What wattage discharge lamp do I need for my venue?

The required wattage for a discharge lamp depends on your venue size, throw distance and application. For small clubs and mobile DJ setups, 150 W to 250 W metal halide lamps (10,000–22,000 lumens) are typically sufficient. Medium-sized stages and corporate events benefit from 400 W lamps (30,000–36,000 lumens), which are the industry standard for professional moving heads. Large venues, outdoor festivals and long-throw followspots require 575 W to 1,200 W lamps (45,000–110,000 lumens). Calculate your required lux level at the target distance and consult fixture photometric data to determine the appropriate wattage. LTT's technical team can advise on lamp selection for your specific application.

How do discharge lamps compare to LED alternatives?

Discharge lamps and LED fixtures each have distinct advantages. Discharge lamps — particularly metal halide types — deliver higher peak intensity from a compact source, creating sharper beams and more vivid aerial effects, which is why they remain preferred for large-scale touring productions and long-throw applications. They also offer superior colour rendering (CRI 80–95 for quality metal halide lamps) compared to many LED fixtures. However, LED technology has advanced rapidly: modern LED moving heads eliminate warm-up and restrike delays, consume less power, generate less heat and have much longer lifespans (20,000–50,000 hours versus 750–2,000 hours for discharge lamps). For applications requiring instant on/off control, low power consumption or minimal maintenance, LED is often the better choice. For maximum punch and traditional beam quality, discharge lamps still lead.

What ballast is compatible with my discharge lamp?

Ballast compatibility depends on three factors: lamp wattage, lamp type (metal halide, high-pressure sodium or mercury vapour) and ignition technology (pulse-start or probe-start). A ballast designed for a 400 W metal halide lamp cannot safely operate a 250 W lamp or a high-pressure sodium lamp of any wattage. Additionally, pulse-start lamps require electronic ballasts with pulse-start ignition circuits; older magnetic ballasts designed for probe-start lamps will not reliably ignite pulse-start types. Always check the lamp manufacturer's datasheet for recommended ballast specifications, and verify that the ballast voltage and frequency match your mains supply. LTT stocks compatible ballasts and ignitors from Philips, Osram and Venture Lighting, and our technical team can confirm compatibility for your specific fixture.

How long is the warm-up time for discharge lamps?

Metal halide discharge lamps typically require 2 to 10 minutes to reach full luminous output after ignition, depending on the lamp type and ballast. Pulse-start metal halide lamps with modern electronic ballasts warm up fastest, reaching 90% output in 2–3 minutes. Older probe-start lamps with magnetic ballasts may take 5–10 minutes to stabilise. High-pressure sodium lamps warm up slightly faster (1–3 minutes) but are rarely used in stage lighting due to poor colour rendering. Once extinguished, a hot discharge lamp cannot immediately restrike; the arc tube must cool for 5–15 minutes before the ignitor can re-establish the arc. This restrike delay is a significant limitation in live event applications where instant on/off control is required, and it is one reason why LED moving heads are increasingly replacing discharge types in touring rigs.

What is the difference between pulse-start and probe-start discharge lamps?

Pulse-start and probe-start refer to the ignition method used to initiate the electrical arc in a metal halide discharge lamp. Probe-start lamps contain a third starting electrode inside the arc tube and require a lower ignition voltage (1–2 kV); they take longer to warm up (5–10 minutes) and exhibit more colour shift over their lifespan. Pulse-start lamps eliminate the starting electrode and use a brief, high-voltage pulse (3–5 kV) to ionise the gas; they warm up faster (2–3 minutes to 90% output), maintain more stable colour temperature and offer better lumen maintenance over their rated life. Pulse-start technology requires compatible electronic ballasts — older magnetic ballasts designed for probe-start lamps cannot reliably ignite pulse-start types. When replacing lamps, always verify that your ballast supports the ignition technology of the new lamp.

Which discharge lamp suits outdoor events and architectural lighting?

