View source for Engineering:Parabolic aluminized reflector light

[[Image:Par30.jpg|thumb|right|A Parabolic Aluminized Reflector luminaire]]
[[Image:Stage lights.jpg|thumb|right|20 PAR cans]]


A '''parabolic aluminized reflector lamp''' (also '''PARCAN light''', '''PARcan''', or simply '''PAR''') is a type of electric lamp that is widely used in commercial, residential, and transportation illumination.  Usage includes locomotive headlamps, aircraft landing lights, and residential and commercial [[Engineering:Recessed light|recessed light]]s ("cans" in the United States). They are identical in principle to sealed beam automobile headlights. 

The lamps and their fixtures are widely used in theatre, concerts and motion picture production when a substantial amount of flat lighting is required for a scene.

In situations where [[Astronomy:Sunlight|sunlight]] or other specular light is available, a white foam [[Physics:Reflector (photography)|reflector]] is often used to accomplish the same effect as a PAR array.

PAR cans are being replaced in some stage applications by LED PAR cans, which use less [[Physics:Electric power|electric power]] and produce a wide array of saturated colors without the use of color filters, when white light is not needed.

==Construction==
PAR lights possess a [[Physics:Lens (optics)|lens]] and reflector that are integral parts of the lamp, the position of which cannot be altered relative to the filament. A notable exception is ETC's [[Engineering:Source Four PAR|Source Four PAR]], which uses the same [[Engineering:Halogen lamp|halogen lamp]] as their Source Four ERS. In this case, the lens is a separate piece from the lamp. The relative position of lamp and lens remains unalterable. 

In PAR 64s, Raylite reflectors and two pin base lamps are often used as a cheaper alternative as the lamp is replaced but the reflector remains. Lamps such as the 500 watt A1/244 can be as much as half the price of the sealed beam units. Par 64s also often run at 120&nbsp;V, in two-pair series channels, with a "y" Splitter at the dimmer.  Narrow, medium and wide Raylite reflectors are quite readily available. The two-blade (pin) Mogul lamp connector need not be replaced — this is integral to the Raylite reflector, although some Raylite reflectors have "tails" which then require connection to the mains flex with the use of a ceramic connector block (ideally fixed to the can's body).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bulbamerica.com/optima-lighting-par-64-par-56-socket.html|title=OPTIMA LIGHTING PAR 64 & PAR 56 Lamp Holder|author=|date=|website=BulbAmerica|accessdate=26 April 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727000453/http://www.bulbamerica.com/optima-lighting-par-64-par-56-socket.html|archivedate=27 July 2013|df=}}</ref>

==Effects==
The sealed beam lamp produces an intense oval pool of light with unfocused edges. The only focus adjustment is a knob that allows the lamp/lens unit to be rotated within its casing, thus changing the orientation of the oval. With some models this control is via the mogul ceramic connector which connects directly to the Mogul prongs of the lamp. With the SourceFour PAR, the interchangeable lens is what is rotated. Therefore, the diameter of the light spot is defined by the aluminium 
reflector, and cannot be adjusted without changing the lamp. The type of lamp includes extra-wide flood (XWFL), wide flood (WFL), medium flood (MFL), narrow spot (NSP), and very narrow spot (VNSP). <ref>{{cite news|title=LED bulb is by consuming Danish home|url=http://www.avisen.dk/advertorials/led-paeren-er-ved-at-indtage-danske-hjem_373565.aspx|accessdate=7 April 2016|work=avisen|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422170426/http://www.avisen.dk/advertorials/led-paeren-er-ved-at-indtage-danske-hjem_373565.aspx|archivedate=22 April 2016|df=}}</ref>

These types of instruments come in varying diameters, the most common being designated ''PAR56'' and ''PAR64''.  The number indicates the diameter of the housing in eighths of an inch (so a PAR64 is eight inches (~20&nbsp;cm) in diameter).

==Uses==
PAR lights are often used in theatrical or live music shows. Commonly they are used to generate colours by fitting them with colored sheets called [[Physics:Color gel|gels]]. The cans are arranged into rows of different colours and identical rows placed on different sides of the stage. Due to their affordability, they are ideal for colour washes in several different colours. However, because of the lack of control over the beam diameter, shape and sharpness, PARs are rarely used as front of house lights other than for front washes but can be used for [[Special effect|special effect]] lighting such as lighting from directly above or from extreme angles as well as general wash lights overhead/above stage. If used cleverly, par cans can provide low budget productions with good effects.

==Types==
===Diameter===
The glass envelope or "bulb" of all incandescent lamps is measured in eighths of an inch.  Thus a PAR 64 is, nominally, 64 eighths of an inch in diameter. The approximate nominal lamp bell diameter in inches can be found by dividing the PAR size by 8.  For example, a PAR30 lamp is approximately 3.75&nbsp;inches in diameter. Similarly, the diameter in millimeters can be found by multiplying the PAR designation by 3.125.  For example, a PAR16 lamp is approximately 50.0&nbsp;mm in diameter.

