BLOG

What is Metal Halide (Mh)

Horace He

Last Updated: December 26, 2023

What is Metal Halide (Mh)

Metal Halide (MH) is a type of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp commonly used in the lighting industry, particularly in indoor gardening applications. These lamps utilize a mixture of gaseous mercury and metal halides to produce a bluish-white light that promotes vegetative growth in plants, resulting in lush foliage.

Metal halide lamps are part of the HID lighting family, which also includes high-pressure sodium (HPS) and ceramic metal halide (CMH) lamps. They are favored by indoor gardeners due to their ability to provide high-quality and high-output light while being cost-effective compared to other indoor grow lighting options.

One key advantage of metal halide lamps is their ability to improve color rendition and light efficiency, with a luminous efficiency ranging from 75 to 100 lumens per watt. This means that they produce a significant amount of light output for the energy consumed. Additionally, they have a relatively long lifespan, lasting between 6,000 and 15,000 hours.

Maybe You Are Interested In

rz021 us occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy mode
  • 100V ~ 265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • 1600 sq ft
  • Voltage: DC 12v/24v
  • Mode: Auto/ON/OFF
  • Time Delay: 15s~900s
  • Dimming: 20%~100%
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the UK Square backbox
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cold White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cool White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cool White
  • Voltage: DC 12V
  • Length: 2.5M/6M
  • Color Temperature: Warm/Cold White
rz036 occupancy sensor switch ceiling mounted
  • Occupancy mode
  • 12V ~ 24V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • 1600 sq ft
  • Voltage: DC 12v/24v
  • Day/Night Mode
  • Time delay: 15min, 30min, 1h(default), 2h
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the European round backbox
rz021 us occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Requires Hot wire, Load wire
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
rz023 uk occupancy vacancy sensor switch front
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the UK square pattress box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Hot Wire, Load Wire Required
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the European round backbox
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Requires Hot wire, Load wire
  • No Neutral/Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 10A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 5A
  • Neutral Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box
  • Occupancy, Vacancy, ON/OFF mode
  • 100~265V, 10A
  • Ground Wire Required
  • Fits the US 1-Gang wall box

Another consideration when using metal halide lights is their heat generation. The increased heat can impact the temperature in the grow room or greenhouse, requiring proper ventilation and cooling systems to prevent damage to plants. It is also important to position Metal Halide lamps away from the plant’s canopy to avoid burning the foliage.

Get Inspired by Rayzeek Motion Sensor Portfolios.

Doesn't find what you want? Don't worry. There are always alternate ways to solve your problems. Maybe one of our portfolios can help.

Metal halide do not emit light in the red/orange portion of the light spectrum, which is crucial for fruiting plants. To address this, specialized metal halide lamps with an enhanced red-light spectrum have been developed to provide the necessary light spectrum for fruiting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Disadvantage of Metal Halide Lighting

One major drawback of metal halide lighting is its tendency to generate excessive heat. This can pose a challenge in environments that are already hot, like greenhouses or during the summer season. Furthermore, the intense brightness of metal halide lights can lead to issues such as glare and the formation of shadows.

Are Metal Halide Bulbs Being Phased Out

24, 2022 for 75 days of public consultation, would prohibit the sale of fluorescent and metal halide lamps for general lighting purposes by 2027. Additionally, high-pressure sodium vapor lighting and horticultural fluorescents would become increasingly difficult to obtain by 2032.

What Does MH Mean in Lights

Metal halide (MH) bulbs are a commonly used type of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp. These bulbs emit a strong, bright white light and typically have a higher color-rendering index (CRI) compared to other HIDs.

Is Metal Halide Better Than LED

LEDs are known for their longer lifespan and energy efficiency, making them a preferred choice over metal halides. Unlike metal halides, LEDs require less maintenance and have shorter warm-up periods. However, metal halides are valued for their ability to produce high-quality light and are particularly efficient in generating very cool color temperature outputs.

Leave a Comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

en_USEnglish