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 originally designed for use in slide projectors, but see use in residential lighting and EcoLight retail lighting as properly. They're suited to purposes that require directional lighting equivalent to monitor lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, panorama lighting, retail show lighting, and bicycle headlights. MR lamps are designated by symbols akin to MR16 where the diameter is represented by numerals indicating models of eighths of an inch. Frequent 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, sixty four mm) utilized in specialty functions. Many run on low voltage slightly than mains voltage alternating current so require a power supply. 3,314,331 for a miniature reflector lamp in 1967. The innovation was utilizing the lamp rim, slightly than the bottom, because the reference aircraft for focusing.

This allowed more flexible electrical mounting preparations and more precise focusing. Most MR lamps encompass a halogen capsule (or, EcoLight bulb) integrated with a pressed glass reflector with a base conforming to bi-pin GU5.Three commonplace. The reflector controls the path and spread of light forged 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 move by way of. This sort reduces heating of illuminated objects since less infrared radiation is current in the sunshine beam. Nonetheless, 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 image. The brightness of MR lamps will be adjusted when used with appropriate light fixtures and dimmers. Nonetheless, the color temperature adjustments significantly when the lamp is dimmed, shifting dramatically to the warmer end of the spectrum.

Like all halogen lamps, EcoLight MR lamps produce significant heat and care should be taken to keep away from contact with 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 power environment friendly than common incandescent lamps (15 lm/W typical) but still fall far behind different more-current varieties akin to fluorescent lamps (80-a hundred lm/W), gas discharge lamps (100-200 lm/W relying on varieties), and LEDs (125-a hundred and fifty lm/W typical in brilliant white relying on model). With each kinds of incandescent bulbs, helpful life could be significantly shortened if their filaments experience mechanical shock or vibration. Utilizing an digital transformer with a tender begin function can considerably lengthen life, as it reduces the characteristically high inrush present that happens initially when the lamp is cold. Dimming additionally extends life significantly. MR lamps, like all quartz-halogen lamps, produce some undesirable ultraviolet light. Normally, this must be filtered out.

Additionally, the quartz capsules of the lamps might rupture or explode upon failure of the lamps. For these two causes, some MR lamps embody a cover glass that serves as an built-in ultraviolet filter and EcoLight home lighting explosion shield. MR16 lamps lacking this cowl require the usage of a fixture that incorporates an external piece of glass specifically designed to supply each ultraviolet and physical protection. MR lamps are available in 10-75 watt power rankings (150-800 lumens). MR lamps most often function at 12 volts, although they're also available in other voltages. These lamps use a bi-pin connector for energy: 12-volt MR11 bulbs often use a GU4 base, and 12-volt MR16 bulbs normally use a GU5.Three base. The widespread 12-volt MR16 lamps, therefore, require a ferromagnetic or electronic transformer-sometimes misnamed as a ballast-to transform the 120- or 230-volt mains voltage to the extra-low voltage required by the lamp. Certain MR lamps can operate instantly on the mains voltage. These lamps usually use a GU10 turn-and-lock base, so that they cannot be by accident 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 middle-to-heart distance) 2-pin bayonet mount. MR16 lamps with an integrated transformer are also accessible. These lamps have screw bases to suit customary medium-base Edison sockets. MR lamps are generally available in vary of colour temperatures, EcoLight solar bulbs from about 2700 K to 7000 K, to satisfy varied functions. Retrofit lamps that generate light by a distinct precept but makes use of the MR kind-factor are available. For example, EcoLight LED-primarily based MR16 lamps appear similar to halogen lamps and may be utilized in most fixtures designed for MR lamps. The same is true of MR11-appropriate LED lamps. Fixtures designed for halogen MR16 or MR11 lamps that use digital transformers might need to be retrofitted with LED-compatible transformers. There's a large variety of designs, varying significantly with regard to beam width, mild colour, efficiency and luminous energy.