CFL Flood Lights | Reflector Flood Lights

CFL Flood Lights

Producing more light per watt, CFL flood lights are excellent alternatives to energy-consuming halogen bulbs. Flood lights emit bright, highly concentrated light, making them ideal for use in outdoor landscape or indoor ceiling fixtures for directional or display lighting. R-type and PAR-type bulbs are popular flood light bulbs. They are often used in the same kinds of fixtures, including track lights and recessed downlights, among other flood light fixtures. The "R" in each of the bulbs' titles stands for "reflector" and the number stands for the bulbs' diameters in eighths of an inch. For example, R20s measure 20/8 inches (2.5 inches) and PAR30s measure 30/8 inches (3.75 inches).

R-type vs. PAR-type

R-type bulbs produce soft-edged light, meaning that the light wraps around objects and casts diffuse shadows with soft edges. R-type bulbs are most often used in indoor-only fixtures and aren't as likely to be outdoor-approved as PAR-type bulbs. PAR-type bulbs, or Parabolic Aluminized Reflectors, cast more concentrated and precise light than R-type bulbs. They are usually approved for use in either indoor or outdoor fixtures.

Important Factors to Consider:

• Wattage: Low wattage = more energy savings; however, more watts = brighter light.
• Measurements: Will the bulb fit in your fixture?
• Beam Angle: Do you need a spotlight, or a wide-angle flood light?
• Lumens: More lumens = brighter light.
• Kelvin Temperature: Ranges from 2700K yellow light to 5000K white light.
• Wet Location or Outdoor Location Approved : If you are replacing an outdoor light.

Types of CFL Flood Light Bulbs

• R20 CFLs are soft-edged directional spotlights. Offered in a range of beam angles and color temperatures, R20 bulbs typically measure 20/8 inches (2.5 inches) in diameter and 3.5 to 4 inches in length.
• R30 CFLs are slightly bigger the R20s. They are offered in a range of beam angles and color temperatures and typically measure 30/8 inches (3.75 inches) in diameter and 5 to 5.5 inches in length.
• R40 CFLs are even bigger than R30s. They are also available in several beam angles and color temperatures, and they usually measure 40/8 inches (5 inches) in diameter and 6.5 to 7 inches in length.
• PAR20 CFLs are precise directional spotlights. Available in a range of beam angles and color temperatures, PAR20 bulbs typically measure 20/8 inches (2.5 inches) in diameter and 3.5 to 4 inches in length.
• PAR30 CFLs are slightly bigger the PAR20s. They typically measure 30/8 inches (3.75 inches) in diameter and 5 to 5.5 inches in length.
• PAR38 CFLs are even bigger the PAR30s. They typically measure 38/8 inches (4.75 inches) in diameter and 5.5 to 6 inches in length.