LED BR Bulb – What it is | TCP Lighting Solutions

Feb 4, 2021

Are you looking into giving your residence or commercial space a lighting update? When you are researching different types of lighting, you’ll discover a wide variety of light bulbs in different shapes, sizes, and colors, all with their own acronyms and numbers. Different labels and terms, such as BR, PAR, flood bulbs, and LED can be confusing and difficult, but TCP is here to help. 

Let’s take a closer look at BR shaped LED light bulbs and their uses and benefits.

What Does A BR Shaped LED Look Like?

LED-BR40-smooth-RGB-9 bulbA BR LED light bulb is popular for both commercial and residential spaces. “BR” stands for bulged reflector; these bulbs tend to be larger and wider than your standard light bulb. These bulbs have wide-flood beam angles, meaning that they provide more than a 45 degree angle when lighting up a space. In other words, if you want to cover a lot of ground with just a single light bulb, BR bulbs are a good place to start. These light bulbs have a dome-shaped lens that diffuses light into a broad beam, and provides a gradual fade into non-illuminated areas.

Traditionally, a BR bulb is covered in a reflective material that spreads light out. However, BR LED bulbs do not require this reflective material, as they naturally provide a larger beam of light. LED BR light bulbs can have a frosted, clear, or patterned dome; each will provide its own manner of light diffusion.

BR flood bulbs come in a variety of different wattages and outputs for different spaces and settings. When choosing one of these bulbs, take into consideration things such as ceiling height, room size, and the level of desired brightness in a space. For instance, say you’re currently using standard 65-watt incandescent bulbs to illuminate your living room. You could replace those with a few 9 to 10-watt LED BR bulbs and see a huge reduction in energy usage for the same level of brightness. Additionally, depending on the size and shape of your space, you might even find that the lighting is diffused more evenly with these bulbs. This will give the lighting in your room a softer look without the sharper edges of multiple incandescent light bulbs.

What is the BR Shaped LED Used For?

If you need to replace a series of standard incandescent light bulbs and you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bill, LED BR light bulbs from TCP are an ideal switch. BR LED bulbs have a wide dome, a large diameter, and are very energy efficient. With some BR LED lights, you can get light the same amount of space with less bulbs. You could save yourself or your business a lot of money. Who doesn’t like the sound of that?

The BR LED flood bulb fits into your existing fixtures, lasts 30-40 times longer than an incandescent bulb, and can save up to 80% in energy. It’s an eco- and wallet-friendly solution. The shape of the dome, the diffusing material of the bulb, and the LED spacing combine to produce an even glow and “flood” the room with light. They are full-brightness, flicker-free, lightweight bulbs that are great for almost any commercial or residential area.

The Difference Between BR & PAR Light Bulbs

LED BR flood light bulbs and PAR light bulbs might look similar at first glance, but their uses aren’t always interchangeable. There are a few similarities – both bulb shapes:

  • Are dimmable
  • Use a reflector
  • Use 120VAC
  • Feature an E26 base

However the light produced by each is very different. Therefore, they have different ideal uses.

PAR stands for parabolic aluminized reflector. These bulbs have a glass front with a glass or aluminum reflector. They are typically more durable than BR flood bulbs and are often used in outdoor spaces— many are even waterproof! For this reason, they’re commonly used as outdoor emergency lights or spotlights. However, PAR bulbs are sometimes used in various indoor lighting spaces, such as track lights or recessed can lights.

The major difference between the two bulbs is that PAR bulbs produce a spotlight or narrow beam, and LED BR bulbs produce a wide flood light.

LED-BR40-smooth-RGB-9 bulb

BR

LED-PAR20-NEW-300-RGB-7 bulb

PAR

So, if you are looking for directional light, such as in a retail space, theatre, or to light an exterior landscaping feature, PAR bulbs could be your best bet. If you’re wanting to add more even light to your space without too many bulbs, BR LED bulbs are the right choice. Both have great practical uses for indoor and outdoor space, but it just depends on what the application is.

Lighting for Living Areas & Great Rooms

From ambient ceiling lighting to accent lighting in floor lamps and desk lamps, TCP lighting offers energy-efficient light bulbs in a wide range of color temperatures, shapes, and sizes that set the tone for comfortable, welcoming living areas.

TCP Lighting Solutions

There are many different ways to light up your unique space. Whether you’re looking to highlight different architectural features, reduce energy costs, or switch to a more environmentally-friendly bulb, TCP can find a solution that works for you. Contact the lighting experts at TCP for more information about our various lightbulb shapes and their best applications.

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