Lamps are categorized by manufacturers according to various attributes (1) . Although codes may vary from one manufacturer to another,
ANSI
(the American National Standards Institute) has implemented a standardized code of the basic, important attributes. The
ANSI
code consists of letters and numbers. The information provided by the code includes wattage, the base type, the size and dimensions of the filament and its location relative to the center of the lamp. Exact location of the filament is important in achieving maximum efficiency of the optical system. The LIF code (Lighting Industries Federation) is a UK and European code analogous to the
ANSI
code.
In addition to the
ANSI
and LIF codes, each manufacturer adds its own unique code, so that different codes and symbols will appear on lamps of different manufacture. The recommended burning position of the
lamp
is also designated by a code. In addition, the bulb size and shape are indicated by numbers. For example, R-40 is a reflector
lamp
with an approximate diameter (maximum) of 40 X 1/8", and in a
lamp
marked QSPAR64: Q stands for quartz, i.e. a halogen lamp. S stands for spot, i.e. a narrow
beam
angle. 64 denotes the diameter of the
lamp (8" or 204 mm - 64 X 1/8" = 8"). The code of the
lamp
denotes the
beam
angle of the
lamp
and the type of
lamp
(conventional incandescent
lamp
or a tungsten halogen lamp).
