Today, torchiere lamps use fluorescent or halogen light bulbs. Halogen torchieres usually have a TRIAC dimmer circuit built into the stem. The same circuit will not work in a fluorescent torchiere for the same reason that it won't work in other types of fluorescent applications. Namely, because the pulsing will cause the arc in the fluorescent tube to become erratic. This is overcome by adjusting the pulse-width modulation in the electronic ballast instead; and most fluorescent torchieres use this method.
Halogen torchieres have been banned in some places, such as dormitories, because of the large numbers of fires they have caused. Halogen bulbs operate at high temperatures and the tall height of the lamps bring them near flammable materials, such as curtains.
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Last updated on Sunday July 13, 2008 at 09:13:32 PDT (GMT -0700)
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