8mm Forum: Radiation from Arc Lighting

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Topic: Radiation from Arc Lighting

Simon McConway
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1085
From: Doncaster, UK
Registered: Jun 2004

posted May 21, 2005 06:04 PM

I use a projector which has a G E MARC 300 high-intensity arc lamp. This lamp is NOT a xenon. I have heard people suggesting that radiation is a risk associated with arc lighting. Can anyone confirm this?

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Alan Gouger
Master Film Handler

Posts: 451
From: Florida
Registered: Jun 2003

posted May 23, 2005 12:30 PM

I have been using Arc lamps for years and have noticed no side effects.

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004

posted May 23, 2005 01:09 PM

The most serious effect is of course arc-eye, which literally burns the retina of the eye. You should only look at an electric arc through a welders mask.

With regard to radiation, the electric arc emits EVERY wavelength in the ultra violet spectrum and is, of itself, extremely hazardous, causing cancer and all the other related nasties. It is more intense than being exposed to the sun and can do far greater damage.

HOWEVER - HEAR THIS!! The glass or quartz envelope in which the arc is contained, filters out pretty much all of this UV radiation!

So, you're OK with your arc projector lamp. Nevertheless, if the glass bulb is damaged in any way, ie. scratched or grazed, throw it away, because the harmful radiation will get through. Even if the interior of the bulb is still smooth, the radiation is only properly filtered by the total internal reflection of both the inner and outer surfaces of the glass.

Here endeth the lesson. [Eek!]

Dave.

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Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Michael De Angelis
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1261
From: USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted May 30, 2005 09:39 PM

David & Alan,

David, this was very informative.
Yikes Alan, I like the formal wear and Bow tie, but it is
a informal forum!

But thanks for the special effects. Nice trick, it's great. [Big Grin]

Michael

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Isn't it great that we can all communicate about this great
hobby that we love!

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John A. Pommon
Film Handler

Posts: 69
From: San Francisco, California 94131
Registered: Nov 2004

posted June 04, 2005 01:36 AM

Be sure the welding filter shade is correct for your application. I use an Omni-View #10 shade for observing 550 w arc lamp. (O.V. meets/exceeds ansi Z87.1 standards)

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