NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of halogen lamps?

1. Uses a line-voltage ballast

2. High efficiency

3. Crisp, white light

4. Compact size

The correct answer is: Uses a line-voltage ballast

Halogen lamps are known for several advantages, including high efficiency, the ability to produce crisp, white light, and their compact size. High efficiency is a key benefit of halogen lamps, as they convert a significant portion of energy into visible light, making them more effective compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. The crisp, white light they produce is often preferred in settings that require accurate color perception, such as in retail and art galleries. Additionally, their compact size allows for greater flexibility in design and application, enabling them to fit into smaller fixtures or architectural elements where space is limited. In contrast, halogen lamps do not use a line-voltage ballast; instead, they operate directly on mains voltage, which allows them to be used without the added complexity and bulk of separate ballasting equipment. This distinction highlights that the use of a line-voltage ballast is not characteristic of halogen lamps, making it the correct choice as something that is not an advantage of halogen technology.