Important Tips for the Safe Handling and Extending Life of Xenon Lamps

Operating Tips

Lamp must be operated within recommended current and power range. Over powering may lead to arc instability, hard starting and premature aging. Under-powering may cause arc instability and hard starting.

XENON lamps must not be operated with window facing upwards within 45° of vertical. The permissible burning positions of your light source must be absolutely adhered to since deviations can lead to shortened lamp life. Operating the lamp within 45° of vertical can cause thermal stress on the window and possible failure.

All lamps must be mounted properly in suitable heat sinks. Re -install cooling ring into cathode (front collar) side of lamp, if required by light source manufacturer. Apply a thin coat of thermal conductive compound between the lamp's metal surfaces and the heat sink surfaces, and on outside of cooling ring. The thermal conductive compound should be applied uniformly with a thickness no greater than .005" (.13mm). Avoid placing thermal compound in screw holes or on sapphire window. Lamps having thread-mounted heatsinks should have the compound applied to the bottom surface of the lamp. Ensure a snug fit between lamp and heat sink.

Correct polarity of all lamps is critical. Reverse polarity will instantly damage the electrodes, causing failure and voiding the warranty.

Lamp Operating temperature must not exceed 150° Celsius. For optimum operation and extended lamp life, keep seal temperatures under 150° C. To achieve this temperature, forced air cooling is normally required along with use of proper heatsinks and thermal conductive compound applied in a thin layer on all lamp-to-heatsink mating surfaces.

Do not touch the front sapphire window with bare hands. Finger marks, grease or other oils can cause early deterioration of material leading to possible failure. If handled, clean with an alcohol swab.

Periodic inspection of all terminals is required. Periodic inspection is required to avoid high contact resistance that would damage the lamp and the power supply. The terminals should be firmly tightened and corrosion-free.

Safety Tips

Do not look directly at operating lamps! Severe eye injury will occur. Read hazard sheet included with each lamp. Xenon lamps emit UV radiation that can cause serious skin burn and eye inflammation from short-wave ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, make every effort to avoid exposing eyes and skin to unshielded lamp.

Wear safety glasses or face shields when disassembling lamps from Lamp Module. All compact Xenon lamps are under high pressure and must be handled with care. Avoid applying excessive chock or stress to the lamp during handling.

To Avoid Risk of Electric Shock:

• Do not touch lamp during operation, or after, until lamp has adequately cooled.
• Turn input power off before inspection, installation or removal
• Do not open the lamp. There are no user serviceable parts inside the lamp itself.
• Ignition voltage presents a high-voltage hazard.

To Avoid Risk of Fire:

• Keep combustible materials away from lamp

To Avoid Risk of Burns

• Wear safety glasses and gloves when handling lamps — lamp may shatter and cause injury if broken.
• Allow lamp to cool before handling
• Do not turn on lamp until fully installed

Ozone Emissions:

• Some lamps emit UV radiation that can generate ozone. Assure adequate filtration or ventilation during operation to avoid ozone accumulation which can create a respiratory hazard.

Disposal

Dispose of lamps in a closed container

It is recommended that the lamp's internal pressure be relieved prior to disposal. This is accomplished by squeezing the tip-off with pliers until the gas escapes. Pressurized lamps should not be incinerated, but disposed of in a landfill.

For More Information…

Call an Alpha Source Xenon lamp specialist at 1-800-654-9845