Setting to Work
Safe service in use necessitates the strict observance of the following precautions.
Any article fabricated from quartz or glass is inherently fragile and care should
therefore be taken, at all times, when handling lamps;
Eye protection must be worn when handling lamps that have been removed from
their packaging materials. The protective jacket should not be removed from the
lamp for safety reasons, as there is a remote possibility of the lamp shattering
violently, especially if it is subjected to mechanical shock or vibration;
Ensure that the power rating of the Xenon lamp to be fitted is suitable for the
lamphouse and power supply equipment (rectifier);
Always isolate the equipment from the supply before inserting a lamp;
Before inserting the lamp ensure that all contacts are clean. Contacts must be
renewed at the slightest sign of corrosion. Sanding or filing down corroded areas is
not recommended as this will only make the conducting surface between the pin
and lampholder smaller, thus causing the lamp to overheat;
The inert gas (Xenon) used in XBO lamps is under a pressure of several bar even
when the bulb is cold. FOR SAFETY REASONS THE LAMP MAY ONLY BE
INSERTED INTO THE LAMPHOUSE WITH THE PROTECTIVE JACKET FITTED;
Do not twist or bend the fused quartz bulb when fitting the lamp as mechanical
stresses MUST be avoided;
Ensure that the spring contacts firmly surround the pins on the cap of the lamp. Do
not apply unnecessary force when tightening the screws;
After inserting the lamp, ensure that there is sufficient axial play in the lampholder.
The lamp must be capable of unimpeded expansion when it warms up to operating
temperature. Mechanical forces must not be applied to the fused quartz bulb;
Electrical leads must be arranged in such a way that there is a sufficient air gap
(approximately 40mm) between them and the lamphouse, in order to prevent
flashovers from the ignition voltage. All flexible leads must have strain-relieving
clamps;
Before putting the lamp into service for the first time, check the polarity of the
electrical connections. INCORRECT POLARITY WILL CAUSE IMMEDIATE
DESTRUCTION OF THE LAMP;
Before the protective jacket is removed, suitable protection must be worn i.e face
mask and gloves with wrist protection;
Never touch the quartz bulb with bare hands, as fingerprints will make the glass
cloudy and cause a severe loss of light. This may also cause recrystallisation and
thus weaken the bulb material. Should the bulb be inadvertently touched, remove
fingerprints with methylated spirit and a clean, soft paper towel. The bulb should
then be wiped with distilled water. NOTE: ALWAYS WEAR MASK AND GLOVES
DURING CLEANING);
All packaging and the protective jacket must be retained for re-use. Whenever
removing a lamp, the protective jacket must always be used for safety reasons;