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In this installment of our term spotlight we’ll be discussing the BR and PAR series of light bulbs. BR stands for “bulged reflector” and is considered a wide-angle floodlight often exceeding 100-degree beam angles, the most common being 120 degrees. The additional bulge before the base of the bulb works to reflect additional light that was lost in the older R-series bulb. As with most other bulbs these days, what were once incandescents are now available as more powerful and efficient LEDs. Since LEDs use directional light, there is no longer a need for the internal “reflector” in the bulb, but these legacy terms have been carried over since the bulb shapes and sizes are the same.

With such a large beam angle, BR and R shape bulbs do well in situations requiring wall washing or wall grazing, as track lights for large areas or artwork, or providing general ambient lighting via recessed can lights.

PAR bulbs are similar but have a narrower beam angle than a BR. A PAR’s angle is usually 45 degrees as opposed to the BR’s 120 degree angle. PAR stands for “parabolic aluminized reflector” and refers to how the light was traditionally handled inside the bulb. As with LED BR bulbs, LED PARs don’t actually need the internal reflective coating their incandescent forebearers did, but the shape and terminology remains the same. The main difference between PARs and BRs is the angle of the beam of light they emit.

BRs deliver soft-edged, directional light and can typically be found in general household light fixtures, recessed can lighting, and/or track lighting. Their lighting is less precise and produces less shadow than PAR bulbs, but they are great for fixtures that use dimmer switches.

PAR lamps deliver strong, narrow to wide, directional light. They are traditionally used outdoors as aircraft landing lights, security lighting, or indoors for concerts, movie production, and theater.

SunLake’s BR and PAR series bulbs are perfect for any indoor or outdoor application that requires recessed or spot lighting.