The history of metal halides

This initial design failed to produce a consistent colour, and it wasn’t until General Electric resumed research in this direction some forty years later that the modern metal halides were born and came to the marketplace.

Characteristics of metal halides

Metal halides provide several advantages over other forms of lighting. One of these is that they have a very long life. Metal halides typically have a lifespan more than ten times that of incandescent alternatives.

Metal halide lamps have a quality of white light closer to natural light than most other types of lighting. Metal halides are used where a bright light is required to be emitted over great areas or distances, such as sports stadia, outdoor arenas or lighthouses. Metal halides are also well suited for being coloured, and can be manufactured in a wide range of colours apart from white. Coloured metal halides are often used to illuminate buildings of architectural interest.

Metal halides are also more efficient than their incandescent, fluorescent or mercury vapour lamp equivalents. Because metal halides last longer, are more efficient and require less power to run, metal halides are seen as having a less detrimental effect on the environment than other lighting types.

Uses of metal halides

Because of the adaptability of metal halides, they are used in a wide variety of ways, both internally and externally. Amongst some of the uses for metal halides are stadium lighting, street lighting, building illumination and even aquarium lighting.

Related terms for metal halides