A Complete Guide: What Are LED Par Lights

The PAR can is arguably the most common stage light. Since they are inexpensive and have a lightweight design, PAR can lights are utilized in churches, stages, theaters, clubs, and art performance groups. Additionally, one can see them in convention halls, auditoriums, galleries, and studios. Even stadiums frequently choose PAR to reduce costs without compromising the lighting quality.

The tiny PAR 16 and the 1000-watt PAR 64 are only a couple of the different sizes and forms of PAR cans. Due to their relatively small weight, they are easy to carry around. A wholesale LED par light manufacturer is known to supply a variety of LED par lights at an affordable price. Check out this guide to learn about: What are par lights? What does par light mean? What are their applications? 

Par Light Meaning

The visual component of a sealed beam lamp is referred to as a PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector). Par can lights are directional lighting solutions used for back, area, wash, and accent lighting on stages. They project a controlled beam of light. Previously, a PAR can light was a luminaire that utilized lamps as its foundation.

A PAR lamp is a sealed beam lamp that combines the lens, reflector, and light source into one device. The lamp’s reflector can concentrate light in a single direction to produce different beam spreads, such as WFL (wide flood), MFL (medium flood), NSP (narrow spot), and VNSP (very narrow spot). 

Simple stage lighting tools include par cans lights. The classic par can light is practically a hollow cylinder with a lamp socket that can hold a PAR lamp. There is no zoom or focus option available. The PAR 64 bulbs served as the foundation for the most popular PAR cans utilized in the theatre sector. A PAR 64 lamp has a diameter of 64/8 inches, and the number after “PAR” denotes the diameter of the bulb in 1/8 inch increments. Some manufacturers also name their PAR light with the number of LED chips.

The components of a PAR lamp are a light source, a lens, and a parabolic reflector with a soft aluminum exterior that controls the beam’s distribution. These three components are combined to form the most typical sealed beam type. Tungsten filaments and halogen lamps are frequently utilized, but a few theatrical applications that call for a high color temperature might utilize hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide (HMI) in its place. The light source typically corresponds to a point source that can be concentrated on.

Why LED For Par Can Lights

The most energy-efficient and quickly evolving type of lighting technology available at present is the light-emitting diode (LED). The LED lamp beads come with a wide range of benefits, which is why they are often the best choice for par can lights. The environmental problems associated with conventional lighting sources like fluorescent or mercury vapor lamps are not present with LEDs.

The LED bead itself is really tiny. LEDs are extremely versatile and can be utilized in an endless number of lighting applications due to their tiny size. LEDs are able to produce a variety of colored light even with their tiny body. To create white light, a combination of red, green, and blue LEDs is occasionally utilized.

Since LEDs emit light only in a certain direction, reflectors and diffusers that are made to trap light are no longer necessary. Due to this characteristic, LEDs are more effective for many applications, including task lighting and recessed downlights. LEDs are substantially more brittle-resistant since they are built with epoxy lenses rather than glass.

When it comes to any lighting solutions, heat emission is the biggest risk. However, LEDs produce hardly any heat. In contrast, around 80% of the energy from CFLs and 90% of the energy from incandescent bulbs is converted to heat. Since LEDs operate far cooler than incandescent lights, there is less chance of fire or finger burns.

Compared to traditional types of lighting, LED lighting products typically have a longer lifespan. A high-quality LED bulb has a lifespan of 30 times lengthier than an incandescent bulb and 3 to 5 times lengthier than a CFL. The typical LED has a lifespan of 50,000 to 100,000 operating hours or more.

Compared to fluorescent tube panels, LED lights are significantly simpler to clean. Without overtaxing a wall socket, 25 strings of LEDs can be connected end to end. The great majority of the light that LEDs release is in the visible spectrum, with very little energy being emitted in the infrared and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum.

LED PAR Cans Light Size

LED PAR lights are available in a range of conventional sizes. The nominal diameter of the mouth of the reflector, which represents the size of a par light, is represented in eighths of an inch; hence, dividing the par size by eight yields the estimated nominal lamp bell diameter, expressed in inches.

