It is like a foreign language: PAR, MR, A and T. These are all different
types of light bulb shapes. In an earlier post I spoke generically of
bulb shapes, here I will offer a more detailed graphical description of
the many types of bulb shapes with in each class of bulb shape and the
specific numbers associated with the bulbs.
The numbers associated with most of the bulbs designate the maximum
diameter of the bulb in the number of 1/8th inches. So a A23 is 23/8th
of an inch (2 7/8")in diameter at its widest point.
The pictures are not to scale and are intended to show shape and
relative size.
'A' series bulbs are the most typical household bulb shape. A21 has
become somewhat of a standard. A23 is a larger size often used in 3-way
bulbs and higher wattage bulbs.
'B' series bulbs are also called 'candela' bulbs. They are often used
for candelabras and lower wattage applications.
'BR' series bulbs are reflective bulbs that are used in everything from
residential kitchen flood lights to commercial applications.
'C' series bulbs are like traditional Christmas bulbs.
'F' series bulbs emulate a flame in their glass design.
'G' series bulbs look like globes.
'PAR' bulbs were named after the Parabolic Aluminum Reflective surfaces.
'R' series bulbs usually have a highly reflective surface.
Here is what an 'RP' bulb look like:
'S' series bulbs have similar shapes to 'A' bulbs but do not have a
pronounced neck.
'T' series bulbs are shaped like tubes. This shape is used for
florescent bulbs found in typical 2' and 4' florescent applications.
There are also 'CA', 'E', 'ER', 'K', 'PS', 'ST' shapes to just name a
few.
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