HID Bulb Guide

HID bulbs are one of the lesser-known bulb types, particularly among everyday consumers. You have probably heard of incandescent and LED bulbs (just to name a few of the most popular options), but HID bulbs are a little less common for shoppers who just want to light the interior of their homes. This is because HID bulbs are usually not recommended for smaller, indoor spaces. Instead, they are ideal for outdoor spaces or large commercial uses. That said, there are still plenty of great uses for the average consumer, even if you do not own a business or a large residential property.

So, in today’s guide, we will answer all of your questions about HID bulbs and how they work. Additionally, we will look at some of the most common uses for these bulbs and how different types of HID bulbs vary in their chemistry and design. Finally, we will help you find high-quality HID bulbs for your home or business at Bulb Center!

What Is A High Intensity Discharge Bulb?

Many people confuse the meaning of an HID bulb with an HID lamp. In fact, the two terms are frequently used interchangeably. However, as you might have guessed, an HID lamp is simply a lamp that is capable of using an HID bulb, while a bulb is a product that actually produces light.

It takes a little bit of technical knowledge to understand exactly how high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs work. In essence, they are simply electrical gas-discharge light bulbs that use an electric arc to function. This arc connects electrodes inside of a transparent tube (an elongated bulb). There are various types of HID bulbs (more on that below), but virtually all high intensity discharge bulbs house gas and metal or metal salts inside of them.

As the name implies, high intensity discharge bulbs produce more light than most standard incandescent or LED bulbs. Though the intensity of lighting can deteriorate over the lifetime of the bulb, this makes HID bulbs a great option for a variety of situations and spaces. We will discuss some of the most common and popular uses of HID bulbs in the next section.

Common HID Bulb Uses

Even though you might not have heard of HID bulbs or even seen them at your local hardware store, you will likely enjoy the benefits of HID lights if you set foot outside of your home. Their strong, far-reaching light makes them an ideal option for many spaces, including but not limited to:

• Warehouses - Large warehouses and storage spaces require adequate overhead light to see every nook and cranny without needing a flashlight. HID bulbs produce more light per unit of electrical power than most other bulbs, ensuring that large commercial storage facilities can get all the light they need without having to spend a fortune on utility bills.
• Big Box Stores - In many ways, big box stores are a lot like warehouses, except shoppers spend more time looking around. A big box store needs ample lighting in all areas, and the need for strong lighting is even greater because people typically want a bright, cheerful place in which to shop.
• Sports Arenas and Stadiums - From indoor basketball arenas to outdoor baseball stadiums, lighting is a key element of in-person sports spectating. Without strong light bulbs (like HID bulbs), people will not be able to see what is happening on the field or court. Additionally, having lights that can reach long distances reduces the need for as many light sources throughout the area, greatly reducing maintenance costs.
• Outdoor walkways - People want to feel safe when walking down pathways at night. Thanks to their relatively high burning hours and brightness, HID lights provide better visibility and security along secluded outdoor walkways and even hiking trails.
• Roadways and Parking Lots - Many states and localities insist on using HID lamps and similarly strong light sources to increase public safety on roadways at night. Many commercial areas and large stores also use HID lamps and bulbs for their parking lots to prevent collisions and help customers feel safe when walking to their cars. Even many car manufacturers use HID headlights in their vehicles to ensure that drivers can have the best possible view while driving after the sun goes down.
• Parks & Other Public Spaces - Since many parks and public spaces have walking paths, they also need strong light sources to increase safety. Additionally, HID bulbs can help public points of interest stand out and look even more beautiful to tourists and locals alike.
• Auditoriums & Movie Theaters - Both auditoriums and movie theaters often make use of dimming lights that can be adjusted at any given moment. This means that, when a show or movie is about to start, someone controlling the lights can turn them down or completely off. However, when the lights come back on, large spaces like auditoriums and theaters need strong bulbs so that people can see exits, chairs, and stairways with ease.
• Large, High-Ceiling Interiors - While most of the aforementioned uses have applied to commercial or public spaces, there are still plenty of ways for individual consumers to use HID lights in the home. If you have a large room with vaulted ceilings, you will likely find that standard bulbs simply do not provide enough light to fill the entire area. So, depending on the natural light of the space and the total square footage, you may need to opt for HID bulbs and HID lamps for your larger rooms.

Metal Halide Bulbs

As previously mentioned, there are various kinds of HID bulbs that use different chemical interactions to produce light. Metal Halide (MH) bulbs use metal (typically combined with iodine) and vaporized mercury inside the tubing. This type of HID bulb has been around for decades and is especially popular for producing strong, white light. In some cases, the tubes are made using ceramic (known as Ceramic Metal Halide or CMH), which can be more efficient than standard MH bulbs or metal halide lamps.

High Pressure Sodium Bulbs

High Pressure Sodium (HPS) bulbs use sodium to create light at longer wavelengths. It’s important to note that sodium-vapor lamps come in two forms: Low Pressure Sodium and High Pressure Sodium. The former is characterized by strong yellow light, while the latter has a broader color spectrum. In any case, High Pressure Sodium wattage can vary greatly based on your needs, from 50 watts to over 1,000 watts. Naturally, the wattage you need will depend on the size of the area in which the bulb is used, as well as the intensity of light you want.

Mercury Vapor Bulbs

Mercury vapor lamps and bulbs are known for their energy efficiency. Like MH bulbs, mercury vapor bulbs use vaporized mercury, though this type of bulb can provide greater thermal insulation. The addition of phosphor to the outer bulb can also increase the spectrum of colors produced by mercury vapor bulbs. However, it is important to note that mercury vapor lamps are far more common in the United States. The use of low efficiency mercury vapor lamps has even been banned in some parts of the world (including the EU) to help encourage the use of more energy efficient light sources.

We hope you found this guide on HID light bulbs both fun and informative! Do you want to learn even more about HID bulbs? Are you ready to purchase high-quality HID bulbs at affordable prices? If so, be sure to check out the products available at Bulb Center today!