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what is par30 vs par38

by Dr. Emery Collier II Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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PAR30 bulbs fit into smaller cans than their big brother, the PAR38. A PAR30 bulb is just under 4 inches across, so it will fit a 4" can with very little space to the sides. They can also be used in larger cans if you want some space left around the bulb.

PAR30 bulbs are great for larger rooms where multiple light fixtures are being used. Short neck PAR30 bulbs are more common for tracking lighting while long neck PAR30 bulbs are useful for recessed cans. PAR38 BULBS are primarily used for outdoor lighting. PAR38 bulbs can be used as general flood and safety lights.

Full Answer

What is the difference between a PAR30 and a BR30 bulb?

The numbers PAR30 and BR30 are used by manufacturers to indicate the bulb size. The base of the bulb is not shown by the number. The diameter of a BR30 bulb is the same as the diameter of a PAR 30. What is the difference between BR and PAR bulbs? In settings where a focused, narrow beam of light is required, PAR is the best choice.

What is the difference between PAR38 and Parpar lights?

PAR lights, short for parabolic aluminized reflector, are designed to fit in recessed cans and provide great lighting in living rooms, dens, kitchens, and can even be found outdoors. PAR38 bulbs, the focus of this article, are always 4.75" across (hence the 38 eights of an inch in the name) are great for five or since inch recessed cans.

What are PAR30 LED lights used for?

These types of lights are commonly used in offices, retail stores, museum displays, restaurants, and outdoor lighting. Unlike smaller PAR16 and PAR20 bulbs, PAR30 LED bulbs provide a wider beam angle, making them perfect for both spot and flood lighting.

What is the difference between PAR16 and par20 bulbs?

The smallest in diameter of all the PAR Bulbs is the PAR16 Bulbs, while the largest in diameter is thePAR20 Bulbs. The dimensions of the bulb are different than the base size. It’s important that the fit of the fixture is the same. What does PAR20 mean? What’s the name of the bulbs? There are 20 bulbs that control light more precisely.

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What does PAR30 mean?

Manufacturers use standard numbers like PAR30 or BR30 to indicate the bulb size. The number indicates the diameter of the lamp portion, not the base of the bulb. Diameter for these two bulb types is measured in eighths of an inch. Example: BR30 = 30/8 inches or approximately 3 ¾”

What does PAR38 mean on a light bulb?

PAR stands for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector. BR stands for Bulged Reflector. What does the number after PAR or BR mean? This number is indicative of the diameter of the lamp in terms of 1/8ths of an inch. For example, a PAR38 bulb is (1/8 x 38)” or 4 ¾” across.

What is the difference between BR30 and PAR38?

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.

What does PAR30 led mean?

The number on a LED PAR bulb refers the diameter of the lamp measured in terms by eighths of an inch. This number can be easily converted to inches by multiplying the PAR number x 1/8 (0.125). In this case a PAR30 bulb has 3.75-inch diameter.

What does PAR mean in flood lights?

parabolic aluminized reflectorPAR 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.

Can I use BR30 instead of PAR30?

The number following the letters in a recessed light bulb indicates size: it's the diameter of the light bulb in eighths of an inch. So, a BR30 is 30/8 inches, or three and 3/4 inches. An MR11 is 11/8 inches. So, you can swap out a PAR30 for an R30 or a BR30 - they are all the same size.

What is the difference between PAR 30 and BR 30?

As we have discussed, BR30 light bulbs provide soft, directional lighting with wide beam angles of between 100 and 120-degrees. Conversely, PAR30 bulbs deliver strong, directional light that is more targeted with a 45-degree beam angle.

What are PAR can lights used for?

A Par Can Light is a lamp that generates a highly directional light beam, because of this function particularity, they are the favorite of stages around the world for illuminating a single person or event. They are also the choice of aircraft, locomotives, architecture, lighthouses and cars.

Is BR40 same as PAR38?

PAR38 will fit - the number denotes eighths of inches wide, so PAR38= 38/8" width, or 4 3/4"w. A BR40 is 40/8" inch wide, or 5" wide. About the same size and will fit in the same fixtures.

Are all flood lights the same size?

Secondly are your flood lamps. These come in three main sizes for most homes, PAR20, PAR30, and PAR38.

What are LED PAR bulbs?

What is a LED PAR Bulb? An LED PAR Bulb is a highly intensified type of LED light that produces up to 4X the amount of concentrated light than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED PAR bulbs are energy efficient, cost effective, and require very little maintenance.

Can LED bulbs be used in recessed lighting?

