The MasterPAR electronic lamp from Philips combines the energy efficiency of low voltage lighting with the ease of use of mains voltage technology. Electrical Contractor reports.
The MasterPAR Electronic lamp from Philips aims to shake up the retail, hotel, restaurant and museum gallery market for R63 type fittings. A more energy efficient, longer life solution than either an R63 or PAR 20 lamp, the MasterPAR combines the benefits of the best low voltage solutions and the ease of use and robust popularity of the mains voltage lamps.

The MasterPAR Electronic is a mains voltage lamp designed for supply at 240 V. It has an ES (edison screw) or E27 base but with an in-built miniaturised electronic transformer to convert the mains supply to 12 V within the body of the lamp.

The light source is a top-of-the-range 12 V 20 W halogen burner. It incorporates a facetted parabolic reflector and uses a clear flat front glass.

The new lamp is built to the IEC standardised PAR 20 and R63 contour and is a direct retrofit replacement in the majority of luminaires built for these accepted lamp types.

The MasterPAR has an average lifetime rating of 5000 hours and is manufactured in two beam widths – a 10° spot lighting version and a 25° floodlighting option. The spot version produces 7000 candelas in the centre beam, roughly equivalent to the output of a 12 V 35 W dichroic lamp. The flood version produces a luminous intensity of 1200 candelas in the centre of the beam.

The light colour of the beam is 3000 K, a bright white source similar to lv dichroic and low wattage metal halide lamps – the preferred colour for accent and decorative effects in retailing.

Philips sees the lamp as the performance solution against the basic R63 lamp and the intermediate PAR 20. In terms of life the MasterPAR Electronic lasts twice as along as a PAR 20 and five times as long as an R63. The light output also increases – the MasterPAR 10° is actually twice as bright as the mains voltage lamp.

While capital costs are higher for the MasterPAR, its low energy consumption more than pays for itself over its 5000 hour lifetime. An added advantage is the reduced maintenance time: five incandescent lamps would be required in the period and two PAR 20 lamps.

Philips predicts great things ahead for the MasterPAR Electronic on its launch. Samples will be available shortly with full stock availability in the wholesalers in May 1999.

Osram/Siemens jv brings LEDs to market

Siemens Semiconductors and fellow Siemens subsidiary Osram have formed a joint venture for optoelectronic semi-conductors. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are a major application in this field and the two partners are pooling competencies to open up new markets for semicondutor lighting. The joint venture plans to generate DM350 million in sales in 1999. Osram will give the venture greater access to the market for lighting applications. Recent innovations have increased the brightness of coloured LEDs and generated blue and white light. This opens up the market in general purpose lighting and illuminated displays and signs. Last year saw the introduction of LED technology into the emergency lighting exit sign market. The advantages of low energy consumption, a long operating life of more than 100 000 hours and very high impact resistance make the technology perfect for the emergency lighting market.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor