Norman Lamps, Inc.

Xenon light bulbs use xenon gas fill rather than standard inert gases, creating several performance advantages that make them valuable for specific applications. The xenon gas allows the tungsten filament to operate more efficiently, producing brighter, whiter light than standard incandescent bulbs while lasting considerably longer. Xenon bulbs are commonly found in under-cabinet lighting, puck lights, low-voltage display lighting, and applications where you want the instant-on and perfect dimming of incandescent technology but with better performance than standard bulbs provide.

The light quality from xenon bulbs sits between standard incandescent and halogen. Color temperature typically ranges from 2700K to 3000K – warmer and more inviting than halogen's 3000K but crisper and whiter than standard 2700K incandescent. The color rendering is excellent at CRI 100, making xenon bulbs well-suited for applications where color accuracy matters: retail displays, jewelry cases, art lighting, and any situation where you're illuminating objects that need to look their best. The whiter light compared to standard incandescent can make spaces feel cleaner and more modern.

Under-cabinet lighting has been a traditional strength for xenon technology. Xenon puck lights and linear xenon fixtures provide bright, even illumination for kitchen countertops, retail displays, and other task lighting applications. The instant-on response, smooth dimming capability, and warm white light work well in residential kitchens and commercial displays. The low voltage operation (typically 12V) allows for slim profile fixtures and safe installation in locations close to users.

Compared to halogen bulbs, xenon bulbs run significantly cooler – an important consideration for under-cabinet applications where heat buildup can be uncomfortable when working at the counter, for display lighting where heat could damage merchandise, or in enclosed fixtures where excessive heat is problematic. A xenon puck light that's warm to the touch is much more pleasant than a halogen puck running at 200°F+. The cooler operation also extends bulb life significantly compared to halogen – xenon bulbs typically last 10,000-20,000 hours versus 2,000-4,000 hours for halogen.

The base configurations vary by application. Under-cabinet puck lights often use wedge base or bi-pin capsules (G4, GY6.35). Linear xenon fixtures may use single-ended or double-ended xenon capsules. Voltage requirements are typically 12V for residential under-cabinet applications, though line voltage xenon bulbs exist for specific fixture types. Matching the correct voltage, base type, and physical size to your fixture is essential.

LED technology has made significant inroads into xenon bulb territory, particularly in under-cabinet lighting where LED's cool operation, efficiency, and long life are very attractive. However, xenon maintains advantages in smooth, universal dimming behavior, perfect color rendering, lower upfront cost, and the warm, natural light quality that some people simply prefer over LED. For existing xenon fixtures in good condition, continuing with xenon bulb replacements often remains practical and economical.

Wattages in xenon bulbs typically range from 10W to 75W depending on the bulb size and application. Under-cabinet puck lights commonly use 20W xenon bulbs. Display lighting might use 35W or 50W xenon bulbs for higher output. The wattages are modest enough that the energy consumption isn't excessive, especially compared to halogen alternatives that might use 50W-100W to achieve similar light output.

Common Formats: Puck light bulbs (wedge, bi-pin), linear xenon capsules (single or double-ended), various bi-pin configurations (G4, GY6.35, others)

Typical Voltage: 12V most common (requires transformer), some line voltage versions available

Primary Applications: Under-cabinet lighting, puck lights, display and retail lighting, jewelry cases, art lighting, low-voltage decorative lighting, anywhere warm white light with better performance than standard incandescent is needed