Policy on Halogen Lighting

Update & Clarification of Intent

This statement is being issued to clarify all prior communications concerning the use of halogen lighting at LVCVA facilities, including the policy statement issued August 1st, 2002.

Why is LVCVA Restricting the Use of Halogen Lighting?
LVCVA has experienced several fire safety incidents arising from the use of stem and track mounted halogen light fixtures attached to exhibit booths and where the fixtures utilize linear halogen bulbs. Typically these hazards arise from misuse and poor maintenance practices, rather than from any deficiency in the design of the fixture or the halogen bulb it contains.

Misuse encountered by the LVCVA has included failure to correctly install the fixtures in a secure fashion and failure to ensure that fixtures are not in close proximity to drapes, displayed items, or similar flammable material.

Poor maintenance includes replacing bulbs with higher wattages than the permitted maximum marked on the fixture, failure to replace lenses or shields after re-lamping, failure to follow lamp manufacturer's instructions concerning direct contact with the bulb, and replacement of broken lenses and other components with sub-standard, non- approved, parts. These practices are not within the ability of LVCVA or the equipment manufacturer/distributor to supervise, and may result in safety risks.

What Halogen Lighting is Covered by this Policy?
This policy covers only certain restrictions on stem and track mounted halogen lighting installed by display contractors and exhibitors for the temporary lighting of exhibit booths. Stem mounted fixtures employ an arm that extends outward from the mounting mechanism, and which is typically terminated in a light head that pivots, swivels, or is otherwise movable. The use of stem and track mounted halogen or other fixtures employing either a linear halogen bulb (Fig. 1) or a non-shielded halogen bulb (Fig. 2) is not allowed.

What Halogen Lighting is NOT Covered by this Policy?
Halogen bulbs, or lighting fixtures (including track lighting) containing halogen bulbs, that are being displayed or demonstrated as part of an exhibiting company's product line or business in its booth, Theatre, stage or studio lighting equipment utilizing halogen lamps may be used only for code-defined theatre or stage activities. Such lighting may not be used as booth lighting or to illuminate signs or objects on the exhibit floor nor in any other exhibit or meeting area where the general public has access.

How do the Restrictions Affect Stem and Track Mounted Halogen Light Fixtures?
Unless otherwise stated in this policy, stem or track mounted halogen light fixtures installed in LVCVA facilities must:

Utilize one of the halogen bulb styles shown in (Fig.3.) These bulbs have an additional glass shield that is integrated with the bulb design, and require no other shield as part of the light fixture.

Utilize a bulb not exceeding the listed wattage permitted for use by the fixture manufacturer, but in no case exceeding 75 watts.

Effective Date
This halogen lighting policy is being phased in and will be fully effective as of January 1st, 2003.

Alternative Designs The LVCVA will periodically review this policy, and take into consideration any improvements in products and practices that provide appropriate levels of operational safety.

Fig. 1. Linear Bulbs

Fig. 2. Non-Shielded Bulbs

MR 11/16 Uncovered

Line Voltage

Low Voltage Bi-Pin

Approved Halogen Bulbs - 75watts max
Fig. 3. Self-Shielded Bulbs

MR 11/16 Covered - low voltage

MR 16 Covered - line voltage

PAR 14, 16, 20, 30, and 38