Halogen PAR Lamps

Halogen PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) lamps combine halogen technology with precisely engineered reflectors to deliver controlled, directional lighting for both indoor and outdoor applications. The parabolic reflector shape focuses light into specific beam patterns, making PAR lamps ideal for recessed downlighting, track lighting, outdoor flood and spot lighting, retail displays, and landscape illumination where you need to control exactly where the light goes.

The PAR designation includes a number that indicates the bulb's diameter in eighths of an inch. PAR20 is 20/8 inches (2.5 inches) in diameter, PAR30 is 3.75 inches, and PAR38 is 4.75 inches. Larger PAR sizes like PAR56 and PAR64 are used in pool lighting, landscape applications, and stage lighting. This standardized sizing ensures that replacement bulbs will fit existing fixtures, though you always need to verify the base type as well.

Beam angle selection is crucial with PAR lamps because the reflector design determines how the light spreads. Narrow spot beams (typically 8-15 degrees) create tight, focused light ideal for accenting specific objects, artwork, or architectural features from a distance. Spot beams (15-25 degrees) provide slightly broader but still concentrated illumination for display lighting and accent work. Narrow flood (25-35 degrees), flood (35-50 degrees), and wide flood (50-60 degrees) beams progressively broaden the coverage, with wide floods approaching general area lighting.

Halogen PAR lamps offer several advantages over standard incandescent PAR lamps. The halogen gas allows the tungsten filament to operate at higher temperatures, producing brighter, whiter light (around 2900-3000K versus 2700K for incandescent) with better energy efficiency – typically 25-30% better than equivalent incandescent wattages. The color rendering is perfect at CRI 100, meaning colors appear exactly as they would in natural sunlight. This makes halogen PAR lamps particularly valuable in retail settings where product appearance influences purchasing decisions.

Base types vary by PAR size and application. Smaller PAR lamps (PAR14, PAR16, PAR20) typically use standard medium (E26) screw bases that fit household fixtures. Larger PAR lamps like PAR30 and PAR38 may use medium bases or, for higher wattages, mogul (E39) bases. Some PAR lamps designed for specific applications use specialized bases – for example, PAR36 lamps often have screw terminals for direct wiring in landscape fixtures, while PAR56 and PAR64 pool lights may have medium side prong bases.

Voltage specification matters significantly with halogen PAR lamps. Most operate on standard 120V line voltage, but low voltage versions (12V or 24V) are common in landscape lighting, track systems, and specialized applications. Using a 120V bulb in a 12V fixture won't work (insufficient voltage), and using a 12V bulb in a 120V fixture will destroy it instantly. Always verify the voltage requirement before ordering.

When evaluating LED PAR lamp replacements, the decision depends on your priorities. LEDs offer 75-85% energy savings, 25,000+ hour lifespans, and cool operation. However, halogen PAR lamps still excel in color rendering for critical applications, provide smooth, universal dimming, and cost less upfront. For residential use with moderate operating hours, either technology works well. For commercial applications with long operating hours, LED typically delivers better economics despite higher initial cost.

Common Sizes: PAR14, PAR16, PAR20, PAR30 (short and long neck), PAR36, PAR38, PAR46, PAR56, PAR64

Beam Angles Available: Narrow spot (8-15°), spot (15-25°), narrow flood (25-35°), flood (35-50°), wide flood (50-60°)

Typical Applications: Recessed ceiling lighting, track lighting, outdoor flood and spot lighting, landscape and architectural lighting, retail display lighting, stage and theatrical lighting, pool and spa lighting