A PAR 56, for example, has a diameter of 56 eighths of an inch (7 inches) and a PAR 36 of 36 eighths (4.5 inches), and so on. In a similar manner, multiplying the PAR designation by 3.125 will yield the diameter in millimeters. For instance, the PAR16 lamp has a diameter of around 2 inches (50.0 mm).

The letters REC, the reflector mouth height, the word “X,” and the reflector mouth width, both in millimeters, are used to indicate the size of rectangular PAR lights. For instance, REC142X200 lights are 200 mm wide and 142 high. 

It is possible to say that par cans sizes of lights vary from 16 to 64, or from 50 to 200 mm in diameter when split by their diameter. The PAR16s are sometimes referred to as “birdies” if you are aware of theatrical terminology. Different applications for par lights are dependent on their diameter.

Each par can light contains an internal light source with a specific wattage, expressed in watts. Not every wattage size for LED par can lights is offered in every size. For instance, it is not possible to fit a 1000-watt light source to a PAR 36, but it is possible with a PAR 64. Obtainable power generally varies from 30 watts to 1000. 

Main Features of LED Par Light

Check out the primary features of an LED par light. 

• Color Changing

The RGB LED par can light is popular for its color-changing feature. An LED PAR light can be a multi-channel (white/color adjustable) light or a single-color system. A single-color luminaire can produce light by utilizing a variety of LED kinds. Discrete packages are utilized to produce multi-channel LED systems. InGaN emitters are employed to pump phosphors inside the device package of white LEDs, which are phosphor-converted packages.

Warm white and cool white LEDs are incorporated to create tunable white lights, which offer a continuously adjustable spectrum of color temperatures. In order to increase the color spectrum, full-color systems frequently incorporate extra hues like amber, white, and/or lime in addition to the three LED primaries (red, green, and blue).

• Moving Head

Another feature of LED par can light is their moving head. The head has the potential to pan, tilt, dimmer, zoom, and focus. The multipurpose and adaptable LED par lights with moving heads are made to take the place of numerous traditional, stationary lights.

They can quickly change several characteristics of their optics with the right programming, quickly altering the personality of the light. Lighting is normally pre-programmed and played back utilizing only basic commands, though if the operator is sufficiently skilled, moving heads can be regulated “live.” 

• IP-Rated LED Par

The word “IP” stands for “Ingress Protection.” It is a way to gauge how well something will protect an object from liquids and solids like dirt, dust, and sand. A two-number IP rating is used. The protection against solid items is indicated by the first number, while the protection against liquids is shown by the second number.

1. LED par lights with an IP40 rating are typically utilized in closed fixtures or indoor stages. Outdoor events must not utilize an IP40 LED par light unless the fixture is shut. For indoor events, it usually works out perfectly unless there are extreme weather conditions like excessive humidity.
2. IP54-rated LED par lights offer total dust protection. For liquids, it simply offers protection against water splatter.
3. Additionally, IP64 LED par lights provide good protection from solid objects. Any solid particle has no chance of having an impact on the LED light. The LED par light, however, only offers protection against water splashes.
4. LED par lights with an IP65 rating are ideal for private and public events. The IP65 rating offers total defense against foreign objects and water jets. LED par light would not be harmed by water discharged through a 6.3mm nozzle.
5. Comprehensive protection against solids and water is provided by LED par lights with IP67 certifications. They offer the same level of protection against liquids as IP65 and IP64. But LED par lights with this certification are a lot more water resistant. However, LED lights with this rating are much more resistant to water. Water would not affect the LED par lights even when they are submerged in 1m depth of water.

Sound Activated refers to the fact that the light will activate its internal effect programs in response to the music’s bass beat. An external DMX controller is used to regulate lighting using the DMX communication protocol. All lights that are actuated by sound feature a microphone.

A microphone’s job is to detect the existence of sound waves in the local vicinity and then transform those waves into an electrical signal. The sound-activated light is supposed to alter its LEDs’ color and orientation depending on sounds heard by an integrated microphone. The end product is a light that responds to sounds in its environment.