For outdoor events and architectural floodlighting, high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps in the 250 W to 1,000 W range offer the highest efficacy (80–140 lumens per watt) and excellent lumen maintenance, making them cost-effective for large-scale installations where colour rendering is not critical. Their warm yellow-orange light (2,000–2,500 K) suits decorative facade lighting and outdoor festivals. Where accurate colour reproduction is required — such as lighting performers, stages or branded installations — metal halide lamps are the better choice. A 400 W metal halide lamp delivers 30,000–36,000 lumens with a colour rendering index (CRI) of 65–90 and colour temperatures from 3,000 K to 6,500 K. Ensure outdoor fixtures have appropriate IP ratings (IP65 or higher) and that all electrical installations comply with local codes and DGUV Vorschrift 17 where applicable.

How often should I replace discharge lamps in touring fixtures?

Professional touring companies and rental houses should replace discharge lamps at 70–80% of their rated lamp life to maintain consistent output and avoid on-stage failures. A lamp rated for 1,000 hours should be replaced after 700–800 operating hours, even if it still lights. Implement a lamp tracking system that records operating hours for each fixture, and mark lamps with installation dates. Lamps used in high-vibration environments (truck-mounted fixtures, outdoor festivals) or subjected to frequent on/off cycling may fail earlier than their rated life. Inspect lamp sockets and connectors regularly for corrosion or carbon buildup, which increases contact resistance and accelerates failure. Keep spare lamps on hand for critical fixtures, and always test replacements before the show. Proper maintenance ensures reliable performance night after night.

Can I dim a metal halide discharge lamp with a standard dimmer?

No, you cannot dim a metal halide discharge lamp using a standard phase-control dimmer designed for incandescent or halogen lamps. Discharge lamps require constant current to maintain the arc; reducing voltage with a conventional dimmer causes the arc to become unstable or extinguish completely. To dim a metal halide lamp, you must use an electronic ballast with built-in dimming capability, such as Philips DynaVision or Osram Powertronic models. These ballasts can dim metal halide lamps down to 50–70% of full output while maintaining arc stability, though some colour shift may occur at lower levels. Dimming below 50% is generally not recommended as the arc becomes unreliable. Most professional moving-head fixtures with discharge lamps use mechanical shutters or iris diaphragms for intensity control rather than electronic dimming, preserving colour consistency and arc stability.

Close menu

LTT-Versand englisch

Discharge lamps

Categories

Discharge lamps socket E27

show

Discharge lamps socket E40

show

Discharge lamps socket Fc2

show

Discharge lamps socket GU6.5

show

Discharge lamps socket G8.5

show

Discharge lamps socket GX8.5

show

Discharge lamps socket GX9.5

show

Discharge lamps socket GY9.5

show

Discharge lamps socket G12

show

Discharge lamps socket G16

show

Discharge lamps socket G22

show

Discharge lamps socket G38

show

Discharge lamps socket RX7s

show

Discharge lamps socket SFC10-4

show

Discharge lamps special socket

show

214 Articles

Filter

Sorting

Close filters

Express delivery possible

Socket

E40
E27
G12
G8.5
SFC10-4
G38
GX10
PGJX50
G22
K12s-36
PGJX28
RX7s
GY9.5
Fc2
GU6.5
GX9.5
PGJ5
SFa21-12
G16
G9.5
GX22
GY16
PGJX36
SFC 11
SFa21
SFc10
SFc15.5

Luminous flux (Lumen)

from 860 to 380000

Colour temperature (Kelvin)

from 1900 to 9200

Nominal voltage (Volt)

from 65 to 400

Power (Watt)

from 20 to 5000

Light colour

Warm white
Daylight white
Neutral white
Daylight white
Coloured

Dimmable

Manufacturer

beamZ
Omnilux
Osram
Philips
USHIO

Price

from 9.56 to 1411.5

Illuminant type

Discharge lamp
Transparent

7 From 9 pages

Products per page

No results were found for the filter!

PHILIPS MASTERColour CDM-T MW eco 360W/842 E40

PHILIPS MASTERColour CDM-T MW eco 360W/842 E40 Ceramic metal halide lamps with clear tubular or coated ellipsoid outer bulb, tailor-made to replace and outperform quartz metal halide lamps on...

