- Thread starter jordan1
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zx9
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I expect it varies on the headlamp design and obviously on the wattage of the lamp, if you have a multi meter with a thermo couple you could measure the surface temperature.
When I first had the ZX9 I was fascinated by falling rain turning to steam on the plastic headlight lens.
When I first had the ZX9 I was fascinated by falling rain turning to steam on the plastic headlight lens.
For the halogen cycle in quartz halogen lamps to work correctly and prolong filament life, the critical (minimum) envelope temperature is around 250 degC, so they will probably run somewhat hotter than this.
Don't forget that surface contamination, e.g. the oil from human fingertips, can damage the quartz envelope when it is heated because the contaminants will create a hot spot on the bulb surface when the lamp is turned on. The localised heat causes the quartz to change from its vitreous (glassy) form into a weaker, crystalline form that leaks gas leading to premature bulb failure.
It would be better to attach accessories to the lamp housing itself, leaving a small gap between fixture and quartz. Having said that, some bulbs do come with surface coatings, either to prevent glare, or to reflect heat, so the trick is knowing what materials are suitable.
Interesting link here which mentions stable bulb operating temperatures of 400 to 1000° C:
http://zeiss-campus.magnet.fsu.edu/tutorials/halogencycle/
Don't forget that surface contamination, e.g. the oil from human fingertips, can damage the quartz envelope when it is heated because the contaminants will create a hot spot on the bulb surface when the lamp is turned on. The localised heat causes the quartz to change from its vitreous (glassy) form into a weaker, crystalline form that leaks gas leading to premature bulb failure.
It would be better to attach accessories to the lamp housing itself, leaving a small gap between fixture and quartz. Having said that, some bulbs do come with surface coatings, either to prevent glare, or to reflect heat, so the trick is knowing what materials are suitable.
Interesting link here which mentions stable bulb operating temperatures of 400 to 1000° C:
http://zeiss-campus.magnet.fsu.edu/tutorials/halogencycle/
AndyStobbs
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those beam deflectors for EU driving seem to get by on sticky tabs.
I need to stick to the outside of the glass.
