NEMA Publishes ANSI ANSLG C78.21 Incandescent Lamps and ANSI ANSLG C78.40 Electric Lamps

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published ANSI ANSLG C78.21—Incandescent lamps: PAR and R Shapes and ANSI ANSLG C78.40—Electric Lamps: Specifications for Mercury Lamps.

Providing physical and electrical characteristics of incandescent lamps, ANSI/ANSLG C78.21-2011 describes PAR and R bulb shapes. The standard covers lamps with clear, frosted and lens end bulbs, clear and prescription lenses, and with various reflector coatings. Lamps described in this standard may contain either of two basic types of light sources: an incandescent filament or a tungsten halogen inner bulb. Sunlamps and heat lamps of the R type are included. However, lamps with discharge arc tubes are not included.

ANSI ANSLG C78.40-2011 sets forth the physical and electrical requirements for single-ended metal halide lamps operated on 60 Hz ballasts to ensure interchangeability and safety. The data given also provides the basis for the electrical requirements for ballasts as well as the lamp-related requirements for luminaires. Luminous flux and lamp color are not part of this standard.

ANSI ANSLG C78.21 and ANSI ANSLG C78.40 are available for download at no charge at www.nema.org/stds/c78-21.cfm and www.nema.org/stds/c78-40.cfm.

Craig DiLouie

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