In fact, most remodeling recessed lighting uses LED bulbs because of the ease of installation, as well as the energy efficiency. LED bulbs last much longer than other kinds of light bulbs. You won't have to change them as often once you make the switch. An LED bulb can stay lit for as long as 50,000 hours.

How many watts is a PAR38 bulb?

5 watts, the PAR38 LED bulb is available in multiple beam angles for different applications. It is fully dimmable and designed to last 25,000 or 50,000 hours.

Is BR40 same as PAR38?

PAR38 will fit - the number denotes eighths of inches wide, so PAR38= 38/8" width, or 4 3/4"w. A BR40 is 40/8" inch wide, or 5" wide. About the same size and will fit in the same fixtures.

How many lumens is a PAR38?

While the average PAR38 LED Bulb is approximately 1200 lumens, this Bluex Bulbs PAR38 High Lumen Bulb boasts 3300 lumens! One bulb will light up your whole backyard!

What are par lights used for?

PAR lamps and their fixtures are widely used in theatre, concerts and motion picture production when a substantial amount of flat lighting is required for a scene. They are often mounted in can-shaped fixtures known as PARCANs, which can be used to generate colours by fitting them with colored sheets called gels.

What is a LED PAR30 Bulb?from homelectrical.com

An LED PAR30 bulb helps control light in a precise or designated space to produce a concentrated light intensity. Due to the directional nature of the light, LED PAR30 bulbs are ideal for recessed cans, track lights, downlight fixtures, and up lights.

What base do LED PAR30 bulbs come with?from homelectrical.com

Most LED PAR30 bulbs come with a standard E26 medium base but can be adjusted depending on your fixture. For example, if you currently have a BR30 light fixture with a G10 (bi-pin) socket type, you could replace it with a PAR30 GU10.

How to measure LED PAR bulb?from homelectrical.com

This number can be easily converted to inches by multiplying the PAR number x 1/8 (0.125). In this case a PAR30 bulb has 3.75-inch diameter. These bulbs are extremely versatile and can be used in both indoor and outdoor fixtures.

What is the difference between a PAR20 and a PAR30?from homelectrical.com

We mentioned that LED PAR20 Bulbs are similar in diameter to the PAR16 bulbs. The PAR30 bulb, however, is almost two sizes bigger. While a PAR30, PAR20, and a PAR16 bulb can have very similar color temperature options, lumen outputs, and wattages, the main difference with a PAR 30 bulb is the beam spread and the bulb dimension. This is important when determining which fixture you should use.

Why are PAR30 bulbs used?from homelectrical.com

Because PAR bulbs use reflectors, these light bulbs typically have higher CCT and lumen outputs. This makes PAR30 bulbs great for track lighting and display lighting. Another common mistake is consumers confusing brightness with the color temperature (CCT) of a light bulb.

What is the beam angle of a PAR30 bulb?from homelectrical.com

The beam angle of PAR30 bulbs is on the larger size; however, some can be as narrow as 40 degrees. The most common beam angle is “Narrow Flood” and is designed for recessed can lighting due to its directional spot light.

How is the brightness of a light bulb determined?from homelectrical.com

The actual brightness of a light bulb is determined solely by the lumen output. The bulb’s dimensions does not influence the brightness. There are many different bulb options. This is what makes the PAR30 bulb such a viable replacement.

What is PAR light?

PAR lights, short for parabolic aluminized reflector, are designed to fit in recessed cans and provide great lighting in living rooms, dens, kitchens, and can even be found outdoors. PAR38 bulbs, the focus of this article, are always 4.75" across (hence the 38 eights of an inch in the name) are great for five or since inch recessed cans.

What is the difference between a short neck and a long neck?

The difference between a short neck or a long neck PAR38 is as easy as it sounds. The short neck is shorter and will sit farther back in the can, while the longer neck will stick out more and provide a wider beam of light. If you are looking for a smaller or more concentrated beam, a short neck is recommended.

Why do we need energy star certification?

Energy Star certified products are required by some locations, in order to use less electricity. The ultimate goal is to ensure everyone is using the safest and most energy efficient products available to cut down on the carbon footprint.

Is PAR38 wet rated?

Wet- Rated. If you are planning on installing your new PAR38 bulbs outdoors or in an area that may accumulate water/dampness, looking for a wet-rated bulb is the way to go. If they are going to be installed in a kitchen or den, unless it is open to the elements, you should be fine getting a bulb that isn't wet-rated.

Is a bulb dimmable or non-dimmable?

Before purchasing, you need to know if you want to be able to dim the bulb or not. Personally, I always go with dimmable, just in case I decide I want to make it dimmable down the road.

Is LED bulb good?

