PAR38 Light Bulbs

What are PAR38 Light Bulbs?

Parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) 38 bulbs control light more precisely. LED PAR lights produce about four times the concentrated light intensity of general service A shape incandescents, and are used in recessed and track lighting. Like all light bulbs, the 30 value represents the diameter of the bulb in 1⁄8 of an inch. Therefore, a PAR 38 is 4.75 inches in diameter.

PAR38 LED Replacements: PAR38 is one of the best applications for LED due to its directional nature. LED PAR38 provide similar output and beam profile characteristics while using only a fraction of the power.

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.

LED Par Light bulbs are so versatile that they are the bulb of choice for most LED Downlight, Recessed, and Track Lighting applications. 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.  Find the best prices on all your energy efficient LED PAR bulb for every situation here.

What are the Different Shapes & Sizes of PAR Light Bulbs?

"PAR"  is an acronym for "Parabolic Aluminized Reflector", this refers to the shape and design of the light bulb.The commons sizes of PAR lamps are:

1. PAR-16 (PAR16) is 16 eighths of an inch in diameter across the face of the bulb, or 2.0" (25.4mm) Maximum Outer Diameter.
2. PAR-20 (PAR20) is 20 eighths of an inch in diameter or 2.5" (63.5mm) Maximum Outer Diameter.
3. PAR-30 (PAR30) or 30 eighths of an inch in diameter or 3.75" (95.25mm) Maximum Outer Diameter.
4. PAR-36 (PAR36) is 36 eighths of an inch in diameter or 4.50" (114.3mm) Maximum Outer Diameter.
5. PAR-38 (PAR38) is 38 eighths of an inch in diameter or 4.75" (120.65mm) Maximum Outer Diameter.
6. PAR-46 (PAR46) is 46 eighths of an inch in diameter or 5.75" (146.05mm) Maximum Outer Diameter.
7. PAR-56 (PAR56) is 56 eighths of an inch in diameter or 7.00" (177.8mm) Maximum Outer Diameter.
8. PAR-64 (PAR64) is 64 eighths of an inch in diameter or 8.0" (203.2mm) Maximum Outer Diameter. 

What are the Base Types for LED PAR36 Bulbs?

We mentioned that LED PAR20 bulbs are similar in diameter to the PAR16 bulbs. The PAR36 is two sizes bigger.  While a PAR36, PAR20, and a PAR16 bulb can have very similar CCT’s, Lumen Output, and Wattages, they have very different applications. 

PAR36 bulbs are unique to the fact that they can be used with both indoor and outdoor fixtures.  The two main differences with a PAR 36 bulb is that the beam spread, and the bulb dimension are much different than the smaller PAR Bulbs. This is important when determining the application for your PAR36 bulb. 

In addition to variables in lighting display and dimensions, the PAR36 bulbs have three bulb base types to choose from.  This gives a PAR36 bulbs more applications where they can be used.  More base types means more types of fixtures they can be used in. 

The base type helps determine which light fixture your bulb will fit in. However, the size of the bulb itself can delegate whether you can use an open or enclosed fixture.                                                      

Most LED PAR36 bulbs come with a standard E26 medium base but can be adjusted depending on your fixture. For example, if you currently have a BR36 light fixture with a G10 (bi-pin) socket type, you could replace it with a PAR36 GU10.

What do PAR and BR and MR stand for?

PAR stands for “parabolic aluminized reflector” and is best used in settings that require a focused, narrow beam of light. Most PARs do not exceed a beam angle of 45 degrees in most cases. BR stands for “bulged reflector” and is considered a wide-angle floodlight often exceeding 100-degree beam angles. MR means “multi-faceted reflector” and the most narrow of the bulb types mostly used as a spotlight.

Size comparison of PAR vs BR floodlights

It’s actually even easier grasp than you might think. The difference between a BR20, BR30, and BR40 is actually the size or diameter of the light bulb. 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. Check out the comparison chart below. Don’t worry… we’re visual learners too.

Top-Rated PAR38 Light Bulb Supplier Online

Lightingandsupplies.com is a lighting distributor of Indoor & Outdoor Commercial and Residential light fixtures and light bulbs. Based in the US, we carry the top LED lighting brands like EiKO, RAB Lighting, MaxLite, naturaLED, Westgate Lighting and more of the Top Lighting Manufacturers in the United States. We also carry a wide variety of Horticulture products by Hydrofarm, along with ceiling fans by RP Lighting+Fans and Emerson Ceiling Fans. Lightingandsupplies.com also provides rebate programs, expert lighting design advice, and lighting audits for large projects. As a wholesaler, authorized dealer and bulk distributor of lighting products, we take pride in our customer-focused 100% satisfaction guarantee and return policy. 

For more information, call 888-325-4448 or email: [email protected].