Sealed beam lamps refer to a specific type of light bulb, which is most frequently used in applications that require very bright illumination. These lamps feature a parabolic reflector and a lens. The components are then sealed together. Sealing is imperative for assuring enduring operation, as sealed beam bulbs are required in a range of weather and environmental conditions.
Sealed beams are now available as LED headlights that deliver improved efficiency along with high-visibility light. When sourcing these types of lamps, they may be identified according to the industries that use them, such as aviation or railway sealed beam lamps.
Aircraft sealed beam lamps and helicopter sealed beam lamps, for example, are specifically designed to operate on the exterior of aircraft. They are used to ensure safe operation of the craft through better visibility for the pilot and airfield personnel.
Railroad sealed beam lamps are used on locomotives and in train yards for similar benefits, like those used on aircraft, they must operate reliably in a range of atmospheric conditions and resist the regular wear and tear of transportation demands.
Sealed beam LED headlights are also regularly in demand by the automotive industry. These lights are bright and improve the visual range for the driver, even in fog, smog, snow, rain, and other obstructive conditions.
When sourcing these lamps, the key features are the bulb shape and base type. Sealed beam bulb shapes can include PAR 36, PAR 46, PAR 64 and REC 58 among others. The base types can range from screw terminal style, slip-on and screw (MP) style, and 2- and 3- contact lug styles, although many others are available.
As sealed beam light bulbs are used in many critical settings, their quality and performance should be a foremost consideration. These lamps are made by many trusted lighting manufacturers including Sylvania, Wagner, Amglo, GE, CML, and others. When searching for sealed beam lamps to replace or upgrade a bulb that is no longer functional, it’s usually necessary to rely on an authorized lighting distributor rather than the manufacturer as these companies will only ship large quantity orders and often only to OEMs.
An authorized lighting distributor can also provide guidance when identifying the right replacement seal beam lamp or whether it is possible to upgrade to a more efficient product.
What Are Factory Sealed Beam Headlights?
Factory sealed beam headlights typically refer to a headlight that’s comprised of a bulb, lens, and reflector that have been sealed together as a single headlight unit. They are used on automobiles, as well as locomotives, aircraft, marine vessels, and more. They provide very bright light and are also made to endure a range of environmental and atmospheric conditions, including high moisture, cold and heat, dust, dirt, fog, debris, and other potentially obstructive factors.
What is PAR 36?
A PAR 36 is a type of sealed beam lamp. PAR is another way of saying: parabolic aluminized reflector. The reflector is specifically designed to reflect light in a particular direction while diffusing it elsewhere so it’s less focused. PAR 36 sealed beam lamps include bulbs with a range of beam angles. They may be very narrow and focused, similar to a spotlight, or very broad, much like a floodlight.
Are PAR30 and PAR38 Interchangeable?
PAR 30 and PAR 38 sealed beam lamps are not considered interchangeable due to their difference in size. PAR 38 bulbs have a larger diameter than PAR 30 bulbs and therefore cannot be used interchangeably within a fixture or terminal.