What is BR30 Bulb: Secrets You Need to Know

FACTS CHECKED BY  Bob Smith

When it comes to lighting your home or office, there are many available options. Also, you can get various LED bulbs that appeal to your preferences even when making replacements. One of these options is the BR30 bulb. So, what is a BR30 bulb? First, these bulbs are different from the standard lighting options. And the differences refer to the shape of the bulb and how far it can illuminate.

In this article, you will discover more helpful details about the BR30 bulb and where they are functional. Further, we’ll throw in the differences between BR30 and BR40 bulbs.

What is a BR30 Bulb?

LED bulb

LED bulb

BR30 (Bulged Reflector) lamps feature an outward bulge or flared-shaped body. This unique shape lets the bulb emit a wide flood beam across broad angles. The light can go beyond 120 degrees.

Interestingly, “30” in the bulb’s name refers to the lamp’s diameter (eights of an inch). Hence, the “30” shows the light has a 30/8 diameter (3.75 inches). 

Bulged reflector lamps are upgraded versions of reflector lights. Also, LEDs offer BR30 options and are one of the best applications because of their directional nature.

How to Choose BR30 LED Bulbs

Here are some factors to consider before choosing the BR30 LED bulbs:

Confirm How many Watts of Lumen you Need.

Table showing lumens and watts equivalent

Table showing lumens and watts equivalent

Watts was the customary way to gauge a bulb’s brightness. And you may carry that habit over when upgrading from incandescent BR30 lamps to BR30 LEDs.

However, wattage doesn’t account for the total light output. Instead, it measures more of the lamp’s electrical energy. And it was acceptable because incandescent bulbs offer the same energy efficiency.

But with more efficient BR30 LED lamps taking the spotlight, watts are not enough for measuring brightness. And incandescent bulbs consume more watts to create the same light output as LEDs.

Therefore, you should focus more on lumens for measuring brightness. However, don’t worry if you’re not sure how many lumens you need. It’s easy to calculate with the following formula:

Lumens = (Watts in incandescent) x 10

Note: we’re using a 10 lumens per watt approximate conversion factor for this formula.

For instance, if you’re replacing a 75W incandescent BR30 bulb, the number of needed lumens will be 750 (multiply 75W by 10). In addition, LED bulbs have their lumens in watts equivalent form (equivalent to a 75W incandescent).

Confirm the Bulb’s Beam Angles

Always ensure the BR30 LED’s specifications state 120 degrees beam angle of flood light. Lumens only tell you how much light the bulb can emit, but it doesn’t indicate direction.

Hence, it’s crucial to always check the bulb’s beam angle before purchasing. Further, it tells you how much the light will spread and the illumination over an area.

So, if you use narrower beam angles like 60 degrees, there will be lighting hotspots. In such situations, some areas will be bright while others will be dim.

Consider the Light Color (CCT and CRI)

Incandescent BR30 lamps didn’t offer color options. Hence, they had the same color quality (100 CRI) and temperature (2700k).

However, BR30 LEDs come with various color temperature and quality options, making picking the right one tricky.

For instance, a 2700k BR30 LED emits the same color as standard incandescent variants. And  3000k offers a slightly bluer light similar to halogen bulbs. In contrast, 4000k generates a more neutral white color. In short, anything above 5000k will look blueish and work for classic residential lighting.

Where can I use BR30 Bulbs?

Recessed LED Light

Recessed LED Light

BR30 bulbs offer directional, soft-edged lighting that you can find in standard household fixtures, track, and recessed lighting. In addition, these bulbs make great lighting options because they produce fewer shadows and are compatible with dimmer switches.

What is the Difference between BR30 and BR40?

BR30 and BR40 LED Light bulbs are both fantastic lighting options. But, let’s look at what sets them apart.

Shapes and Sizes

“30” and “40” on the bulbs’ refer to their sizes (⅛ of an inch). As we mentioned earlier, a BR30 bulb has a 3.75 inches size. And a BR40 bulb measures up to 5 inches.

So, if you’re adding these bulbs to a recessed lighting can, the type you’ll need depends on the outlet’s size. For example, the BR30 would fit a 5-inch can but leave too much space in a 6-inch can.

Brightness

There isn’t much difference between a BR30 and BR40 bulb’s brightness, especially for recessed lighting or low ceilings. Depending on your recessed can size, you won’t notice the difference using either, even with their different advantages.

However, higher ceilings that require more light coverage will need BR40 bulbs because BR40 has an advantage over BR30, especially with its wider lens and beam angles.

On the other hand, BR30 works for more directional and focused applications.

Color Temperature Differences

BR40 offers significantly brighter light than the BR40. Therefore, they are more suitable for floodlights and are 40 to 70% brighter than their BR30 counterparts.

Although BR30 has less-brighter lights, they’re more directional and perfect for household lighting.

Color Rendering and Dimming

BR30 and BR40 bulbs are compatible with dimmers, but the BR30 is superior in this category. However, it’s crucial to note that you need a dimmable LED if you plan to dim your lights.

BR30 bulbs also win at color rendering because of this superiority. Further, you can download your preferred colors using an intelligent home dimmer to make things lively.

Durability and Lifespan

Regardless of type, LEDs offer the best lifespan of all lighting options. In short, they can last for 25,000 hours or more.

Also, LEDs don’t use glass or filaments. Instead, they’re made of plastic, making them very durable.

Heat

BR30 and BR40 LED bulbs don’t generate heat like their incandescent counterparts. They remain cool to the touch, and you can unscrew them without getting burned.

This advantage makes them less of a fire hazard even when the fixtures get hot. Also, the bulbs don’t make your space hotter than necessary.

LED vs. Incandescent

Incandescent bulb

Incandescent bulb

LEDs are way more effective than incandescent lights in all areas. So, you can get a BR30 or BR40 bulb, and rest assured that it’s an energy-efficient and safe lighting option.

Though LEDs are more expensive up front, they make up for it with increased durability and lifespan. So, the bulbs save you more money and time in the long run.

FAQs

Is BR30 the same as E26?

BR30 is not the same as E26. Also, they have smaller and thinner sockets that are not as common as the A19. But you can connect a BR30 to an E29 light socket.

BR30 vs. A19?

A19s are typical light bulbs that work for various applications. In addition, they fit into most household fixtures. BR30, on the other hand, features directional lighting that makes them adequate for canned and recessed lights.

Are PAR30 and BR30 interchangeable?

Although these bulbs are similar and can fit into the same fixtures, they don’t offer the same advantages. 

PAR30 offers more targeted lights that can’t compete with the broader beam angles of BR30 bulbs. But it’s possible to interchange them to fit your preferences.

How do I know bulb size?

You can figure out your bulb’s size by calculating its diameter. Run a tape around the bulb’s broadest section and multiply the values (inches) by eight. 

Last Words

What is a BR30 LED bulb? In short, it’s an energy-efficient wash light option for household and office lighting. Also, they help you upgrade from BR30 incandescent lamps while offering the same brightness.

Although BR30 isn’t as effective for high ceilings, they’re great for indented and low-ceiling applications. Further, they offer more than 120 degrees wide-angle beams that can illuminate larger areas properly.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be glad to assist.

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