Lightbulb differences, PAR30, BR30, R30, etc?

Lightbulb differences, PAR30, BR30, R30, etc What are the differences between those (PAR30, PAR38, BR30, R30, and possibly others that I don't know about) light standards. I currently have recessed lighting and (I think) BR30 light bulbs in hallways and common areas. I have PAR30L's in kitchens and bathrooms.

They use the standard E26 socket? How viable is putting CFL's in there? I've read that CFL's shouldn't be put in enclosed areas such as recessed lighting.Is it still a problem with modern CFL's?

I don't want to spend $15/bulb and have it die in 6 months. Can I put R30 CFL's in the same sockets as the BR30 and PAR30L's and have the same (or similar) lighting conditions? Thanks for the reples.

Asked by Flea 51 months ago Similar questions: lightbulb differences PAR30 BR30 R30 Home.

Similar questions: lightbulb differences PAR30 BR30 R30.

From what I understand... ...the letters stand for a specific characterisitic of the bulb (called a lamp by light bulb companies). PAR stands for Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) Units and the number is a measure of the units. PAR lamps are Halogen lamps and also contain an internal reflectorized coating as well as a prismatic lens to maximize light output.

PAR lamps deliver a stronger punch of light than R lamps with better beam control. AR means Aluminum Reflector, used for accent and display lighting (spots in essence)R means reflector, again a more focused light or a spot. T refers to Tri-phosphor flourescent lamps, which have an improved red light emission compared to Halo phosphor (H) lamps.

FS refers to full spectrum, ie. The emitted light ranges across the whole visible spectrum A-lamps require reflectors to effectively control and distribute light. These are the old-fashioned standard lightbulb.

R and BR lamps contain an internal reflectorized coating that creates distribution patterns ranging from spot to flood. These lamps are well suited for accenting and wall washing where directional control is required. Every time you change the type of light bulb you will change the effect of the lighting.

You won't get exactly the same effect with CFLs as you do with incandescent or halogen bulbs, but it may be equally satisfactory. According to Cooper lighting, modern CFLs will work in many modern recessed fixtures as long as there is enough airflow so it is really a question of how much airflow occurs in your recessed fixture - do they vent to the attic or are they fully enclosed in a ceiling?. There are even dimmable CFLs now.

EnergyStar recommends installing qualified CFLs in fixtures that are used at least 15 minutes at a time or several hours per day. The best fixtures to use qualified CFLs in are usually found in the following areas of your home:family and living rooms kitchen dining room bedrooms outdoors Matching the right CFL to the right kind of fixture helps ensure that it will perform properly and last a long time. For example:CFLs perform best in open fixtures that allow airflow, such as table and floor lamps, wall sconces, pendants, and outdoor fixtures.

For recessed fixtures, it is better to use a reflector CFL than a spiral CFL since the design of the reflector evenly distributes the light down to your task area. If a light fixture is connected to a dimmer or three-way switch, you'll need to use a special qualified CFL designed to work in these applications. Make sure to look for CFLs that specify use with dimmers or three-way fixtures.

Choose a qualified CFL that offers a shade of white light that works best for you. For example, while most CFLs provide warm or soft white light for your home, you could choose a cooler color for task lighting. To choose the qualified CFL with the right amount of light, find a qualified CFL that is labeled as equivalent to the incandescent bulb you are replacing.

Light bulb manufacturers include this information right on the product packaging to make it easy for consumers to choose the equivalent bulb. Common terms include "Soft White 60" or "60 Watt Replacement. " You should also check the lumen rating to find the right CFL.

The higher the lumen rating, the greater the light output. Sources: http://www.servicelighting.com/catalog_bulb_finder_lighting_faqs.cfm AND http://www.cooperlighting.com/common/solutions/literature/energy%20solutions%20rev/Halo%20Residential%20Brochure06.pdf AND http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls .

Interchangeable It appears you have quite the number of options in choosing what bulb you want to replace your old ones with. As seen here: environmentallights.com/shop/index.php?m... lighting will be slightly different between the different choices. The R30 is a standard reflector light while the BR30 is a bulge reflector light.

The BR30 shown produces about half the light as the dimmest R30 CFL, however has a life span of 18,000 hours versus the shorter 6,000 to 8,000 of the R30 CFL. There are a few trade offs between the two. Just compare the lifespan, brightness, cost and energy usage and go from there.

The 3rd option you mention is the PAR 30's which are an LED based light. You can read about them here:http://www.environmentallights.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=cPath=1301_2316Energy cost is the least, lifespan the longest and price the highest as well as a varying degree of brightness which is traded off between the LED series light based on life span. Looks like you have some decisions to make and some numbers to crunch, good luck Sources: http://www.environmentallights.com .

Answer from Past President of Ga. Hospital Engineers Society PAR (the number is wattage) stands for parabolic aluminized reflector An incandescent or tungsten-halogen incandescent lamp with a hard glass bulb and an interior reflecting surface, a precisely placed filament, and a lens to control beam spread. Spots will focus all light in one direction.

Flood will diffuse, scatter the light. The lens is hermetically sealed to the reflector. Metal halide PAR-lamps are also now available.

R lamp A common reflector lamp. An incandescent filament or electric discharge lamp in which the sides of the outer blown-glass bulb are coated with a reflecting material so as to direct the light. The light-transmitting region may be clear, frosted, or patterned.

Compact fluorescent lamp is one in which the ballast is hard-wired to lamp. CFL's deliver the same light output as incandescent light bulbs but use 75 percent less energy. The greatest objection to these lights is the color of the light.

Much like the office lighting, and who wants that? They will last about 2 years going dim gradually. Most hotels / motels now have CFL's in their room fixtures.

CFLs are sensitive to frequent on/off cycling. Their rated lifetimes of 10,000 hours are reduced in applications where the light is switched on and off very often. Closets and other places where lights are needed for brief illumination should use incandescent bulbs.

I would not use a dimmer on CFL. CFLs contain small amounts of mercury which is a toxic metal. This metal may be released if the bulb is broken, or during disposal.

I am not aware of any restrictions on using CFL's in recessed lighting fixtures. There are more restrictions on using and the installation of incandescent recessed lighting fixtures due to heat, but CFL's do not produce as much heat. Let Amazon know if this is a great or lame answer and vote.

Spartan Caver Sources: Spartan Caver Says: .

1 SpartanCaver, regarding your answer "Answer from Past President of Ga. Hospital Engineers Society":The number after the reflector style (PAR, BR, etc. ) is the diameter of the lamp expressed in eigths of an inch. A "PAR30" is 30x1/8" or 3-3/4" diameter.

SpartanCaver, regarding your answer "Answer from Past President of Ga. Hospital Engineers Society":The number after the reflector style (PAR, BR, etc. ) is the diameter of the lamp expressed in eigths of an inch. A "PAR30" is 30x1/8" or 3-3/4" diameter.

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