An overhead projector is one of the simplest styles of projectors and it has long been used in schools, colleges and business organizations as a tool to aid giving lessons and presentations. It works by projecting an image onto a blank wall or screen and a projector is made up of a few components. An important piece is the overhead projector bulbs and as with any light bulb these can burn out and need to be replaced from time to time.
An overhead projector is a simple piece of equipment which generally comprises a large box which houses a fan and a bright bulb. The top of the box is a clear piece of glass and above this there is an arm, on the end of which is an adjustable mirror. When a transparency is placed on the glass the light shines through this and the image is caught by the mirror on the end of the arm and projected onto the wall. While overhead projectors are probably less common than they once were as a result of computers and digital projectors, they are still used by many organizations.
If you use an overhead projector the chances are that at some point you will need to replace the light. Overhead projector bulbs come in a variety of styles and the type used will generally depend on the manufacturer of the projector. There are a number of these with some of the common names including American Optical, Apollo, Hoppman and Kodak. Different manufacturers produce the bulbs for their projectors in different shapes and sizes and sticking to purchasing the manufacturers bulbs for the model you have available is usually the common sense option.
There are a number of specialist retailers that have overhead projector bulbs for sale, with many of these now having online operations and this can be a simple way to find and purchase a projector light bulb. Topbulb is an example of this and they have bulbs for overhead projectors for many of the common models available. The cost for these is typically not expensive with the price for a bulb generally being less than $10. A replacement bulb for a Hoppman CP-2 projector, for example, is available for around $5, while a bulb for the Apollo VS3250 Magnastar costs around $10. However some bulbs can be more expensive and cost will generally be dependent on the projector model the bulb is for.
Other online companies which have overhead projector bulbs for sale include Bulb Source and the Projector Bulb Source. There are in-store locations that have bulbs for overhead projectors available, although it tends to be a narrower selection. Both Staples and Office Depot, for example, have replacement bulbs available for Apollo projector models.
An overhead projector can be a useful piece of equipment to have available. However, the bulb can burn out in these and it can pay to keep a supply of overhead projector bulbs available for the model you use. The bulbs are relatively affordable to purchase and changing them is a relatively simple process to ensure your projector remains in good working order at all times.