Lamp

A lamp is the technical term for the bulb in a fixture. There are various types of lamp, such as Halogen, Incandescent, HQI, all with different properties such as how long it takes to warm up, to cool down and the light temperature.

Most fixtures require a particular model of lamp, but some allow slight variations, such as the power (i.e., 1000W compared to 500W). The largest choice is with parcans, where the model number (CP60, CP61, ...) defines the beam angle, as the lamp has a built in lens.

If a lamp blows, remove it and replace it with a new lamp, then mark the faulty lamp to make it obvious it is faulty. A simple method is too put a strip of LX tape across the front of the lamp. You can then put it in the box of the new lamp and inform the theatre technician or hire company of the fault. Hire companies will often charge you if you do not return the faulty lamp.

Halogen Lamps
Whilst you should avoid touching the glass of a lamp whenever possible (try to pick it up at the base), this is especially important with Halogen lamps. Touching any glass leaves natural oil from your fingers on it and with Halogen lamps, this causes hot spots when turned on, which weakens the glass and may cause the lamp to explode. Use a cloth to avoid direct contact with the bulb to prevent this.