Tips to Extend Projector Lamp Life

Avoid overheating of the lamp

The discharge temperature of all the projector lamps is very high since it involves electric arc discharge. This ultimately leads to potential damage to the electrode which deteriorates in its performance gradually. So the first tip is to avoid overheating of the lamp. Some projectors are fitted with thermostats that automatically shut down the lamp after a peak allowable temperature is reached while others have to be switched off manually. Never switch the lamp off by disconnecting the power cord! It will affect the required cooling down period, so wait before you unplug.

Keep the projector filter clean

The filter prevents dust and other dirt to disrupt the operating environment. So it is of the utmost importance that you clean the filter regularly, especially if the projector is used in a atmosphere prone to dust. This will add hours to your lamp's life expectancy.

Operating the projector in 'Economy mode'

All projectors come with a built in 'Economy Mode' which economizes the life of the lamp by decreasing the brightness. It projects the images with a brightness that is optimum rather than maximum. An illustration would perhaps help: if the lamp is operating in 2000 lumens and the life is rated at 1500 hours, it can be increased to 1700 hrs by operating it at 1800 lumens which is possible by operating it the economy mode. Increase your lamp's life expectancy by decreasing lumens.

Don't move or shake your projector

We strongly recommend that you do not move the projector when on or when shutting down. This will damage the electrode or the filament and might even cause the lamp to burst.

Your projector needs air in the room

Heat dissipation is one of the most important factors that influence the life of the projector lamp. It is therefore mandatory to keep the projector in a place where there is sufficient air for circulation and some considerable space for venting the heat. Keeping the projector away from walls will help to some extent. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and if possible enhance the cooling by artificial cooling or air conditioning.

Installing a projector lamp

Worn out projector lamps need to be replaced by new ones which are either OEM or alternatives. Great care should be taken when replacing a lamp and should never be done without consulting the user's manual. Replacements can be done as bare bulbs or as bulbs with housing. Bulbs are in general very fragile and may burst if not properly handled; one of the vital steps is to avoid 'skin contact' with the bulb making it mandatory to wear a glove while handling it. Installing the bulb with housing is a good advice since it always fits the projector in the best way possible.

Climatic conditions

Your projector need to be in an atmosphere that is climate controlled. It should basically be free from dust and suspended dirt. Extreme hot conditions as inside a car might tend to prove hazardous if the projector is switched on immediately afterwards. The lamp can burst due to the extreme temperatures. It becomes mandatory to leave the projector in a cool place for a while for it to attain the room temperature and work efficiently.

Carry a spare bulb

It is advisable to carry a spare bulb with you when you are to make a presentation. Even if there are some lamp hours left, it might let you down unexpectedly. So we recommend to always carry a spare lamp along with the manual and some technical insight into the replacement procedure.