PAR20 LED Bulbs

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a type of bulb that uses a semiconductor to create visible light. PAR is short for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector, which is the reflective coating inside the bulb that focuses and directs the light. The number 20 indicates the diameter of the face of the bulb, measured in eighths of an inch. Typical LED PAR bulbs sizes are:

• PAR16 (2 in. diameter)
• PAR20 (2.5 in. diameter)
• PAR30 (3.75 in. diameter)
• PAR36 (4.5 in. diameter)
• PAR38 (4.75 in. diameter)

Because a PAR20 LED Bulb projects a concentrated beam of light, these bulbs work well in settings where you need direct overhead or task lighting.

LED PAR20 bulbs are often used as a replacement for incandescent and halogen bulbs. The trick to gauging LED brightness is understanding measurements in lumens. With traditional incandescent lightbulbs, wattage is used as an indicator of brightness. Wattage, however, is the measurement of how much power a bulb draws from a socket.

LEDs use lumens, the measurement of light output from a bulb. If you’re replacing a 40-watt bulb with an LED, you’ll want one that gives off about 400 lumens. To replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb, choose an LED that gives off about 1,600 lumens.

PAR20 bulbs fall somewhere in the middle, since they’re roughly equivalent to a 75-watt bulb, they’ll give off up to about 1,110 lumens.

PAR20 and R20 bulbs both use an E26 medium base and are the same size. Because PAR20 bulbs have an aluminum reflector, they do a better job of concentrating light in a single direction. If you want a slightly softer directional light, an R20 bulb is a good fit. Both are LED bulbs, so they’re durable and energy-efficient.

You may see a PAR20 bulb labeled as a 75-watt equivalent, dimmable flood light, narrow flood light, or outdoor LED flood light bulb. Many PAR20 bulbs are also ENERGY STAR certified, which will be noted on their packaging.

A PAR20 LED will give off about the same amount of light as a 50-75-watt incandescent bulb while consuming less energy. PAR20 bulbs work well with a dimmer switch to provide bright white or soft white light as needed.

Unlike a traditional incandescent bulb, which generates light via a heated metal filament, an LED light has a semiconductor that emits light when an electrical current flows through it. LEDs are significantly more energy-efficient than fluorescents or incandescents, lowering utility bills and generating less heat. The lifespan of an LED light is much longer, as well: while incandescent bulbs usually provide around 1,000 hours of light, LEDs can last for 20,000 up to 100,000 hours.

You might think that LED lights are cold or institutional, but that’s not the case. The color temperature of an LED light can range from warm to cool, measured on the Kelvin scale. An LED light that’s 2,800 degrees Kelvin will give off a warm white light, while a 4,000k bulb will give off a cool white light.

PAR stands for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector. LED PAR bulbs are designed with an inner reflective surface that helps control the light intensity. This directional light beam makes them great for flood or spot lighting in track lights or recessed light fixtures. This type of bulb is commonly used for display lighting, accent lighting, and movie lighting. More information about LED PAR bulbs is available in our Buyer Guide.

PAR20 bulbs and R20 have some similarities – they are the same dimensions and use the same base. However, they are quite different in functionality. A PAR20 bulb should be used in areas that require more direct lighting or focused lighting, such as accentuating a retail product or painting. LED R20 bulbs are most commonly used in more general areas and common spaces because they can spread the light across the room in a broader range.

Yes, PAR 20 bulbs can be used in recessed lighting. However, recessed lighting is not the primary application for PAR20 bulbs. A PAR bulb is designed to concentrate light precisely into a specific area, so they are better suited for use as commercial lights in retail displays and showcases. Theaters and museums use PAR20 bulbs for their concentrated light. You’ll also see PAR20 LEDs used outdoors to highlight pathways and landscaping.

A BR20 bulb would be a better fit for recessed lighting because it offers a very wide beam angle with a high lumen output (brightness).

PAR20 LED light bulbs should be used in areas that require more direct lighting or focused lighting. This makes them ideal in track lights or spotlights for illuminating retail displays.

PAR20 LED bulbs can also be used in outdoor lighting fixtures due to their damp location rating. You may have noticed certain outdoor lights labeled with a damp or wet rating. A damp-rated light can be used in settings with some moisture, but shouldn’t be placed where it will have continual exposure to water. A wet-rated light, in contrast, is designed with a waterproof seal to withstand direct contact with water. You can learn more about LED PAR20 bulbs in our Buyer Guide.

Whether you need a new lighting system or want to retrofit an existing space, HomElectrical can help. We offer a wide selection of UL-listed LED bulbs and fixtures, including PAR20 LED bulbs for product displays, kitchen lighting, and more. Founded in 2011, we’re proud to provide accessible, energy-efficient lighting solutions for both indoor and outdoor use.

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