HID bulb's 'outer glass': extra baggage or extra important?

[Flipside]

The Solarc bulbs that are commonly used in M*g hosts typically have a glass outer envelope / dome / hood / thing-a-ma-jiggy. At least they do from the factory... I have seen that some remove this component.

Why?

1. It is important to leave in place so you don't get zapped by the 3KV pumped in to light the gas?
2. Is it there to contain an exploding 'inner' bulb?
3. Is it there to filter out some sort of radiation?
4. Does it insulate the otherwise bare wires on the 'inner' bulb from making contact with something they shouldn't?
5. Or, is it there so you can further mod the beast, and let more lumens free?

Let's say #5 is the reason... How do you remove it? :thinking:

 

[kabkbak7321]

[1]= I don't recomend becoming part of any electrical path. (OUCH!!!):duh2:

[2]= With or with out it, If it where to blow it will damage something
in side your light.

[3]= I do think it blocks some UV from getting out.
So avoid tanning with it.:laughing:

[4]= See #1

[5]= :twothumbs:wave::wow::toilet:(I JUST LIKE THE LAST ONE)

I have removed several of them already with no ill afects.
I used a dremmel with a cut off weel to score the outside just
above the base till it snaps off. Just be carefull not to push to
hard that when it goes you hit the bulb its self.

Good luck and injoy the extra lumins!!!!

 

[Patriot]

My thought about that outer envelope is simple to add some protection to the very fragile inner bulb which is especially vulnerable to braking at the narrow point directly above the arc globe.

My answer is that it has nothing to do with questions 1, 2 , 3, and 5. Since the outer globe doesn't effect how the inner portion can handle certain g-forces, I believe it's purely there to protect against torque or impact while handling or installing and removing the bulb. In the mag body it prevents the inner globe from harm if the mag head is inadvertently screwed down to tightly and the lens makes contact with the bulb. I've never broken a bulb that way but it would easily be possible if you were not aware that it can make contact.

Depending on the type of glass the outer envelope is made out of, it's possible that the output could be increased by 7-8% by removing it.

The most common reason for removing the outer envelope is so that the bulb can use a reflector with a smaller hole thus increasing throw and out the front lumens. Most mag reflectors have bulb holes which are too small.


There are many different ways to remove the envelope including the scoring with a dremel wheel and diamond cutter but the most simple way that I've found is to just secure the base lightly in a mini-vise and break it away with a set of mini needle nose pliers. I normally just grab a hold of the rectangle vent at the bottom and pull outwards on it. It's fairly straight forward but some measure of care is still necessary to avoid hitting the inner bulb. It sounds crazy but in actuality it's not nearly as daunting as it sounds.