Norman Lamps, Inc.

LED reflector and PAR bulbs provide directional lighting with dramatically better energy efficiency than the halogen and incandescent bulbs they replace. These bulbs are engineered to fit standard recessed fixtures, track lighting systems, and outdoor flood applications while using 75-85% less energy and lasting 15-25 times longer. For homes and businesses with dozens of recessed lights running daily, switching to LED reflectors can cut lighting energy consumption by hundreds of dollars annually.

The most common sizes include BR20 and PAR20 (2.5" diameter) for smaller 4-inch recessed cans and track fixtures, BR30 and PAR30 (3.75" diameter) for standard 5-6 inch recessed lighting, and BR40 and PAR38 (5" diameter) for larger recessed fixtures and outdoor flood lighting. The BR designation indicates "bulged reflector" design that works well for recessed fixtures, while PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) indicates precision beam control better suited for outdoor floods, spots, and applications requiring tighter light control.

Beam angle selection matters significantly with LED reflectors. Narrow spot beams (15-25 degrees) create focused accent lighting for highlighting artwork, architectural features, or specific display items. Flood beams (40-60 degrees) provide broader coverage suitable for general room lighting from recessed fixtures. Wide flood beams (80-120 degrees) spread light even more broadly for maximum coverage. Many LED reflectors indicate the beam angle on the packaging – matching the beam angle to your application ensures optimal lighting distribution.

Color temperature choices allow you to customize the ambiance and functionality of your lighting. Warm white (2700K) closely mimics traditional incandescent light, creating comfortable, inviting illumination suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and hospitality settings. Soft white (3000K) provides slightly crisper light that's still warm and welcoming, popular for residential and retail applications. Bright white (4000K) delivers energizing, crisp white light preferred for kitchens, bathrooms, and task-oriented spaces. Daylight (5000K-6500K) produces very white, alert light favored for garages, workshops, and commercial applications.

Dimming compatibility has improved tremendously with modern LED reflectors, though it's still not quite as universal as with incandescent bulbs. Look for LED reflectors specifically labeled as dimmable if you need dimming capability, and verify compatibility with your existing dimmer switch. Older dimmers designed for incandescent loads may cause flickering, buzzing, or limited dimming range with LEDs. In some cases, upgrading to an LED-compatible dimmer resolves these issues and provides smooth dimming performance.

The economics strongly favor LED reflectors for most applications. While a BR30 LED might cost $8-12 versus $3-5 for an incandescent equivalent, the LED uses about 9 watts versus 65 watts and lasts 25,000 hours versus 2,000 hours. Over its lifetime, the LED saves $100+ in energy costs and eliminates 10-12 bulb replacements. For a typical home with 20-30 recessed lights, the total savings run into thousands of dollars over the bulbs' lifespans.

Common Sizes: BR20, PAR20 (2.5" diameter), BR30, PAR30 (3.75" diameter), PAR38, BR40 (5" diameter)

Beam Angles: Narrow spot (15-25°), spot (25-40°), flood (40-60°), wide flood (80-120°)

Applications: Recessed ceiling lighting, track lighting, outdoor flood and spot lights, security lighting, retail and display lighting