• Smart Control 

The smart controls on the LED par lights can also be managed by a smart platform. It can be managed using a specialized smartphone app. In addition, there are systems for home automation that can manage a variety of lighting fixtures. Regardless of where you are, it is possible to control the lights easily. The following are a few clever control options:

• Taking action with an app
• Voice commands
• System of control from anywhere
• Plan the lighting schedule.
• Lighting groups
• Laying the light foundation
• DMX

One major benefit of LED par lights is their direct DMX control, which eliminates the need for extra dimmers as the circuitry inside the fixture controls the LEDs’ brightness. Numerous devices can be daisy-linked to one power supply due to their low power consumption.

Most moving heads LED par can light are regulated via the DMX protocol, typically by means of specialized twisted pair, insulated cables with 5-pin XLR connectors at each end. Every fixture is given a block of DMX channels in one of the DMX universes for the location.

• Beam Width 

The geometry of the parabolic reflection is equally important to stage lighting as the diameter of the par can. Based on the angle, the light can produce either a large flood or a tight point. With angles varying from 12 to 70, they move from VNSP (very narrow spot) to WFL (wide flood).

PAR lamps can produce a variety of beams, from a narrow spot to a large flood, based on the geometry of the parabolic reflector, the filament’s arrangement, and where it is positioned within the paraboloid. Additionally, PAR lamps are made to produce beam patterns that are unique to the requirements of particular applications, like low-beam and/or high-beam headlights, driving and fog lights, as well as warning lamps for buses.

• Mount Method 

There are different mounting methods to install LED par lights, such as attaching them to the roof, leaving them on the ground, attaching them to the wall, and so on. 

A surface-mounted light projects from the top of a flat surface, such as the flat portion of a ceiling. When the structural ceiling and dropdown ceiling are close together or the ceiling is open, this solution is ideal. Some LED par lights can be placed below the stage on the ground. 

A flat wall is supported by wall-mounted lighting fixtures, which project outward from the wall’s surface. They are ideal for events and stages inside. There are two types of ceiling mounts: flush-mounted and semi-flush-installed. Due to their small footprints, these two styles of ceiling mounts are perfect for locations with low ceilings.

• USB LED PAR light 

A USB LED light is a small LED bulb that can be plugged into multi-port USB hubs, smart plugs, automotive USB docks, laptops, PCs, and other host USB devices. A USB power bank typically delivers up to 0.5 Amps of power, enough to illuminate up to 25 LEDs.

• Battery-Powered LED Par 

Battery-powered LED lights are useful in a variety of situations, both inside and outside. They are ideal for closets or cabinets because they are available in a variety of sizes. Even a few LED lights that run on batteries include additional features like motion sensors or an easy-to-use on or off button.

Applications Of LED Par Light 

The most popular type of lighting utilized on stages and in theatres is PAR lights. The straightforward, closed-off cylindrical tube concentrates light employing a reflector. The construction is made of steel and aluminum, and the oval shape of the light is provided by the reflector and cylinder. Because they are more affordable and produce better light, LED bulbs are the most widely utilized. 

Check out the major applications of LED par lights. 

LED stage lighting

LED par stage lighting gives the audience vision and a clear sense of where to focus their attention. Lighting designers work to make the light appear natural for the area and set on the majority of stages. The LED par stage lighting has the potential to modify the mood of a gathering, whether it is mellow, vibrant, slow, or upbeat.

To ensure that the audience can see the background and any significant props or actors on the event stages, the lighting director will collaborate closely with the scene designer. With LED par lights, exceptional experience illumination is available. They clearly illuminate the stage and give the audience a clear view.

A high color rendering index of more than 80 is offered by these lights. This indicates that the light is as similar to sunshine as possible. When aired on television or observed in person, colors will appear realistic. The LED par lighting can light up the entire space, regardless of how big or tiny, the stage is.

LED theater lighting

LED par can dimmable lighting allows you complete control over your lighting needs, whether you want to move from one scene to another, gradually raise or lower the lights as the curtain rises, build tension as the band begins, or create a distinctive effect. Additionally, you have control over the lighting you want in any given scene. 