Regardless of which bulb you decide to go with, any LED bulb is a good choice. They help you save money by using less watts, produce the same or more lumens, and last up to 10 times longer than normal incandescent bulbs.

What is a LED PAR30 Bulb?

An LED PAR30 bulb helps control light in a precise or designated space to produce a concentrated light intensity. Due to the directional nature of the light, LED PAR30 bulbs are ideal for recessed cans, track lights, downlight fixtures, and up lights.

Why are PAR30 bulbs used?

Because PAR bulbs use reflectors, these light bulbs typically have higher CCT and lumen outputs. This makes PAR30 bulbs great for track lighting and display lighting. Another common mistake is consumers confusing brightness with the color temperature (CCT) of a light bulb.

What base do LED PAR30 bulbs come with?

Most LED PAR30 bulbs come with a standard E26 medium base but can be adjusted depending on your fixture. For example, if you currently have a BR30 light fixture with a G10 (bi-pin) socket type, you could replace it with a PAR30 GU10.

How to measure LED PAR bulb?

This number can be easily converted to inches by multiplying the PAR number x 1/8 (0.125). In this case a PAR30 bulb has 3.75-inch diameter. These bulbs are extremely versatile and can be used in both indoor and outdoor fixtures.

What is the difference between a PAR20 and a PAR30?

We mentioned that LED PAR20 Bulbs are similar in diameter to the PAR16 bulbs. The PAR30 bulb, however, is almost two sizes bigger. While a PAR30, PAR20, and a PAR16 bulb can have very similar color temperature options, lumen outputs, and wattages, the main difference with a PAR 30 bulb is the beam spread and the bulb dimension. This is important when determining which fixture you should use.

What is the beam angle of a PAR30 bulb?

The beam angle of PAR30 bulbs is on the larger size; however, some can be as narrow as 40 degrees. The most common beam angle is “Narrow Flood” and is designed for recessed can lighting due to its directional spot light.

How is the brightness of a light bulb determined?

The actual brightness of a light bulb is determined solely by the lumen output. The bulb’s dimensions does not influence the brightness. There are many different bulb options. This is what makes the PAR30 bulb such a viable replacement.

What is a BR bulb?

Traditional BR bulbs include a bulged reflector on the inside of the housing to increase light output. You will notice the bulging shape on our BR LEDs above the socket base (when looking at the bulb from the side like in the graph above). Sunco BR bulbsproduce a wide beam angle to illuminate a large area as directional flood lights. In other words, they cast a wide pool of light.

What is the CRI80 on Sunco bulbs?

In addition, both Sunco PAR and BR bulbs feature CRI80 for accurate color rendering and clear definition of textures.

What does the number on a bulb mean?

The number indicates the diameter of the lamp portion, not the base of the bulb. Diameter for these two bulb types is measured in eighths of an inch.

How many inches is a BR30 bulb?

Diameter for these two bulb types is measured in eighths of an inch. Example:  BR30 = 30/8 inches or approximately 3 ¾”

How big are PAR bulbs?

PAR bulbs range between 2.48” to approximately 4.75” in diameter. Their body is a bit shorter than a BR. Instead of a bulbous shape, PARs tend to have a bowl shape, similar to those you use as vehicle headlights.

What affects the shape of the light produced?

The beam angle of each bulb affects the shape of the light produced.

Can you use Sunco PAR bulbs outside?

PARs are not exclusively for outdoor use, though several Sunco PAR bulbs are wet rated for outdoor use. A wet rating makes these lights ideal for focused light in garden and landscaping applications, as well as spotlights for exterior business or retail signs. If you are unsure about applications for wet vs. dam rated lights, you can check out our blogto learn more.

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1.What do PAR20 PAR30 PAR38 stand for? - LED …

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36 hours ago PAR30 bulbs are great for larger rooms where multiple light fixtures are being used. Short neck PAR30 bulbs are more common for tracking lighting while long neck PAR30 bulbs are useful …

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31 hours ago  · I dont know all the specifics but i believe this to be true. the number in Par30 or par38 refers to the diameter of the bulb (i think)....so a a par 38 would be bigger that a par30. …

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9 hours ago  · I was wondering, what is the difference between par30 and par38?? And what would be better for a 12g nc??

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16 hours ago  · Is PAR38 the same as BR30? 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 …

5.What are the Differences Between PAR and BR Bulbs?

Url:https://www.sunco.com/blogs/sunco-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-par-and-br-bulbs

35 hours ago The numbers PAR30 and BR30 are used by manufacturers to indicate the bulb size. The base of the bulb is not shown by the number. The diameter of a BR30 bulb is the same as the diameter …

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