- PAR38 vs BR30: Key Differences for Commercial Buyers
- When to Choose PAR38 for Commercial Projects
- When to Choose BR30 for Commercial Projects
- Procurement Considerations for B2B Buyers
PAR38 vs BR30: Key Differences for Commercial Buyers
PAR38 (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) and BR30 (Bulged Reflector) are the two most common directional LED bulb formats in North American commercial lighting. Understanding their differences is critical for B2B buyers specifying retail, hospitality, and office projects.
| Parameter | PAR38 | BR30 |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 4.75 in (121mm) | 3.75 in (95mm) |
| Beam Angle | Narrow: 10-40° (spot/flood) | Wide: 90-120° (flood) |
| Typical Wattage | 12-18W LED (75-120W equiv) | 8-12W LED (65-85W equiv) |
| Lumens | 1,000-1,500 lm | 650-950 lm |
| Base | E26 medium (standard) | E26 medium (standard) |
| Best For | High ceilings, outdoor, track lighting, accent | Recessed cans, retail display, general downlight |
| IP Rating | IP65 available (outdoor rated) | Typically indoor only |
| B2B Bulk MOQ | 100 units | 200 units |
When to Choose PAR38 for Commercial Projects
PAR38 bulbs excel in high-ceiling retail spaces (15-30ft), outdoor facade lighting, and track lighting systems where narrow beam control is essential. Their sealed reflector design resists moisture and dust, making them suitable for covered outdoor applications. For hospitality projects, PAR38 floods provide dramatic accent lighting on architectural features. For more on this topic, read our guide: Best Commercial LED Lighting 2026: Office, Retail and.
When to Choose BR30 for Commercial Projects
BR30 bulbs are the standard for 4-6 inch recessed downlight cans in retail stores, hotel corridors, and office spaces. Their wide flood pattern provides even illumination without hot spots. The bulged reflector shape diffuses light smoothly across merchandise displays, making BR30 the preferred choice for retail clothing and grocery environments. For more on this topic, read our guide: Commercial LED Filament Bulbs: Decorative B2B Supplier Guide.
Procurement Considerations for B2B Buyers
When specifying PAR38 or BR30 at scale, consider: (1) CRI ≥90 for retail and hospitality, (2) Dimmable compatibility with your chosen dimmer brand, (3) CCT consistency across all units in the same space (±50K tolerance), (4) L70 lifetime rating of 25,000 hours minimum, (5) Certification: ETL/UL Listed for North America, CE/RoHS for Europe. Kingseng supplies both PAR38 and BR30 in bulk with ETL certification and 3-year warranty. For more on this topic, read our guide: Commercial LED Lighting Guide: Complete B2B Procurement for.
{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the main difference between PAR38 and BR30 bulbs?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”PAR38 bulbs have a narrower beam angle (10-40°) and larger diameter (4.75 inches), making them ideal for high ceilings and accent lighting. BR30 bulbs have a wider beam (90-120°) and smaller diameter (3.75 inches), suited for recessed can downlights in standard 8-12ft ceilings.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Which bulb is better for retail clothing stores?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”BR30 is better for most retail clothing applications because its wide flood beam evenly illuminates merchandise displays without harsh shadows. For accent lighting on mannequins or feature walls, PAR38 narrow spots can supplement BR30 general lighting.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can PAR38 bulbs be used outdoors?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes, PAR38 bulbs with IP65 rating are suitable for covered outdoor use, facade lighting, entrance canopies, and landscape uplighting. They are more weather-resistant than BR30 bulbs due to their sealed reflector construction. Kingseng offers IP65-rated PAR38 variants for commercial exterior projects.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the MOQ for bulk PAR38/BR30 orders from Kingseng?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”MOQ is 100 units for PAR38 and 200 units for BR30. Mixed orders combining both types can share the same production batch, potentially reducing the per-SKU minimum. Contact Kingseng for mixed-order pricing.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Do PAR38 and BR30 LED bulbs work with standard dimmers?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes, Kingseng PAR38 and BR30 LED bulbs are compatible with most leading-edge (TRIAC) and trailing-edge (ELV) dimmers. We provide a compatibility list for Lutron, Leviton, and Legrand dimmers. Always test with your specific dimmer model for projects over 50 fixtures.”}}]}