Halogen Torchiere Floor Lamps

Halogen torchiere floor lamps stand about 6-7 feet high. The halogen bulb is in the middle of a bowl-like shade, which rests on top of a long pole. For less than $20 to purchase; these lamps use less energy, last longer and provide a whiter, brighter light than other lamps. Yet they burn much hotter than normal bulbs. "Halogen lamps can burn 5 times hotter than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, " states Ann Brown, chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.(1)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission knows of 436 fires; 35 deaths, 112 injuries, and at least #2 billion worth of property damage since 1992 related to halogen lamps. These lamps need a wire or glass guard to help reduce the fire risk. Over 40 million halogen floor lamps made before 1997 were recalled because they have no guard to protect against fire. People can get the fire wire guards at most major retail stores or by calling 800-985-2220.(2)

• Purchase and use only fixtures tested by a recognized testing laboratory, such as U.L.
• Place torchiere halogen lamps away from curtains and combustible wall decorations
• Use the lamps only for its intended purpose; paper, clothing and towels should never be draped over a lamp
• Turn off a halogen lamp when you leave the room or are not at home
• Keep halogen lamps away from bunk beds and lofts where budding may get too close to the halogen bulb
• Replace 500, 300, and 250 watt halogen bulbs with cooler burning 150 watt bulbs

(1) (2) US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC, April 17, 2001 online information

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