A par lamp is a lamp designation for a light source built with an integral parabolic aluminized reflector that shapes its output into a defined beam.
A par lamp is a lamp built with a parabolic aluminized reflector integrated into the lamp itself. The parabolic reflector collects light from the source and shapes it into a controlled beam, and par lamps are produced in a range of beam spreads from narrow spot to wide flood. The integral reflector means the lamp largely defines the beam, with the fixture serving mainly to hold and power it.
Because the reflector is part of the lamp, par lamps deliver consistent, predictable beams and are easy to use in simple fixtures. Selecting a par lamp with the appropriate beam spread is the primary way to control coverage in par-based lighting.
The fixtures using par lamps depend on stable power and, in many cases, control wiring to deliver consistent output. The supporting cable must be rated for the circuit so the lamp performs reliably, providing its intended beam steadily throughout operation.
Because the reflector is part of the lamp, par lamps deliver consistent, predictable beams and work in simple fixtures, so selecting a lamp with the appropriate beam spread is the primary way a crew controls coverage in par-based lighting from narrow spot to wide flood.
At Windy City Wire, the focus on low-voltage power and control cable supports the lighting systems that par lamps serve. Supplying dependable cable helps ensure that fixtures receive stable power, so a par lamp delivers its intended beam consistently across a production.
PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) lamp