There are some types of lighting which
need a directed beam of light to complete the lighted task. This often
happens in stage lighting, where light often needs to be thrown from some
distance and provide adequate illumination. One of the most common
configurations for this is the PAR56 light bulbs. They've been used for
many decades and provide the light in several different beam spreads. So
it becomes the lamp that is used in TV studios, stages of all types, gymnasiums
that have a multipurpose and so on. These are not a halogen bulb as many
people think, rather they have a standard incandescent filament. The beam
spreads range from wide flood, medium flood and narrow spot and these have a
mogul end prong base. Of course, there are a couple of low voltage
versions that we have that are unusual, and they vary slightly, but the most
common is the 300 watt PAR56, or 300PAR56. These are available in 120 volt
or 130 volt. Many people like the 130 volt because they last longer, and
that means something when you're having to put up scaffolding or a high ladder
to change them!
The PAR56 light bulbs are specialized bulbs that are not used in everyday
applications. They are meant for high wattage-high lumen applications and are
often labeled as Projector/Stage/Theater lighting. That isn't the only use, of
course, there are some other specialty lighting applications as well. You can
tell what kind of PAR lamp you have by measuring the distance across the widest
point of the bulb. The number after 'PAR' shows the number of eighths of an inch
in diameter the bulb is. Therefore, PAR56 lamps are 7 inches across. Sylvania,
Philips, and GE offer PAR56 lamps. They have bases mogul end prong. The best way
to describe how this base type works is to say you simple push the bulb into the
socket, and it fits into the fixture and stays in place without twisting. It's a
heavy prong base, and it's very sturdy. The fixtures they go into are
generally large track or cans which can accommodate the size and the wattage.
You won't be able to put anything else in it's place.
You can get the bulb in several beam spreads. The names for the spreads are
as follows: NSP (narrow spot), MFL (medium flood), and WFL (wide flood). PAR56
light bulbs are available in various voltage and wattage combinations. You can
find them in 120, 200, 300 and even 500 watt versions. Voltages range as
follows: 12 volt, 75 volt and 120 volt. The 120 volt is the most common by
far and the low voltage is for special types of lighting.
It is clear that this type of bulb is highly specialized and it would be
accurate to say that most people will travel through life without ever observing
their existence. Thanks to their size, unusual base, and distinct wattage
offerings, the bulbs are not typical in your local lighting shop. Still, there
is a place for the PAR56; since they are made for stage lighting most
specifically, the items shown under this light will be highlighted with a lot of
light or any variation that dimming offers. It's truly a versatile light, but it
has to be when it is used for lighting effects. If you have any questions
about these lamps, we can help, we know that you want to make sure to get the
right one. If you need help identifying a bulb, our customer service
representatives can help you determine what you have.
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