According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, halogen torchieres have been associated with at least 100 fires and 10 deaths. The lamp surfaces of these halogen lights can reach temperatures ranging from 800 to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparison, paper ignites at 340 degrees and cloth at 640 degrees F. These lamps obviously can pose a serious fire hazard and because of this, they are not permitted inside the residence halls. Note: Halogen torchieres fixtures found in student rooms will be confiscated and residents will face disciplinary charges.

As an alternative to the halogen torchieres the compact fluorescent light (CFL) fixture has been developed that will provide 20% brighter light and uses one-fifth the energy of current 300 watt halogen lamps. Using advanced compact fluorescent technology, the bulbs will last five times as long as halogens (10,000 hours or up to seven years with typical use). Besides longer life and brighter light, the energy efficient CFLs give off only 100 degrees of heat and are permitted in the residence halls.

The CFLs are easy to distinguish from halogen torchieres in that they use two rectangular shaped compact fluorescent lamps with a small tube diameter and look much different than the halogen units. They also give off minimum heat, where as the halogen lamps give off extreme amounts of heat.

Your cooperation regarding halogen torchieres is essential to maintaining a safe environment in the residence halls.

Thank you,

Department of Residence Life
Texas A&M University