Currently, the majority of theatres throughout the globe use numerous par can lights hanging from the ceiling to light the stage for the shows. These sorts of lights are very advantageous for musical performances. To create moods, atmospheres, and transitions, distinct color gels are typically added to these lights. For instance, a very chilly dark blue gel is frequently used between acts, and yellow and red gels are frequently used to add warmth to the scenes.

LED disco or DJ lighting

Mobile DJs and nightclubs employ a type of stage lighting known as DJ lighting. DJ lighting solutions are normally utilized by mobile disco DJs in pubs, nightclubs, and several late-night bars. DJ lighting can be activated internally by sound, as long as the device has a built-in sound-to-light feature. DMX control and master-slave (daisy chain) control are additional control choices.

LEDs that are colored are common among discos and traveling DJs. However, they were significantly more expensive than normal PAR38 globes and often only came in colored versions up to 100w. Colored LED par lights and lasers may be utilized as a visual effect in pop and rock concerts, DJ performances, or parties.

LED party lighting

Creativity and proper lighting are crucial criteria to produce an impactful scene or performance for the audience. An LED par can light a circle with a distinct boundary and can be used to divert attention, produce an effect, or bring attention to something. Additionally, backdrops and walls can be uplifted using PAR lighting.

Rock and roll events frequently use PAR lights because of their low cost, lightweight, high reliability, simple maintenance, and elevated output. This is especially true for parties with limited budgets. They are frequently utilized in conjunction with devices that produce smoke or haze in order to make the beam’s path visible. At the party event, they are frequently employed as top, back, or side lights for spectacular effects.

LED wedding lighting

Indoor wedding lighting frequently uses smaller sealed beam PAR lights (PAR 38 and smaller) with an Edison screw base. They are found in recessed fixtures that are either mounted on rails or in the ceiling. For an indoor wedding, regular LED par lights are highly utilized. For wedding events that are held in an open area, LED lights with high IP ratings are utilized. 

LED event lighting

The majority of contemporary events employ LED par can light to guide attendees at night to the event site. The event host and attendees will be able to clearly view the event surroundings at night, thanks to the focused and potent beam from the par can lights.

LED lights are being used more frequently for live performances, especially at festivals where they are more noticeable than traditional lighting during the day. These fixtures became less expensive as the digital era developed, and they are now utilized more frequently in numerous significant event plays. 

Trends in LED Par Lighting Technology

In the ever-evolving world of stage and event lighting, LED Par lights are at the forefront of innovation. Here’s a glimpse into the latest trends shaping their future:

Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Engineers are pushing the boundaries to squeeze out more lumens per watt, making LED Par lights even more energy-efficient. This leap forward means brighter lights with less power consumption.

Improved Color Mixing: The color palette of LED Par lights is becoming richer and more precise. Advances in technology allow for seamless blending of hues, enabling designers to create more vivid and impactful lighting experiences.

Wireless Control and Connectivity: Gone are the days of tangled wires. Modern LED Par lights embrace wireless technologies, offering the convenience of remote adjustments and integration with smart systems, all at the touch of a button.

Smart Lighting Integration: LED Par lights are getting smarter. They’re now part of the smart lighting ecosystem, responsive to voice commands, and capable of syncing with other smart devices to enhance the ambiance of any event.

Eco-friendly Innovations: The latest models are not just bright; they’re green too. With a focus on sustainability, new LED Par lights use recyclable materials and designs that reduce environmental impact.

These trends highlight a future where LED Par lights are not only more efficient and versatile but also smarter and kinder to our planet. As technology advances, the possibilities for creative and sustainable lighting seem limitless.

Conclusion

The applications of LED par lights are pretty extensive as they can be used for indoor and outdoor stages, events, theaters, parties, weddings, and many more. One can also find LED par lights in different commercial, industrial, and residential places. If you are looking to acquire LED par lights for your business lighting needs, it is best to contact Vorlane. This way, you can get a bulk quantity of LED par lights at a reasonable price within a short amount of time. 

Steven Liang

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