What does PAR in lighting stand for?
parabolic aluminized reflector
PAR stands for “parabolic aluminized reflector.” These bulbs have a lamp, reflector, and pressed lens inside the lamp to provide directional lighting. They have a shorter body than BR light bulbs with a bowl shape. PAR light bulbs have soft light, but with a more defined edge than BR bulbs.
What is a PAR light bulb?
PAR (short for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) bulbs are lamps with “spot light” features, meaning that they provide a beam spread that is typically lower than 45°. Use PAR bulbs when attempting to put a focused beam of light on an object such as in track lighting or illuminating artwork.
What does par 20 mean on a light bulb?
Parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) 20 bulbs control light more precisely. Like all light bulbs, the 20 value represents the diameter of the bulb in 1⁄8 of an inch. Therefore, a PAR 20 is 2.5 inches in diameter. PAR20 LED Replacements: PAR20 is one of the best applications for LED due to its directional nature.
What is PAR lighting size?
The most common sizes of PAR bulbs vary in size from PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR36, and PAR38. LED PAR bulbs provide a dimmable, bright light that requires less energy to operate….Breaking Down the Terms.
| PAR Bulb Number | Bulb Diameter |
|---|---|
| 20 | 2.5 inches |
| 30 | 3.75 inches |
| 36 | 4.5 inches |
| 38 | 4.75 inches |
What is the difference between PAR 16 and PAR 20?
We mentioned that LED PAR16 Bulbs are the smallest in diameter of all the PAR Bulbs, and the PAR20 bulb is one size larger. While a PAR20 and a PAR16 Bulb can have the same base size, the dimension of the bulb is what differs. This is important when using existing fixtures because the fit might not be the same.
What is the difference between PAR 30 and PAR 38?
Now the bad news: PAR38 and PAR30 refer to the physical characteristics of the bulbs. PAR = Parabolic Aluminized Reflector, 38 = thirty-eight eighths of an inch, or 38*1/8″=4.75″. 30 = thirty eighths of an inch, or 30*1/8″=3.75″. As you can see, PAR38 has a larger diameter than a PAR30 bulb or can.
What is the difference between PAR 20 and PAR 30?
Unlike smaller PAR16 and PAR20 bulbs, PAR30 LED bulbs provide a wider beam angle, making them perfect for both spot and flood lighting. For example, you could swap out your BR bulb with a PAR bulb if you were looking for a sharp, focused light to illuminate a single object like a painting.
Can R20 replace PAR20?
Either way, the bottom line is that a PAR20 and R20 bulb are the same size and can be used in similar situations, but the PAR20 will be better when more focused light is desired and an R20 will be better for more diffused light and general lighting situations.
What’s the difference between BR20 and R20 bulbs?
Don’t worry about it because the two are interchangeable! R20 is the name for the incandescent bulb while BR20 is the name used for LED bulbs. In case you were curious, “BR” is short for “bulged reflector” which means the back of the bulb is a reflector and the front of it is bulged out.
Are PAR38 and BR30 interchangeable?
Size comparison of PAR vs BR floodlights The number represents increments of an 8th of an inch. For example, a BR30 is 30/8ths of an inch or 30 divided by 8 which equals 3.75″ in diameter. The same example applies to a PAR38. Divide 38/8ths of an inch or 38 divided by 8 which equals 4.75″ in diameter.