Norman Lamps, Inc.

Reflector bulbs integrate an internal reflective coating with a shaped envelope to direct light forward in controlled beam patterns, making them ideal for recessed fixtures, track lighting, outdoor flood and spot lights, and any application where you need to focus light in a specific direction rather than letting it spread in all directions. The reflector design significantly improves lighting efficiency by directing light where it's needed instead of wasting it inside the fixture housing.

The designation system uses a letter indicating the bulb shape followed by a number showing the diameter in eighths of an inch. "R" bulbs have a traditional reflector shape with the lamp sitting at the back of the reflector. "BR" (bulged reflector) bulbs have a bulged shape that positions the filament further forward, creating better light distribution and more even beam patterns – this makes BR bulbs generally superior to R bulbs for recessed fixtures. "PAR" (parabolic aluminized reflector) bulbs use precision-formed reflectors for the tightest beam control, making them best for outdoor floods and spots.

Common sizes include R20 (2.5" diameter) for smaller recessed cans and track fixtures, R30/BR30 (3.75" diameter) for standard 4-inch and 5-inch recessed fixtures, R40/BR40 (5" diameter) for larger 6-inch recessed cans and outdoor fixtures, and R52 for very large fixtures. The size you need depends on your fixture – using an R20 in a fixture designed for R30 will leave gaps and look wrong, while an R40 won't fit in a housing designed for R30.

Beam characteristics vary by reflector design and intended application. Flood beam patterns (typically 100-120 degrees) provide wide, even illumination suitable for general lighting in rooms or broader outdoor coverage. Spot beam patterns (25-40 degrees) create tighter, more focused beams useful for accent lighting, highlighting specific features, or concentrated outdoor security lighting. The beam type is typically printed on the bulb or packaging – "FL" for flood, "SP" for spot.

Reflector bulbs are available in various technologies beyond traditional incandescent. Halogen reflector bulbs produce brighter, whiter light than incandescent with better efficiency and longer life. CFL (compact fluorescent) reflector bulbs offer energy savings but require warm-up time and may not work well with dimmer switches. LED reflector bulbs have become the most popular choice, offering 75-85% energy savings, 25,000+ hour lifespans, instant-on operation, and excellent beam control. The choice depends on your priorities regarding energy efficiency, light quality, upfront cost, and dimming requirements.

Wattages in incandescent/halogen reflector bulbs typically range from 40W to 150W depending on size and application. For comparison, a 65W BR30 incandescent provides about 650 lumens, while a 9W LED BR30 can produce the same light output while generating far less heat – an important consideration for recessed fixtures where heat buildup can be an issue.

When selecting reflector bulbs, consider the total fixture depth requirement. Some reflector bulbs are taller than others, and recessed fixtures have limited depth from the mounting surface to the back of the housing. If a bulb is too tall, it won't fit fully into the fixture or may protrude below the ceiling. This is particularly relevant when retrofitting LED reflector bulbs, as some LED versions are bulkier than the incandescent bulbs they replace due to the heat sink and driver electronics.

Common Types: R bulbs (traditional reflector), BR bulbs (bulged reflector, better beam patterns), PAR bulbs (parabolic reflector, tightest beam control)

Standard Sizes: R12, R14, R16, R20, R30, BR30, R38, BR38, R40, BR40, R52

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