HQI & HQL | sodium & mercury | highest efficiency | magnetic & electronic ballast |
Leuchtmittel – Discharge Lamps
Discharge lamps achieve the highest efficiency of all lamp types (up to 200 lm/W for high-pressure sodium) and are the preferred solution for street lighting, industrial hall lighting and floodlights. All discharge lamps require a ballast (magnetic or electronic) and have a warm-up time of 2–10 minutes to full brightness. The range includes HQI (metal halide), HQL (mercury vapour) and specialist types. HQI (metal halide lamps): Efficiency 80–100 lm/W, colour temperatures 2,800–6,000 K, CRI 80–95 – for display, retail and sports halls. Power range 35–2,000 W. HQL (high-pressure mercury lamps): Older technology, efficiency 50–60 lm/W, bluish-white light (3,500–4,500 K), CRI approx. 50. EU ban on new HQL lamps since April 2015 – replacement by HQI or LED. High-pressure sodium lamps (HST/SON): Highest efficiency 100–200 lm/W, yellowish light (2,000–2,200 K), for street and path lighting, warehouses and car parks. Applications: street and path lighting (sodium), industrial and storage halls (HQI/HST), sports halls and stadiums (HQI), horticulture and greenhouse (specialist HQI), display and architectural lighting (HQI, CRI 90+). Ballasts: conventional magnetic (KVG) for standard installation, electronic ballast (EVG) for higher efficiency, flicker-free operation and gentler lamp start. Disposal: contain mercury – hazardous waste disposal per ElektroG required. Expert advice: +49 (0)7666 / 88499-0 | sales@industry-electronics.com | Top manufacturers
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Discharge Lamps – FAQ
Why do discharge lamps have a warm-up time?
The arc gas must first reach operating temperature before the arc burns stably and full brightness is achieved. Typically: 2–5 min (HQI), 4–8 min (HQL/sodium). After switching off, discharge lamps must cool down (5–15 min) before they can re-strike.
What replaces HQL lamps now that they are EU-banned?
Direct alternatives: HQI lamps (better light quality, CRI 80+) or LED retrofit solutions for HQL housings. For new installations we recommend high-power LED floodlights – higher efficiency, no ballast required, instantly bright.
Which ballast for which discharge lamp?
Check the required ballast type on the packaging and data sheet – not every EVG is compatible with every lamp type. Ballast power must exactly match lamp power (e.g. 400 W lamp = 400 W ballast). Magnetic ballasts more universal; electronic ballasts often lamp-specific.
Why Industry-Electronics?
| ► B2B specialistExclusively trade customers – individual pricing, net purchase on account, volume discounts on tiers. | ► Broad rangeLED retrofit, halogen, fluorescent and discharge lamps in all common bases – single units and bulk quantities available. | ► Expert adviceTechnical support for LED retrofit, base selection and lighting design: +49 (0)7666 / 88499-0. |