#Reflector light bulb home full#

PAR bulbs are available in a wide range of sizes and beam spreads, so you can find one that fits your needs. The PAR coating on the inside of the bulb helps to maximize the light output, ensuring you get the most out of your light bulb. PAR BulbsĪ PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) light bulb is an ideal choice for anyone looking for bright, efficient lighting. So, you can swap out a PAR30 for an R30 or a BR30 - they are all the same size. So, a BR30 is 30/8 inches, or three and 3/4 inches. The number following the letters in a recessed light bulb indicates size: it's the diameter of the light bulb in 8ths of an inch. There is a variety of options to choose from including: BR30, MR11, MR16, PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38, R20, R30, R40. The first thing you'll need to do is determine which light bulb size your recessed light fixture takes. With these considerations in mind, you can find the right bulbs for your recessed lighting and create a beautiful, well-lit home. With dimmable bulbs, you can adjust the brightness of the light to create the perfect atmosphere. You'll want to make sure that the bulbs you choose are dimmable, especially if you plan to use them with a compatible dimmer switch. Warmer colors, such as yellow and orange, create a cozy atmosphere, while cooler colors like blue and white create a more modern, contemporary look. The color temperature of the bulb will affect the look and feel of the space. Color TemperatureĬolor temperature is also an important factor. You'll want to choose bulbs with the appropriate wattage to light the space properly. Wattage is important because it determines how much light the bulb will produce. The shape of the bulb is also important because it needs to fit the fixture properly. Make sure to measure the interior of the fixture before purchasing a bulb that is too large. The size of the bulb is important because it needs to fit snugly into the recessed light fixture. There are a few factors to consider when choosing recessed light bulbs, including size, shape, wattage, color temperature, and dimming capabilities. However, it's important to choose the right light bulbs for your recessed lighting to get the most out of it. It can be used to highlight specific areas of the room, create a warm, inviting atmosphere, or simply provide functional lighting. Recessed lighting can be a great way to add a modern, stylish look to your home.

#Reflector light bulb home full#

Halogen bulbs can be dimmed, but occasionally they should be operated at full light output to retain the long life benefits.Choosing Light Bulbs for Recessed Lighting or Can Lights.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.Keep combustible materials away from the bulb and avoid touching while in use. 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. 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. 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. Incandescent reflector bulbs contain a reflective coating and therefore provide directional light.