{| class="wikitable"
! Designation
! Nominal Dia.<br/>(inch)
! Nominal Dia.<br/>(mm)
|-
| PAR64
| 8
| 200
|-
| PAR56
| 7
| 175
|-
| PAR46
| 5.75
| 145
|-
| PAR38
| 4.75
| 120
|-
| PAR36
| 4.5
| 115
|-
| PAR30
| 3.75
| 95
|-
| PAR20
| 2.5
| 65
|-
| PAR16
| 2
| 50
|}

Note: PAR16 cans are also known as "birdies" in theatre, as it is "below par", an oblique reference to a term used in the game of golf{{Citation needed|date=June 2017}}.

=== Beam width ===
Depending on the parabolic reflector geometry and placement of the filament within the paraboloid, PAR lamps can achieve a wide range of beam widths, from narrow spot to wide flood.  For lighting effects even wider than wide flood can provide, supplemental reflectors or lenses can be used.  The following suffixes are commonly used with PAR lamps to indicate their beam width:<ref name=bluerroompar64>{{cite web |title=Par 64 |url=http://www.blue-room.org.uk/wiki/Par_64 |website=Blue Room |accessdate=30 September 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Description
! Suffix
! Beam angle
|-
| Very Narrow Spot (VNSP)
| CP60
| 12°
|-
| Narrow Spot (NSP)
| CP61
| 14°
|-
| Medium Flood (MFL)
| CP62
| 24°
|-
| Wide Flood (WFL)
| CP95
| 70°
|}

The suffixes given are for 1000-Watt PAR64 lamps only. The focused beam can be oval and is sometimes specified in two numbers.<ref name=bluerroompar64/> 

===Standard power ratings===
{| class="wikitable"
! Designation
! Power (W)
|-
| PAR64
| 1000, 500, 250 (ACL)
|-
| PAR56
| 500, 300, 200
|-
| PAR46
| 200, 150
|-
| PAR38
| 150, 120, 100, 75
|-
| PAR36
| 100, 75, 30
|}

Each lamp type is available in 240 V and 110 / 120 V variants, depending on the common mains voltage for the locale. 

ACL (Air Craft Light) PARs, whose light beam is more compact, have a nominal operating voltage of 28&nbsp;V.  ACL PAR is a type of lamp used in aviation, before being used on stage for light path effects. In the UK, ACL pars are typically used together with four mounted together on a bar, and two bars run in series together in order to work on a dimmer with 240 V supply voltage.

In Europe, where the mains voltage is between 220 and 240 V, it is common to use series pairs of 110 V lamps because the thicker filament is much 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 effect light to illuminate mirror balls.

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

== Variantions ==

=== Raylite reflector ===
{{anchor|Non-sealed PAR alternatives}}
A raylite reflector is a parabolic aluminized reflector separate from the light bulb. Such a reflector can be added to PAR64 and PAR56 lamp housings to achieve a narrow spot effect. A conventional quartz halogen lamp is used in place of the reflector lamp. A spider or bulb shield may optionally be added, which enhances the parallel nature of the beam and makes it more visible when used with smoke or fog effects. Raylites are generally less rugged than sealed beam bulbs: The lamp can easily shake loose of the lampholder in transit.

The Source Four PAR and similar units create light with a similar quality to that of a PAR can, but have a lens and a reflector and use a plain lamp, as opposed to the integrated reflector, lens, lamp combination found in sealed PAR lights.

===LED===
A [[Engineering:Light-emitting diode|LED]] version of the PAR is made by some manufacturers. 

LED PAR cans usually are based on an [[RGB color model]], though some higher-end fixtures use a 5-primary colour system instead.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hivelighting.com/LED-technology/|title=Hive Lighting - BUILT BRIGHT|author=|date=|website=hivelighting.com|accessdate=26 April 2018|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044009/http://hivelighting.com/LED-technology/|archivedate=20 March 2018|df=}}</ref>

===PARbars===
PARbars are PARs that are permanently affixed to and circuited through an aluminium pipe.  Four PARs on a bar are called a four-bar.  Six PARs are called six-bars. Typically mains multicore (AKA Socapex) cabling will be used to supply power to the bars, so that only one connection has to be made, thus saving assembly time and giving a neater appearance.

===Daylight PARs===
HMI PARs produce light with a color temperature equivalent to that of sunlight.

===PAR Moving Lights===
Intelligent, moving PARs allow for the ability to pan and tilt the instruments through a lighting control console. These have been generally superseded by dedicated intelligent lighting fixtures, which use a different light source and offer more control over the colour and shape of the beam.

===Combination instruments===
*The Source Four PARnel combines the attributes of the PAR can and the [[Engineering:Fresnel lantern|Fresnel]].

==See also==
*[[Engineering:Stage lighting instrument|Stage lighting instrument]]
*[[Engineering:Stage lighting accessories|Stage lighting accessories]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}


{{Artificial light sources}}

[[Category:Stage lighting instruments]]

{{Sourceattribution|Parabolic aluminized reflector light|1}}