What Are PAR Lamps Used For?

PAR stands for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector.  These lamps are available in incandescent, halogen, or LED technology and are known for their precise beam control and sturdy construction. They are designed to provide directional, high-intensity lighting and they are a popular choice for applications where controlling the spread and focus of light is key. 

Primary Applications of PAR Lamps

1. Stage and Theatrical Lighting

PAR lamps are often used in stage lighting.  They are usually housed in cylindrical fixtures called "PAR cans." They are used extensively to light up the stage with color and create dramatic effects. The ability to easily change these lamps with different types of beam angles ranging from very narrow spots to wide floods makes them a flexible tool which comes in very useful for stage and theatre productions.

2. Architectural and Accent Lighting

PAR lamps are used in architectural settings to highlight specific features such as artwork and other architectural details. When they are installed recessed into ceilings or mounted on a lighting track, they provide clean and unobstructed lighting.

3. Retail and Commercial Display

Retail environments require effective lighting to showcase their goods.  PAR lamps are a great choice for this as their flexibility for a particular beam will help create the desired effect.  It’s ideal for drawing attention to window displays and other areas within the location to direct customer attention to where it is desired to be.

4. Outdoor and Landscape Lighting

Thanks to their sturdy construction PAR lamp types, makes them suitable for landscape, security, and facade lighting (always make sure they are rated for outdoor use before purchase or that they are going into an outdoor rating fitting). They can be used to illuminate building exteriors and pathways effectively.

5. Residential Lighting

PAR lamps can even be used in a residential setting for track lighting and recessed “can” downlights.   They offer flexibility to direct light onto specific areas, such as kitchen countertops, reading nooks, or any areas of interior decoration.

What Sizes Do PAR Lamps Come In?

PAR lamp sizes are based on the lamp's diameter and this is measured in eighths of an inch. The size is indicated by a number which comes after the letters "PAR" in the lamp designation (PAR38 for example).  The formula for calculating the diameter in inches is: Diameter = PAR Number / 8.

Below is a breakdown of the most common PAR lamp sizes:

What is the difference between short neck and long neck PAR30 lamps?

PAR30 lamps mostly come in two lengths:

• PAR30 Short Neck (PAR30SN): Shorter overall length, designed for smaller recessed fixtures where space is limited.
• PAR30 Long Neck (PAR30LN): Longer overall length, designed to sit deeper in standard recessed fixtures.

Do different PAR lamps have different beam angles?

Whilst the size designation refers only to the diameter of the lamp, each size of PAR lamp comes in a variety of beam angles to suit different applications. Here are a few examples:

• Very Narrow Spot: Highly focused, tight beam (5° to 10°).
• Narrow Spot: Focused beam (10° to 20°).
• Medium Flood: Wider, more diffused light (e.g., 20° to 35°).

Wide Flood: Very broad coverage (e.g., 35° to 50°).