High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights Buying Guide
The HID light 
(High Intensity Discharge Lights ) is whiter, brighter and more efficient than halogen bulbs. In short, it's intense. Even in relatively small sizes, HID lamps double the output of halogen lighting and give off a concentrated, but inoffensive glare that makes it ideal for secure outdoor lighting, car headlights and diving, but is readily adaptable to almost any setting.
HID lights are also quite diverse— the three different types of HID can be used for almost every imaginable purpose. Feel like a deer in the HID lights? Below is a list of the main varieties of HID lights to help you best decide which lights are the most suitable for your home or business.
Three Main Types of HID:
| Mercury Vapor HID |
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- Mercury Vapor HID
- Quickly becoming obsolete
- Long life and strong color stability
- Sizes range from 50-1000 watts
- More efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFL) can replace these older Mercury vapor lights
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| Metal Halide HID |
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- Metal Halide HID
- Very high efficacy (measured in lumens per watt)
- High-quality color rendering
- Warm-up time of 3-6 minutes
- Produces a high-level of UV radiation, which can fade and deteriorate architectural spaces and artwork
- Requires sophisticated fixtures
- Ability to light high and low bay spaces, parking lots, sports arenas, general outdoor lights and interior lights as well
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| White High Pressure Sodium HID |
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- White High Pressure Sodium HID
- Very little UV radiation
- No phospor lamps
- Lower efficacies than the metal halide, but still greater than halogen lamps
- Warm incandescent feel makes them extremely useful in retail spaces
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Related Product Guides
External Links
For more information on HID lighting check out these websites:
- Halcyon
- A diving site that sells underwater lighting equipment
- NLPIP
- National Lighting Product Information Program
If you are interested in HID lights for automotive purposes, check out these websites:
