EditHow long does a lamp last for?
Each projector in the TELA scheme has a 'maximum lamp life' rating, measured in hours. This is the average maximum life that the manufacturer expects the lamp to last for before requiring replacement. No projector manufacturer guarantees that each lamp will last for its maximum lamp life before requiring replacement.
Projector lamps rarely burn out, however the brightness of the projector slowly and steadily decreases until lamp replacement is necessary.
EditHow many years can a lamp last?
A projector with a maximum 2000 hours lamp life can last up to 2 years normal class-time use ~ (400 school days x 5 hours use per day).
A projector with a maximum 3000 hours lamp life can last up to 3 years normal class-time use ~ (600 x 5 hours).
A projector with a maximum 4000 hours lamp life can last up to 4 years normal class-time use ~ (800 x 5 hours).
EditDo some projectors have lamps that last longer than others?
Yes! While there are many projectors that last 2000 hours between lamp changes, there are others that can last up to 3-4000 hours.
EditHow do I tell how long a projector lamp lasts for when choosing a projector?
On the TELA ordering site, the maximum estimated lamp life is listed for each projector at its brightest mode
and its Eco-Mode (lower brightness) modes. When comparing TELA projectors with other projectors on the market you will find that most vendors advertise the longer life but dimmer 'Eco-Mode' lamp life only. Ideally you should find out how long a projector's lamp will last at maximum brightness, not just economy mode for a full comparison.
EditWhy do some lamps not last as long as estimated?
There are a number of reasons for identical projector lamps to vary in life.
Natural variation
In the same way that lightbulbs in your house can last varying amounts of time before failing, the lamps in each projector can last a varying amount of time.
Overheating
A projector's lamp can overheat and expire prematurely if the projector vents are blocked or obstructed, if the projector vents are clogged with dust, if the projector is operated in a closed box, if the projector is operated in the vicinity of an airconditioning vent or heater or if the projector is used continuously for many hours.
Shaking and impact damage
The lamp can be damaged if the projector is handled roughly, subject to shock or vibration.
Continuously turning the projector on and off
The more often the lamp is switched on and off, the shorter its life. Many projectors have a picture mute function, which temporarily blanks the screen. This is suitable for hiding the image for a short period of time instead of turning the projector on and off during a lesson.
EditHow can I extend my projector's lamp life?
Ensure the projector is in a clean environment and located in an unobstructed area away from heat sources and vibration.
Be careful to avoid knocks and drops and ensure the projector's air filter (if it has any) is regularly cleaned.
Turn the projector off when not in use and use the picture mute function to temporarily hide the image on screen during lessons.
Use the projector's 'Eco' or 'Low lamp' mode (if available) which reduces the brightness of the image projected while extending the life of the lamp - sometimes by up to 1000 additional hours.
EditWhat is the warranty period for lamps?
The minimum lamp warranty period for projectors sold through the scheme is 90 days, however some vendors offer longer lamp warranties than this - the lamp warranty is specified for each projector on the TELA ordering web site.
EditWhat do I do if a lamp bursts?
As the lamp inside a projector operates at high temperatures and is made of glass, there is the potential for the lamp to break. The risk increases if the projector is dropped and the lamp is cracked. Since the TELA scheme started supply of projectors in schools we have not been informed of any such failures, however in the event a projector lamp does burst, we recommend the following course of action.
Ventilate the room
Mercury vapour is enclosed within the lamp, when the lamp is broken this can escape - keep your face away from the projector and projector vents and open doors and windows to ventilate the room.
Contact the manufacturer to arrange repair
The manufacturer's repairer can safely replace the lamp and remove any debris from inside the projector. You should not attempt to replace a burst or shattered lamp yourself.
Other precautions
Despite the risk of lamp breakage being extremely low, when operating the projector we recommend that the projector's exhaust vents are not directed at pupils.
In addition to this precaution, projector manufacturers design each projector to prevent lamp glass escaping the projector casing and vents in the event of a lamp breakage.