HID Lights: Understanding High-Intensity Discharge Lamps
Explore the benefits, types, and applications of HID lighting, including mercury vapor, metal halide, and high-pressure sodium bulbs.
High-intensity discharge (HID) lights use gas or vapor and an electric arc to generate intense, efficient illumination. HID bulbs include mercury vapor, metal halide, and high-pressure sodium lamps, each with unique features and use cases. These lights offer longer lifespans and higher output than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Common Characteristics of HID Lights
HID lights require a warm-up period of 3–10 minutes to reach full brightness, depending on the type and wattage.
Must be paired with compatible ballasts. Compare the ANSI code on the ballast and lamp package.
HID lamps have a restrike time (the time it takes for a lamp to re-light after a power interruption) ranging from 1 to 15 minutes, depending on the type and wattage.
Common applications include:
Landscape and security lighting
Dusk-to-dawn fixtures
Retail, commercial, and airport lighting
Types of HID Light Bulbs
Mercury Vapor Light Bulbs
- Lower initial cost but less energy-efficient
- Emit a bluish-green hue
- Higher color rendering
- Gets dim over time and rarely burns out (wise to replace them to restore light levels)
High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Light Bulbs
- Most energy-efficient HID lights
- Emit a warm amber light, ideal for energy-saving applications
- Attracts fewer insects than other light sources, making them ideal for outdoor use
Metal Halide Light Bulbs
- Produce crisp white light with high efficiency
- Good color rendering