€55.14 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

PHILIPS MST SON-T APIA Plus Xtra 100W E40 1SL/12

PHILIPS MST SON-T APIA Plus Xtra 100W E40 1SL/12 High Pressure Sodium lamp with clear tubular outer bulb shape, high output and longest reliable lifetime : Length: 210 mm • Width: 48 mm...

€21.31 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

PHILIPS MST SON-T APIA Plus Xtra 150W E40 1SL/12

PHILIPS MST SON-T APIA Plus Xtra 150W E40 1SL/12 High Pressure Sodium lamp with clear tubular outer bulb shape, high output and longest reliable lifetime : Length: 210 mm • Width: 48 mm...

€24.36 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

PHILIPS MST SON-T APIA Plus Xtra 250W E40 1SL/12

PHILIPS MST SON-T APIA Plus Xtra 250W E40 1SL/12 High Pressure Sodium lamp with clear tubular outer bulb shape, high output and longest reliable lifetime : Length: 257 mm • Width: 48 mm...

€28.24 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

PHILIPS MST SON APIA Plus Xtra 100W E40 1SL/12

PHILIPS MST SON APIA Plus Xtra 100W E40 1SL/12 High Pressure Sodium lamp with opalized outer bulb, high output and longest reliable lifetime : Length: 186 mm • Width: 76 mm • Height: 76...

€23.86 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

PHILIPS MST SON APIA Plus Xtra 150W E40 1SL/12

PHILIPS MST SON APIA Plus Xtra 150W E40 1SL/12 High Pressure Sodium lamp with opalized outer bulb, high output and longest reliable lifetime : Length: 227 mm • Width: 91 mm • Height: 91...

€27.03 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

PHILIPS MST SON-T APIA Plus Xtra 400W E40 1SL/12

PHILIPS MST SON-T APIA Plus Xtra 400W E40 1SL/12 High Pressure Sodium lamp with clear tubular outer bulb shape, high output and longest reliable lifetime : Length: 283 mm • Width: 48 mm...

€31.41 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

PHILIPS MST MHN-SB 2000W/956 400V K12s-7 WH HO

PHILIPS MST MHN-SB 2000W/956 400V K12s-7 WH HO Compact quartz metal halide lamp with single pinch : Length: 187 mm • Width: 37 mm • Height: 37 mm • Diameter: 37 mm • Nominal...

€585.26 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Philips CDM-T 20W/830 G12

Cap-Base: G12 [ G12] • Operating Position: UNIVERSAL [ Any or Universal (U)] • Life to 5% Failures (Nom): 12000 h • Life to 10% Failures (Nom): 14000 h • Life to 20% Failures...

€27.10 *

Scale prices: from €25.29

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Details

Philips MASTERColour CDM-T Elite G12 50W/930 5400lm

Cap-Base: G12 [ G12] • Operating Position: UNIVERSAL [ Any or Universal (U)] • Life to 5% Failures (Nom): 12000 h • Life to 10% Failures (Nom): 14000 h • Life to 20% Failures...

Express delivery possible

€28.58 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

PHILIPS MSR Gold 2000/2 FastFit 1CT/8 Studio Lamp 2000W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V

PHILIPS MSR Gold 2000/2 FastFit 1CT/8 Studiolampe 2000W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V The high-performance MSR Gold™ FastFit metal halide discharge lamp enables lamp replacement in seconds (FastFit)...

€678.51 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSR Gold 2500/2 FastFit 1CT/4 Studio Lamp 2500W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V

PHILIPS MSR Gold 2500/2 FastFit 1CT/4 Studiolampe 2500W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V The high-performance MSR Gold™ FastFit metal halide discharge lamp enables lamp replacement in seconds (FastFit)...

€694.34 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSR Gold 1500 FastFit 1CT/4 Studio Lamp 1500W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V

PHILIPS MSR Gold 1500 FastFit 1CT/4 Studiolampe 1500W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V The high-performance MSR Gold™ FastFit metal halide discharge lamp enables lamp replacement in seconds (FastFit) and...

€565.04 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSR Gold 1500/1 FastFit 1CT/4 discharge lamp 1500W 5700K 88-108V

PHILIPS MSR Gold 1500/1 FastFit 1CT/4 Entladungslampe 1500W 5700K 88-108V The high-performance MSR Gold™ FastFit metal halide discharge lamp enables lamp replacement in seconds (FastFit) and...

