RubyLux NIR-A Near Infrared Bulb FAQ
My Bulbs Aren't the Exact Same Color. Are They Defective?
RubyLux NIR-A Near Infrared Bulbs can vary in color from one bulb to the next. There can also be differences in color from bulb to bulb because we try to stick to using more natural substances and processes in coloring the bulbs. While this makes them more likely to vary in color, we prefer this over using substances and processes that are heavy on the chemicals.
Fortunately, the color of the bulb does not affect how much near infrared light it produces. We color the bulbs red so you can see where the light is being directed. Since infrared light is not visible, without the visible red coloring it would be more difficult to see where the light was going.
Most people buy the bulbs for their infrared light, which is invisible. It also provides a lot of bright white light. The heat it produces is associated with the infrared energy.
Since infrared is not visible, and since the white light is so bright, we chose to color the bulb glass red. Most people find the red tint easier to work with because you can see where the light is pointing then. And people seem to prefer the red tint over the more harsh white light.
We stick to more natural processes and substances in the making of the bulb glass, including its tint. We believe this is better for our customers, but it does mean that there will be more color variation from one bulb to another. It can also mean that the tint changes over time, as it is exposed repeatedly to high heat.
Keep in mind that RubyLux accepts returns for any reason (click here to view our return policy or click here to contact us to return your bulb).
My NIR-A Bulb Casts a Shadow. Is It Defective?
The shadows are distortions of visible light and do not affect the infrared output. If the infrared were affected, you would notice the bulb not getting hot (the infrared is what's responsible for all the heat the bulbs produce). The shadows can be caused by a few different things, such as the shadow of the bulb's filament and its holder, changes in the glass tint or in the inner reflector, especially the more it is exposed to heat. None of these things affects the bulb's infrared output.
Dont' forget- RubyLux accepts returns for any reason (click here to view our return policy or click here to contact us to return your bulb).
Can I Use My NIR-A Bulb with a Dimmer Switch?
No, the infrared bulb cannot be used with a dimmer switch.
Do I Have to Use a Surge Protector with My NIR-A Bulb?
Yes, we strongly recommend using a surge protector. This protects your bulb, extends its life and is safer.
What's the Difference between the NIR-A Bulb & the RubyLux All Red LED Bulb?
There are several differences between the two. The biggest differences are that they emit a different spectrum of light and the NIR-A Bulb produces a lot of heat, while the RubyLux All Red LED Bulb does not. Near infrared bulbs are even used to heat near infrared saunas. LED type bulbs cannot be used to heat a sauna.
As far as effectiveness, red light and infrared light are very similar. Some studies have shown them to be equal, while others have shown infrared to have a very slight advantage. One disadvantage with infrared, though, is that infrared light is invisible. Not being able to see the light you're trying to work with can make it more difficult, which is why RubyLux tints its NIR-A Bulbs red.
How Far Away Should the Bulb Be Placed?
It is best to be as close as is comfortably possible. In most situations, this is 1-3 feet (0.3 - 1 meters), but it could be up to 5 feet (1.5 meters).
Many people enjoy the sweating that the warmth can produce, as this is believed to improve detoxification. If you do sweat, remember to take care not to allow any sweat or other liquid to touch the bulb when it is at all warm or it is likely to shatter. Use a towel to wipe away sweat. Afterwards, it is wise to cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser to wash away sweat, oil, dirt or bacteria.
Do I Need to Use Eye Protection with RubyLux NIR-A Near Infrared Bulbs?
Yes. With the near infrared bulbs, you would need to use eye protection if your eyes will be exposed to the light. It is okay to briefly glance at the light when it is on, though.
We have heard some experts say that infrared light can benefit the eyes. However, there are also experts who warn that it can overwhelm the eyes because it is so powerful and the eye's pupil does not contract in response to infrared light (like it usually does with visible light in order to protect itself from excess light exposure). There is also some evidence that repeated infrared exposure over time can contribute to cataract formation. Since the experts have such varying opinions, we think it is best to err on the side of safety until they all come to a consensus opinion about it.
Also, when they are talking about infrared light, they are talking only about the light part of it. But infrared radiation naturally comes with a great deal of heat. The heat part can definitely be harmful to the eyes if it is too hot. Our bulbs do get extremely hot, so we believe it is best to use the appropriate eye protection and pay attention to your body- meaning, you should never feel pain or discomfort during use.
We do sell basic goggles on in our shop (RubyLux All-in-One Goggles), which would work with any RubyLux bulb. Another option would be to use metal (even thin metal like household aluminum foil works) to block the light. You can take an old pair of goggles or sunglasses and wrap aluminum foil around them. And of course there are other companies that sell higher-end infrared blocking goggles and glasses. You would want some that are rated as high as possible- sometimes these are referred to as "Shade 14" or the description will say they are suitable for viewing solar eclipses or using with infrared lasers.
Do RubyLux Bulbs Have EMF's or ELF's? What about Dirty Electricity?
Some customers are concerned about the possible dangers of exposure to what are known as Electromagnetic Fields, or EMF's. A similar concern is exposure to Extremely Low Frequencies, or ELF's. These two are not the same thing, but people concerned about one of them will usually be concerned about the other.
None of our bulbs, including the RubyLux NIR-A Near Infrared Bulbs, emit frequencies in the ELF range. Usually, the biggest ELF risks are household electrical wires and the electrical cords of electronic products. So while RubyLux bulbs do not emit any ELF's, people concerned about ELF's should take care when choosing a lamp or fixture to use the bulb in. The best cords to use to reduce ELF exposure are electrical cords that are insulated.
As far as EMF's go, RubyLux bulbs do not emit any EMF's in the range that EMF experts believe are harmful.
Another related issue is whether the bulbs put out what is referred to as "dirty electricity". We do not currently test RubyLux bulbs for dirty electricity, but we regularly hear from customers who do test them and all of them have remarked that the RubyLux NIR-A Near Infrared Bulbs emit very, very little dirty electricity.
Do RubyLux Bulbs Have Any Toxic PTFE (Teflon or "Shatterproof" Coating)?
No. RubyLux is against the use of PTFE or "shatter-proof" coatings on near infrared bulbs. PTFE coated bulbs, sometimes advertised as Teflon coated, off-gas toxic fluoronated fumes at the temperatures the bulbs reach.
Do RubyLux NIR-A Near Infrared Bulbs contain any toxic substances?
No. All of our bulbs carry the CE designation and contain no harmful chemicals, metals or other substances.