How to Find Low Priced Halogen Light Bulbs

Finding low priced halogen light bulbs that are of good quality and long lasting performance can be a challenge. There are thousands of varieties of halogen bulbs, and it can be difficult to find the exact one, as many of them look similar. Price comparison becomes more difficult, all the more so when you are not sure exactly what you are looking for. When looking for a replacement halogen bulb, first take a good look at the old bulb. The things you will want to consider are base type, voltage, and wattage. To make it easier, many bulbs have an ANSI code, which is the name the American National Standards Institute assigns to any bulb of that type, no matter the manufacturer.

ANSI Codes

First of all, look for any writing on the expired light bulb, whether it is on the base or the bulb itself. If you still have the box from this bulb, take a look at that as well. Use caution when taking the halogen bulb out: it can be too hot to touch right after use, so wait until it has cooled down. If your halogen bulb is burnt out, you can touch any part of it, but if you are still planning to use the bulb, be sure not to touch the glass part. The oils from your fingers can cause it to explode when the light is turned on.

ANSI codes are three-letter abbreviations. Some common halogen bulbs have ANSI codes like EVD, EKE, EFR, or JCD. If your bulb has a three-letter code like this, you are in luck. You can now conduct an online search for this type of bulb. Because ANSI codes are sometimes also words in themselves (EKE, for example), you may want to enter "EKE light bulb" into your search engine.

Price comparison is now easier in looking for a low priced replacement halogen bulb. Any manufacturer making an EKE will need to follow the same ANSI standards, so the base type, voltage, and wattage will all match. Once you have an idea of the prices available, you can search for reviews of various companies, in order to find the best quality for the price.

Slight Variations

Some halogen light bulb manufacturers have found a lower cost means of producing light bulbs, which are just a little bit different from their ANSI code standards. For example, lowering the voltage of a bulb will give it a longer life, but it can no longer be called by its ANSI code. In these cases, the manufacturer's or vendor's website should specify that it is an appropriate replacement for a given bulb. These replacements are often cheaper than their counterparts.

Finding a Bulb Without an ANSI Code

Low Priced Halogen Light BulbsSometimes, there is no ANSI code printed on the lightbulb. In this case, you will need to find one which has the same voltage, wattage, and base type. The length of the bulb is also an important consideration, depending on the fixture it is intended to go into. Make sure that you choose a bulb the right dimensions to fit into its fixture.

First, look at what is written on your light bulb. It should have at least voltage and wattage printed on the base, or the bulb itself. Try an internet search using the exact letters and numbers printed on the bulb; some light bulb vendors include this information in their product descriptions. If you do succeed at finding a bulb which matches, make sure you find a picture of it first, to be certain that it is the same bulb.

Look at your light bulb to determine the base type. Is it single ended, or double ended? Lists and descriptions of halogen bulb base types can be found online, or you may be able to find someone in your local hardware store who can help identify your bulb. Once you know the base type, you can search for bulbs of that shape online, and find one with a matching voltage and wattage.

If you don't know the voltage or wattage of your bulb, check the fixture before anything else. Lamps often have indications of maximum wattage allowed, and equipment requiring specific bulbs should specify information about the bulb required. Check with the manufacturer of your equipment, but do use caution: the equipment manufacturer may have a high priced, proprietary replacement halogen light bulb, which is in actuality a version of a low priced, common bulb. Once you know the base type, voltage, and wattage of the bulb you need, search online to find the lowest price available.

Concluding Thoughts

Finding a low cost halogen replacement light bulb can feel like a daunting task, but use tools such as ANSI codes to help you narrow down your search. Do not be afraid to ask for help, either by calling a light bulb vendor or bringing the bulb in person to your local hardware store. Once you know the base type, voltage, and wattage, finding a replacement halogen bulb will be much easier.

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