PAR LED Lighting

A Parabolic Aluminized Reflector luminaire

A parabolic aluminized reflector lamp (also PARCAN light, PARcan, or simply PAR) is a kind of electric lamp which popular in commercial, residential, and transport lighting. Usage includes locomotive headlamps, aircraft landing lights, and domestic and commercial recessed lights ("cans" in the United States). They're identical in theory to sealed beam car headlights.

This article covers just their used in phase lighting effects. The lights and their particular accessories are widely used in theatre, shows and movie manufacturing whenever a substantial amount of level lighting is needed for a scene.

In situations where sunshine or any other specular light can be obtained, a white foam reflector is actually accustomed achieve the same result as a PAR variety.

PAR cans are increasingly being replaced in a few programs by LED PAR cans, which use less energy and create a wide array of concentrated colors without the use of shade filters, whenever white light isn't needed.

Construction[edit]

PAR lights have a lens and reflector that are fundamental parts of the lamp, the position of which is not altered in accordance with the filament. A notable exception is ETC's Origin Four PAR, which utilizes the exact same halogen lamp as his or her Resource Four ERS. In cases like this, the lens is a different piece through the lamp. The relative place of lamp and lens remains unalterable.

In PAR 64s, Raylite reflectors as well as 2 pin base lights tend to be used as a cheaper alternative as lamp is replaced but the reflector remains. Lamps such as the 500 watt A1/244 can be as much as half the cost of the sealed-beam products. Par 64s in addition usually run at 120 V, in two-pair show stations, with a "y" Splitter on dimmer. Narrow, method and large Raylite reflectors can be readily available. The two-blade (pin) Mogul lamp connector will not need to be replaced — this might be integral towards Raylite reflector, however some Raylite reflectors have "tails" which then require connection to the mains flex by using a ceramic connector block (if at all possible fixed into could's body).

Effects[edit]

The sealed-beam lamp produces a powerful oval share of light with unfocused edges. The actual only real focus modification is a knob enabling the lamp/lens product become turned within its casing, therefore changing the direction of this oval. With a few models this control is through the mogul porcelain connector which links directly to the Mogul prongs for the lamp. Because of the SourceFour PAR, the compatible lens is really what is turned. Consequently, the diameter of light spot is defined by the aluminum reflector, and cannot be adjusted without switching the lamp. The type of lamp includes extra-wide flood (XWFL), wide flooding (WFL), medium flooding (MFL), thin spot (NSP), and incredibly slim area (VNSP).

These tools are available in different diameters, the most common being designated PAR56 and PAR64. The amount indicates the diameter of this housing in eighths of an inch (so a PAR64 is eight ins (~20 cm) in diameter).

PAR lights are often found in theatrical or real time music shows. Commonly they're familiar with produce tints by fitting these with coloured sheets called gels. The cans are organized into rows of various tints and identical rows positioned on various edges associated with phase. Because of the cost, they're ideal for colour washes in lot of various tints. But because of the decreased control of the beam diameter, shape and sharpness, PARs tend to be hardly ever used as front side of house lights aside from for forward washes but can be used for unique impact burning such as for example burning from straight above or from severe perspectives also general clean lights overhead/above phase. If made use of cleverly, par cans can provide low budget productions with good effects.

Diameter[edit]

The glass envelope or "bulb" of all of the incandescent lamps is calculated in eighths of an inches. Hence a PAR 64 is, nominally, 64 eighths of an inch in diameter. The approximate moderate lamp bell diameter in inches is available by dividing the PAR size by 8. As an example, a PAR30 lamp is approximately 3.75 inches in diameter. Similarly, the diameter in millimeters are found by multiplying the PAR size by 3.175. Including, a PAR16 lamp is approximately 50 mm in diameter.

Beam width[edit]

According to the parabolic reflector geometry and placement of the filament in the paraboloid, PAR lamps can perform many beam widths, from narrow spot to large flooding. For lighting effects also larger than broad flooding can provide, extra reflectors or contacts can be used. Listed here suffixes are generally used with PAR lights to indicate their beam width:

Standard power rankings[edit]

PAR64

• 1000 W
• 500 W
• 250 W (ACL)

PAR56

PAR38

• 150 W
• 120 W
• 100 W
• 75 W

PAR36

Each lamp type will come in 240 V and 110 / 120 V alternatives, depending on the common mains current for location.

ACL PARs, whoever light-beam is much more small, have a nominal operating voltage of 28 V. ACL PAR is a kind of lamp found in aviation, before being used on-stage for light path results. When you look at the UK, ACL pars are usually utilized as well as four mounted together on a bar, and two pubs run-in show together so that you can work with a dimmer with 240 V offer voltage.

In Europe, where in fact the mains voltage is between 220 and 240 V, it is common to make use of series sets of 110 V lamps considering that the thicker filament is significantly less liable to vibration-induced fracture; an important consideration for touring rigs and music venues.

The PAR 36 is also available as 12 V/30 W Pinspot type impact light to illuminate mirror balls.

Raylite reflector[edit]

Raylite reflectors may be put into PAR64 and PAR56 lamp housings to produce a narrow place impact. A regular quartz halogen lamp is used in place of the reflector lamp. A spider or light bulb shield may optionally be included, which enhances the parallel nature associated with the ray and helps it be more noticeable whenever used with smoke or fog impacts. Raylites are usually less tough than sealed beam light bulbs. The lamp can simply shake loose of this lampholder in transit.

Finish[edit]

PAR cans are located commonly with either black colored finish or polished (silver). PAR cans can occasionally be found in white.

Non-sealed PAR alternatives[edit]

The origin Four PAR and similar units develop light with the same quality to that particular of a PAR can, but have actually a lens and a reflector and make use of an ordinary lamp, instead of the built-in reflector, lens, lamp combo found in PAR lights.