Pulse-Start Metal Halide

Metal halide has been the dominant lamp technology in industrial environments for decades.  It couples the visual and optical qualities of point source lighting with the utility of energy efficiency, high lumen output, long life and low maintenance. And, unlike fluorescent lamps, the light output of metal halide is not affected by heat or cold over a wide range of operating temperatures (-40°F to 150°F). Pulse-Start Metal Halide (PSMH) is a newer generation of metal halide lamps that offers all of the characteristics that made metal halide the mid and high-wattage standard in point-source lighting, but with significantly improved performance.

Standard (probe-start) metal halide lamps utilize a dedicated starting electrode to strike the arc during ignition. This method involves components and configurations that represent potential failure mechanisms. It also results in electrode sputtering which leads to blackening of the arc tube wall and subsequent loss of light output over life. Pulse-start lamps do not require a starting electrode. Instead a series of high-voltage pulses are applied to the regular operating electrodes by a special starting circuit (called an ignitor) in the pulse-start ballast. This alternative starting method, in conjunction with higher arc tube gas pressure extends component life and leaves the arc tube wall more transparent over time for greater lumen maintenance. Additionally, design improvements to the pulse-start arc tube allow it to better retain and distribute heat. This allows the halide salts to participate more extensively and consistently in the arc stream, thereby producing more light with better color consistency.

Pulse-Start lamps outperform standard metal halide in virtually every respect:

• greater energy efficiency (up to 100 lumens / watt)
• extended life and performance over life (up to 80% lumen maintenance)  
• superior color consistency
• 50% faster warm-up and hot-restrike  

Related Resources
Point Source Lighting and the Clear Lamp Advantage
Ceramic Metal Halide Lamps
Induction Lamps