High-Power PAR LED Retrofits
December 15, 2023
PAR Can Installation Instructions
January 2, 2024
Lighting Technology Comparison
LED vs. Traditional PAR Cans
PAR cans, also known as Parabolic Aluminized Reflector cans, have long been a cornerstone of the events world.
These fixtures are ingeniously designed to focus light into a controlled beam, making them a popular choice in settings ranging from the drama of theater stages to the energy of concert venues.
This article goes over the differences between traditional PAR cans and newer LED lighting options.
Replacing the Fixture vs. Retrofitting the Lamp
An LED lighting upgrade can mean two different things: replacing the entire fixture with a new LED unit, or replacing the lamp inside a compatible existing housing. Some complete LED stage fixtures offer RGB color mixing and built-in effects. PAR LED Lights focuses on selectable-white retrofit lamps for suitable existing fixtures. The right choice depends on the lighting effects, controls, and equipment your venue needs.
A Closer Look at LED PAR Cans
LED PAR lighting can take several forms, including complete LED stage fixtures and LED retrofit lamps designed for compatible existing PAR housings. When properly matched to the application, these products can provide substantial energy savings compared with older incandescent or halogen lighting.
For example, some LED PAR products can deliver useful stage and venue light output at a fraction of the wattage of traditional halogen lamps. Actual output and replacement suitability depend on the specific LED product, beam angle, fixture, mounting distance, and lighting requirements.
Certain complete LED stage fixtures also provide advanced control over color and intensity. RGB or RGBA fixtures can create a broad spectrum of colors and blended effects without external gels. These capabilities apply to specific complete LED fixtures and should not be assumed for every LED PAR product.
PAR LED Lights primarily offers selectable-white retrofit lamps designed to upgrade compatible existing PAR fixtures. These products focus on efficient white-light output, selectable color temperature, beam-angle choices, long lamp life, and reduced maintenance rather than RGB color-changing effects.
LED products can also offer substantially longer service life than many traditional incandescent and halogen lamps, reducing replacement frequency and maintenance requirements. Rated life varies by product and installation conditions.
Traditional PAR Cans
Typically using incandescent or halogen bulbs, traditional PAR cans have been the go-to choice for various events because of their strong, focused light output. These bulbs commonly range from 300W to 1000W and deliver bright, concentrated light beams. This makes them especially effective in settings that require dramatic, high-impact lighting.
However, traditional PAR cans have drawbacks, especially compared with newer LED technology. One primary issue is their lower energy efficiency. Standard bulbs convert a significant portion of energy into heat rather than light, increasing power consumption and operational costs.
Furthermore, this heat output can be a concern in smaller venues or during prolonged use, as it raises ambient temperature, requires additional cooling solutions, and poses potential safety risks. These factors, combined with the relatively short service life of many traditional halogen lamps, can increase maintenance requirements in modern lighting environments.
Comparative Analysis of Light Output and Quality
LED lighting can offer several advantages over traditional incandescent or halogen PAR lamps, but performance varies by product. Always evaluate output, beam quality, color rendering, dimming behavior, and available effects using the specifications of the exact lamp or fixture you’re considering.
Enhanced Uniformity and Adjustability: Many LED PAR products are designed to provide consistent light output and greater control over intensity or beam distribution. Adjustability depends on the specific lamp or fixture.
Color Rendering: Evaluate color-rendering performance using the published CRI and other specifications for the specific product. Some high-CRI LED products can provide very accurate color appearance, while other LED products are designed primarily for effects or output. PAR LED Lights’ current Lotus retrofit families are specified at CRI >90.
Color Effects on Certain Complete LED Fixtures: Some complete LED stage fixtures use RGB, RGBA, or similar multi-color LED systems to create different colors without external gels. These color-mixing capabilities apply to those specific fixtures and are not a standard feature of selectable-white Lotus retrofit lamps.
Professional Lighting Requirements: LED lighting products are available for many different professional uses, from focused white-light retrofit lamps to complete theatrical fixtures with integrated controls. When choosing the right solution, consider beam angle, output, dimming, color temperature, control requirements, and existing equipment.
Energy Efficiency, Power Consumption, and Safety Aspects
One of the primary advantages of LED PAR lighting is improved energy efficiency. Properly selected LED lamps and fixtures can require significantly less power than older incandescent or halogen alternatives.
Energy savings depend on the wattage of the lamp being replaced, the wattage of the LED product, operating hours, dimming levels, and the amount of light required for the application. While LED products may require a higher initial investment, reduced electricity use and longer service intervals can lower operating costs over time.
LED products also generally produce less waste heat than comparable high-wattage halogen lamps. Lower heat output can improve comfort around stages, platforms, displays, and enclosed commercial spaces while reducing the thermal load placed on the surrounding environment.
Innovative Features and Eco-Friendly Impact
LED lighting offers a wide range of capabilities, but those features vary significantly between retrofit lamps and complete LED stage fixtures.
Built-In Effects on Certain Fixtures: Some complete LED stage fixtures include RGB color mixing, strobe effects, programmable scenes, or DMX control. Don’t assume these features come with every LED lamp or retrofit product.
Long Lifespan: Many commercial LED products are designed for tens of thousands of hours of operation, helping reduce replacement frequency.
Lowered Maintenance Demands: Longer service life can reduce relamping and maintenance requirements, especially in fixtures mounted above stages, sanctuaries, auditoriums, and other difficult-to-access areas.
Lower Energy Use: Efficient LED products can reduce electrical demand compared with older high-wattage incandescent and halogen lighting.
Reduced Replacement Waste: Longer-lasting light sources can reduce the number of lamps that need to be replaced over the life of an installation.
Reduced Heat Emission: Lower-wattage LED solutions can reduce waste heat compared with traditional high-wattage lamps, which may also reduce cooling demands in some environments.
Considering an LED Retrofit for Your Existing Fixtures?
Before replacing the entire fixture, check whether your existing housing can accommodate an LED retrofit lamp. Compare lamp size, connector, clearance, beam angle, and control requirements to identify a suitable option.