€1,411.50 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSR Gold 1000 MiniFastFit 1CT/4 Studio Lamp 1000W MSR Gold PGJX36 198V

PHILIPS MSR Gold 1000 MiniFastFit 1CT/4 Studiolampe 1000W MSR Gold PGJX36 198V The high-performance MSR Gold™ MiniFastFit metal halide discharge lamp features a very compact design and can be...

€383.27 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSR Gold 1200 FastFit 1CT/4 Studio Lamp 1200W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V

PHILIPS MSR Gold 1200 FastFit 1CT/4 Studiolampe 1200W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V The high-performance MSR Gold™ FastFit metal halide discharge lamp enables lamp replacement in seconds (FastFit) and...

€550.14 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSR Gold 2000 FastFit 1CT/8 Studio Lamp 2000W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V

PHILIPS MSR Gold 2000 FastFit 1CT/8 Studiolampe 2000W MSR Gold PGJX50 198V The high-performance MSR Gold™ FastFit metal halide discharge lamp enables lamp replacement in seconds (FastFit) and...

€653.79 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS CDM-Rm Elite Mini 20W/830 GX10 MR16 40D MR16 40D 20W, GX10, 830, 40°

PHILIPS CDM-Rm Elite Mini 20W/830 GX10 MR16 40D MR16 40D 20W, GX10, 830, 40° The Philips MASTERColour CDM-Rm Mini ELITE combines proven MASTERColour quality with 50 mm reflector lamps. The...

€68.33 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Product data sheet

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSD Platinum 11 R 1CT/8 Studio Lamp 250W 55-80V Metal Halide

PHILIPS MSD Platinum 11 R 1CT/8 Studiolampe 250W 55-80V Metallhalog MSD Platinum lamps open up new creative possibilities in entertainment lighting with powerful, compact, and brilliantly intense...

€228.09 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSR Gold 400 MiniFastFit 1CT/16 400W 6700K 26000lm PGJX28 dim 198V

PHILIPS MSR Gold 400 MiniFastFit 1CT/16 400W 6700K 26000lm PGJX28 dim 198V The high-performance MSR Gold™ MiniFastFit metal halide discharge lamp features a very compact design and can be...

€1,233.55 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSR Gold 700 MiniFastFit 1CT/16 49000lm 6000K PGJX28 dim discharge lamp

PHILIPS MSR Gold 700 MiniFastFit 1CT/16 49000lm 6000K PGJX28 dim Entladungslampe The high-performance MSR Gold™ MiniFastFit metal halide discharge lamp features a very compact design and can...

€507.63 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSD Platinum 16 R 1CT/8 Studio Lamp 330W MSD

PHILIPS MSD Platinum 16 R 1CT/8 Studiolampe 330W MSD MSD Platinum lamps open up new creative possibilities in entertainment lighting with powerful, compact, and brilliantly intense light. Their...

€384.96 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSD Platinum 14 R 1CT/8 Studio Lamp 280W MSD

PHILIPS MSD Platinum 14 R 1CT/8 Studiolampe 280W MSD MSD Platinum lamps open up new creative possibilities in entertainment lighting with powerful, compact, and brilliantly intense light. Their...

€256.58 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

PHILIPS MSD Platinum 20 R 1CT/8 Studio Lamp 470W MSD Platinum 85-110V

PHILIPS MSD Platinum 20 R 1CT/8 Studiolampe 470W MSD Platinum 85-110V MSD Platinum lamps open up new creative possibilities in entertainment lighting with powerful, compact, and brilliantly intense...

€513.17 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

7 From 9 pages

Products per page

Facts

Professional Discharge Lamps for Events and Stage: Discharge lamps remain the backbone of professional stage and event lighting where high luminous intensity, precise colour rendering and reliable performance are non-negotiable. Whether you're illuminating a festival stage, a corporate event or a touring production, discharge lamp technology delivers the punch and beam quality that LED alternatives still struggle to match in certain... Read more »

Viewed