lamps are designated by symbols corresponding to MR16 the place the diameter is represented by numerals indicating items of eighths of an inch. Widespread sizes for normal lighting are MR11 (11⁄8 inches, EcoLight 35 mm) and MR16 (16⁄8 inches, 51 mm), with MR8 (8⁄8 inch, 25 mm) and MR20 (20⁄8 inches, sixty four mm) used in specialty functions. Many run on low voltage relatively than mains voltage alternating current so require a power provide. 3,314,331 for a miniature reflector EcoLight LED lamp in 1967. The innovation was using the lamp rim, somewhat than the base, as the reference plane for focusing.

This allowed more versatile electrical mounting preparations and extra precise focusing. Most MR lamps include a halogen capsule (or, bulb) built-in with a pressed glass reflector with a base conforming to bi-pin GU5.3 commonplace. The reflector controls the course and spread of light cast from the lamp. Some lamps use an aluminum coating as a reflector. Others use selective dichroic coating that reflects seen gentle and permits infrared radiation to cross through. This kind reduces heating of illuminated objects since less infrared radiation is present in the light beam. Nevertheless, dichroic lamps should solely be utilized in compatible fixtures that may dissipate the heat. Dichroic lamps should not be fitted to recessed or enclosed luminaires with the IEC 60598 No Cool Beam symbol. The brightness of MR lamps could be adjusted when used with appropriate gentle fixtures and EcoLight dimmers. Nonetheless, the coloration temperature adjustments considerably when the lamp is dimmed, shifting dramatically to the hotter end of the spectrum.

Like all halogen lamps, MR lamps produce important heat and care have to be taken to avoid contact with pores and skin or proximity to flammable materials when the lamp is on or has been on not too long ago. Halogen lamps (18 lm/W typical) are extra vitality efficient than common incandescent lamps (15 lm/W typical) however still fall far behind different extra-recent varieties such as fluorescent lamps (80-a hundred lm/W), EcoLight gas discharge lamps (100-200 lm/W relying on varieties), and LEDs (125-a hundred and fifty lm/W typical in shiny white relying on model). With each kinds of incandescent bulbs, useful life may be considerably shortened if their filaments experience mechanical shock or vibration. Utilizing an digital transformer with a tender start characteristic can significantly extend life, as it reduces the characteristically high inrush present that happens initially when the lamp is cold. Dimming additionally extends life significantly. MR lamps, EcoLight like all quartz-halogen lamps, produce some undesirable ultraviolet gentle. Normally, this have to be filtered out.

Also, the quartz capsules of the lamps may rupture or explode upon failure of the lamps. For these two causes, EcoLight some MR lamps include a cowl glass that serves as an built-in ultraviolet filter and explosion shield. MR16 lamps lacking this cowl require the usage of a fixture that incorporates an exterior piece of glass particularly designed to supply each ultraviolet and EcoLight brand physical safety. MR lamps are available in 10-seventy five watt power ratings (150-800 lumens). MR lamps most often operate at 12 volts, although they're also out there in other voltages. These lamps use a bi-pin connector for EcoLight power: 12-volt MR11 bulbs often use a GU4 base, and 12-volt MR16 bulbs normally use a GU5.3 base. The common 12-volt MR16 lamps, therefore, EcoLight require a ferromagnetic or electronic transformer-generally misnamed as a ballast-to convert the 120- or 230-volt mains voltage to the extra-low voltage required by the lamp. Certain MR lamps can function straight on the mains voltage. These lamps usually use a GU10 turn-and-lock base, so they can't be unintentionally interchanged with low-voltage lamps.

GU10 is distinguished from the lower-voltage MR lamps by the U-formed ceramic base mount with a 10 mm (pin heart-to-middle distance) 2-pin bayonet mount. MR16 lamps with an built-in transformer are also out there. These lamps have screw bases to fit standard medium-base Edison sockets. MR lamps are commonly obtainable in range of coloration temperatures, from about 2700 Ok to 7000 Ok, to satisfy varied functions. Retrofit lamps that generate light by a unique principle but makes use of the MR type-issue are available. For example, LED-based mostly MR16 lamps appear just like halogen lamps and will be utilized in most fixtures designed for MR lamps. The same is true of MR11-compatible LED lamps. Fixtures designed for halogen MR16 or MR11 lamps that use digital transformers might should be retrofitted with LED-appropriate transformers. There's a large variety of designs, varying considerably with regard to beam width, light colour, effectivity and luminous energy.