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#Reflector light bulb types full
Halogen bulbs can be dimmed, but occasionally they should be operated at full light output to retain the long life benefits.Refer to the beam spread and CBCP to select a bulb with the intended effect. PAR bulbs come in a variety of beam spreads, from very narrow spot to flood.For a helpful quick-select tool, check out our light bulb size chart Now, let’s explore the light bulb types and codes you are most likely to see. Keep combustible materials away from the bulb and avoid touching while in use. There are four prominent light bulb types: light-emitting diode (LED), compact fluorescent (CFL), incandescent, and halogen. The light from BR bulbs is softer than that from PAR bulbs, which produce a more focused beam. Halogen infrared (IR) bulbs have a reflective coating to redirect infrared energy back onto the filament to save energy. Most PAR bulbs are halogen, which extends bulb life. Incandescent PAR bulbs, molded from sturdy parabolic aluminized reflector glass, are used extensively for residential outdoor area lighting. It is best to use BR bulbs in deep, well-shielded indoor fixtures. Reflector bulbs fit into the same medium-based sockets as common incandescent bulbs.īR bulbs are molded from "soft" soda lime glass and should not be used outdoors without an enclosure. Because reflector bulbs vary in size, check to be sure the bulb fits in the fixture housing. For example, a bulb labeled "PAR-30" is a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) bulb 3 3/4" in diameter at the widest point. The letter designation refers to the shape, and the number indicates the maximum diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch. Reflector bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Restrict their use to applications where short hours of use are expected, or where there are no other alternatives. Incandescent bulbs offer significantly lower efficacy (the amount of light produced divided by input power) and shorter life than fluorescent and LED bulbs. Incandescent PAR bulbs, molded from sturdy parabolic aluminized reflector glass, are used extensively for residential outdoor area lighting.
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When selecting reflector bulbs, compare the center beam candle power (CBCP), which indicates the intensity a the center of the beam. A spot bulb will have a narrower distribution with greater intensity at the center of the beam than a flood bulb with the same wattage and bulb shape. LED reflector light bulbs come in a range of sizes including R50 (50mm diameter), R63 (63mm diameter), R80 (80mm / 8cm diameter), PAR30 and PAR38 types and.
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The shape of the light beam is cone-like and can be specified in a range of beam spreads from narrow spot to wide flood. Unlike R-Type bulbs, PAR bulbs feature an aluminum reflector with a special pattern of impressions that amplifies and concentrates light in a single area.
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These bulbs are used in recessed can lighting, which has become a hugely popular lighting option in kitchens, living rooms, basements, retail stores, and more. Incandescent reflector bulbs contain a reflective coating and therefore provide directional light. PAR Bulbs (PAR20, PAR30, PAR38) If you're replacing a reflector bulb on the exterior of your home with a diameter between 2-1/2 and 4-3/4 inches, you're most likely looking for a PAR bulb. Reflector flood and spotlight bulbs are some of the most commonly used bulbs in homes and businesses everywhere due to their versatility and long-life.
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