Basic Facts
There are three primary types of
HID lamps:
metal halide,
sodium, and
mercury vapor.
HID technology is very similar to fluorescent technology: an arc
is established between two electrodes in a gas filled tube which causes a
metallic vapor to produce radiant energy. The major difference is that HID
lamps can produce visible light without any phosphors. In addition,
the electrodes are only a few inches apart and the gases in the tube are
highly pressurized. The arc acquires an extremely high temperature, causing
metallic elements within the gas atmosphere to vaporize and release massive
amounts of radiant energy.
Electrical Requirements
A ballast is required in order to operate the HID lamp. Unlike fluorescent
lamps, the ballast must be specifically designed for the lamp type and wattage
being used. Also, the lamps require a warm-up period to achieve full light
output, and in some cases require several minutes before they can be re-ignited
after they are shut off.
Metal Halide
Metal Halide lamps offer high efficacy, excellent color rendition, long service
life, and good lumen maintenance. They are used often in outdoor applications
and in commercial interiors.
Sodium
High pressure sodium lamps are very energy efficient. Mercury and sodium vapors
produce a yellow/orange light with extremely good lumens per watt performance.
Although they tend to render colors poorly they have an exceptionally long
service life, (up to 40,000 hours).
Mercury Vapor
Mercury vapor is the oldest HID technology. The light within the arc is
bluish making it poor for rendering colors accurately. Because of this, a
phosphor coating is sometimes applied to alter the color temperature and
to improve color rendering.
GoodMart sells a wide selection of HID lamps and ballasts. Please select from the list below
to view our available products:
50W to 70W Metal Halide Lamps
100W to 150W Metal Halide Lamps
175W Metal Halide Lamps
200W to 250W Metal Halide Lamps
300W to 350W Metal Halide Lamps
400W Metal Halide Lamps
450W to 875W Metal Halide Lamps
1000W to 1650W Metal Halide Lamps
Energy Saving Metal Halide Bulbs
Tubular Shaped Metal Halide Bulbs
PAR and Reflector Metal Halide Bulbs
Colored Metal Halide Bulbs
Sylvania Sodium Arc Bulbs
Standard Metal Halide Ballasts
High Pressure Sodium Ballasts
Low Pressure Sodium Ballasts
Electronic HID Ballasts
Pulse Start Metal Halide Ballasts