PAR36 Bulbs

PAR stands for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector. Most PAR lamps have a precision-pressed glass reflector lamp that reflects light coming from the filament much like a parabola. PAR lamps rely on both the internal reflector and prisms in the lens for a controlled or focused light beam. These bulbs are extremely bright and can be used for the accurate controlling of light levels. PAR36 bulbs are usually identified by most manufactures by the part number HP36WFL20 for the 20 watt bulbs, HP36WFL35 for the 35 watt bulbs, and HP36WFL50 for the 50 watt bulbs. PAR36 bulbs connect to the electrical circuit via 2 small screw terminals. The bulb is usually held in place by some sort of retainer rings. PAR 36 Light Bulbs measure approximately 4 1/2 inches in diameter.

PAR36 Light Bulbs are 4 1/2 inches in diameter when measured across the face of the bulb. They are low voltage 12 volt incandescent bulbs that are used in many other areas, such as automotive, motorcycles and recreational vehicles. The PAR 36 bulbs used for landscape lighting are mounted with an assembly consisting of a supporting base with a front ring to secure the bulb. The wires are connected to the bulb using two brass screw posts which are located on the back of the PAR36 bulbs. Be sure that these screws are tightly connected to the wire connectors to prevent shorts and early bulb failure. PAR 36 light bulbs typically have glass prisms cast into the glass face of the bulb, which focuses and directs the light into a nice consistent spread pattern. PAR36 bulbs are used primarily in open style fixtures that do not have an additional glass lens and are not enclosed. PAR 36 light bulbs generate a fair amount of heat so this open style of fixture suits them best. The higher the wattage of the PAR36 bulb, the brighter the light output will be. Use of inground fixtures allows the PAR 36 light bulbs to be hidden from direct view, and only the light directed on walls or shrubs is observed, creating a pleasing lighting effect. Many of the inground landscape lights allow the PAR36 bulb to be pointed at various angles and be mounted at various depths below the grade, allowing flexibility and adapting to many different site conditions.

PAR 36 Bulbs are available as an incandescent bulb or as an LED retrofit bulb. The incandescent bulb, which was invented by Thomas Edison, has been in existence for more than 100 years. Incandescent bulbs consist of a metal filament stretched between two electrical contacts, and enclosed in a glass housing which contains a vacuum. When electricity is passed through the metal filament it heats up to the point that it emits light. Since there is no air present for combustion, the filament does not burn up. If the filament was not in a vacuum it would only last seconds before burning up and failing. Some incandescent bulbs contain a rare gas such as halogen or xenon instead of a vacuum. This causes the light to burn much brighter. Most PAR36 light bulbs are a simple vacuum.