| Incandescent R (Reflector) and BR (Bulge Reflector) These lamps are available In limited sizes and wattages in two basic spot and flood patterns. They offer soft, even beams of warm incandescent light. Though the least expensive to purchase, their cost of ownership is the highest because they are the least energy efficient. Typical life is 2000 hours. Halogen PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) Parabolic Aluminized Reflector (PAR) lamps are the most popular directional lamps, offering a wide variety of sizes, wattages and beam spreads. A more sophisticated lens/reflector system and halogen technology make PAR lamps 2-3 times more efficient than incandescent R/BR lamps. A staple of the retail environment, they are well suited for high level ambient and accent applications, because their good beam definition and white halogen light enhance visibility and contrast. PAR lamps are also available in energy-saving "IR" models whereby the infrared heat produced by the lamp is reflected back onto the filament, enabling it to burn hotter and brighter, improving energy efficiency up to 30%. Typical life of PAR lamps is 2000 to 3000 hours. 12-Volt and 24-Volt MR11/MR16 (Mirrored Reflector) These 2" Mirrored Reflector (MR) lamps have smaller "point-source" filaments that are precisely aligned in a miniature multi-faceted reflector to produce exacting beam distributions of white, halogen light. For spot distributions they produce more usable light per watt of energy than comparable wattage halogen PAR lamps. Available in a wide range of beam spreads and wattages, the miniature 2" MR16 lamps allow for very compact fixture designs and, in combination with light control lenses, a high degree of specificity in lighting design. They are the best accent source for highlighting artwork, sculpture, or creating dramatic effects. Smaller, lower wattage 1%" diameter MR11 lamps are also available for special situations where ultra-miniature fixture size is required. Like halogen PAR lamps, MR16 lamps are now available in "IR" models whereby the infrared heat produced by the lamp is reflected back onto the filament, enabling it to burn hotter and brighter, improving energy efficiency up to 30%. Life ranges from 2000 to 6000 hours. MR lamps require a step-down transformer to supply their required 12 or 24 volts. 12-Volt PAR36, AR111 Like MR16 lamps, AR111 and PAR36 utilize a smaller "point source" filament aligned in an optically efficient reflector. The difference is that these lamps use a larger parabolic reflector and a capped filament to produce a tightly collimated beam of light resulting in center beam intensities up to five times that of MR16s. They are best suited for dramatic, high-contrast accents and hold their beam over longer throw distances. Because the filament is shielded with a metal cap, PAR36 and AR111 lamps have very low brightness, much like one experiences with a dental examination light. Their typical life is 2000 to 3000 hours. These lamps require a step-down transformer to supply their required 12 volts. Ceramic Arc Metal Halide (CMH) PAR Similar in optical performance to Halogen PARs, CMH PARs are three to five times more efficient, have 2-3 times longer life and introduce less heat into a space. CMH lamps are typically operated off of electronic ballasts that precisely regulate the current to the lamp, providing consistent lamp-to-lamp color and excellent color stability over life, previously not attainable from metal halide sources. Available in 3000K and 4000K colors. Center beam intensities and energy efficiency up to four times that of halogen PARs make these high performance lamps an excellent choice for higher ceiling, long burning, commercial and retail applications. CMH lamps require a couple of minutes to come up to full brightness and several minutes to restrike in the event of a power disruption. Typical life is 9-12,000 hours. |