With so many different lighting options on the market, it’s easy to get bogged down in confusion surrounding the different kinds. One light product that people often misunderstand is LED PAR bulbs. These devices serve very specific functions and excel at spotlighting, making them suitable for more unique applications than your standard LED light bulb! Read on to learn everything you need to know about LED PAR bulbs.
The Basics of LED Technology
Before we dive into the ins and outs of PAR lamps and bulbs, it’s essential that you understand LED technology. LED, or light-emitting diode, refers to a two-lead semiconductor source of light. These lights function much differently than traditional lighting solutions, such as incandescents and halogens. Instead of relying on heated filaments or special coatings, LEDs produce wavelengths of light when electrons interact with p- and n-type semiconductors found inside LED devices.
Thanks to this specific function and design, LEDs have quickly become one of the most popular lighting devices for residential and commercial buildings everywhere! Furthermore, this technology is entirely scalable, making LEDs perfect for everything from tiny indicator lights in electronic devices to a massive stadium jumbotron screen. Additionally, people prefer LED lights over traditional lighting solutions for LED technology’s energy efficiency and customizability.
What Are PAR Bulbs and PAR Numbers?
Now that we fully understand LED technology, we can explore the basics of PAR bulbs, which are also known as PAR lamps. A PAR—parabolic aluminized reflector—bulb contains a lamp, reflector, and lens all in one single device. This unique design prioritizes high-quality directional light beams without using an exorbitant amount of power. Some specialized PAR lamps feature multiple lamps, reflectors, and lenses. Some even offer color-changing capabilities.
PAR bulbs come with a unique numbering system that is useful to understand. For example, on our website or when purchasing PAR lights in a store, you will see a number that refers to the diameter of the product in inches. The most common numbers and their respective diameters are as follows:
- PAR16 (2-in diameter)
- PAR20 (2.5-in. diameter)
- PAR30 (3.75-in. diameter)
- PAR36 (4.5-in. diameter)
- PAR38 (4.75-in diameter)
These are the most common sizes; however, there are much larger sizes available, all the way to PAR64 lamps. Understanding these measurements allows you to purchase the right product for your specific lighting system.
The Different Applications for LED PAR Bulbs
Now you understand what PAR bulbs are and the varieties they come in. Now, you may be wondering what applications PAR bulbs are useful in.
In the early days of PAR technology, PAR bulbs were mainly used for outdoor lighting purposes. Given, however, that their main function is to produce high-quality, directional light beams, they’re often most useful for spotlighting purposes. Mainly, PAR bulbs serve on movie and television sets, along with theaters and outdoor events. Additionally, vehicles, locomotives, aircraft, and lighthouses use PAR lamps.
Keep in mind, though, that your residential or commercial building doesn’t need to be a theater for PAR lamps to be incredibly useful to you. Most PAR bulbs feature standard light bulb sockets, making them highly compatible with most existing lighting systems. While not great for ambiance lighting, PAR lamps can prove helpful as an outdoor lighting solution, stage lighting, emergency lighting, and more!
The Benefits of PAR Bulbs
Now you understand that PAR lamps are capable of producing quality, concentrated light beams and are extremely diverse in terms of possible applications. However, what are the specific benefits these particular LEDs offer?
First and foremost, as with all LED technology, these lighting devices are extremely energy efficient. On average, LED PAR lamps last around 25,000 hours and provide top-tier lighting, all while using significantly less energy than traditional lighting options.
Plus, PAR bulbs often feature dimming capabilities, high amounts of lumens, and a wide range of available colors and tints. Additionally, their durable design ensures they’ll last you a long time.
Finding The Perfect LED PAR Bulb For You
Now you know what PAR bulbs are, how you can use them, and what benefits they offer. You may now be considering purchasing PAR bulbs, but there are two main factors you must consider beforehand.
Size
For one, you should know the measurements and requirements of your existing lighting system. Using the number system mentioned before, determine which PAR size will correctly fit your sockets before ordering your lamps.
Temperature
Furthermore, you should know what color temperature you want. A color temperature refers to the number of degrees Kelvin produced by the light. Low-Kelvin emitting lights are warm-temperature lights, while high-Kelvin emitting lamps are cool-temperature lights.
For instance, a light that emits around 3,000 Kelvins is closer to incandescent light and perfect for general lighting applications. Meanwhile, a light that emits 10,000 Kelvins is bright and ideal for industrial and retail environments. Which color temperature is suitable for your needs?
The answer ultimately depends on the application of your LED PAR lamps. Outdoor and commercial environments typically depend on cooler lighting, which is between 4,800 and 6,000 Kelvins. But if you’re looking for a residential lighting solution, we recommend a lamp with a temperature between 2,700 and 4,100 Kelvins.
Brightness
You can also select your preferred PAR product by comparing lumens. Lumens measure the brightness of a light bulb. LED PAR lights feature a wide range of lumen capabilities, with some products producing exceptionally bright light beams. So if you need very intense lighting, we recommend searching for high-lumen lights with a rating of 1,000 or more.
There you have it! You now know everything about LED PAR bulbs. You understand what they are, how they work, their different applications, why they’re beneficial, and how to properly shop for them. You can now make smarter, informed purchases for your residential or commercial building. Whatever your needs, LED PAR lamps can save you money and resources while providing you with exceptional lighting.
Start the shopping process by browsing our selection of LED PAR bulbs and related products at Stylighting. We feature a wide range of sizes, color temperatures, brightnesses, and more! Contact our friendly team today for additional information regarding our LED PAR light bulbs and related LED products.
