When someone needs lighting for stage applications, this lamp is probably used more than any other. People who care about stage lighting know that they need a large amount of light with a very directed beam.  Not only that, they need to have the capability of dimming to achieve special effects or moods in a production. 300PAR56 have been used for many decades and provide the light in several different beam spreads.  These are not a halogen bulb as many people think, rather they have a standard incandescent filament.  The beam spreads range from wide flood, medium flood and narrow spot and these have a mogul end prong base.  Of course, there are a couple of low voltage versions that we have that are unusual, and they vary slightly, but the most common is the 300PAR56.  These are available in 120 volt or 130 volt.  Many people like the 130 volt because they last longer, and that means something when you're having to put up scaffolding or a high ladder to change them! 

The 300PAR56 light bulbs are specialized bulbs that are not generally used in everyday applications. You can tell what kind of PAR lamp you have by measuring the distance across the widest point of the bulb. The number after 'PAR' shows the number of eighths of an inch in diameter the bulb is. Therefore, 300PAR56 lamps are 7 inches across. Sylvania, Philips, and GE offer 300PAR56 lamps. They have bases mogul end prong. The best way to describe how this base type works is to say you simple push the bulb into the socket, and it fits into the fixture and stays in place without twisting. It's a heavy prong base, and it's very sturdy.  The fixtures they go into are generally large track or cans which can accommodate the size and the wattage. 

You can get the bulb in several beam spreads. The names for the spreads are as follows: NSP (narrow spot), MFL (medium flood), and WFL (wide flood). 300PAR56 light bulbs are available in various voltage and wattage combinations. You can find them in 120, 200, 300 and even 500 watt versions. Voltages range as follows: 12 volt, 75 volt and 120 volt.  The 120 volt is the most common by far and the low voltage is for special types of lighting.  The most common use item seems to be the 300PAR56/MFL or medium flood.  It gives a directed beam but also doubles well for flood lighting.  The ability to do both is something that makes this lamp good for most people who care about lighting for stage applications.  This is especially true when it comes to small stages in a school or gymnasium, they need the flexibility that the 300PAR56/MFL offers them.

Thanks to their size, unusual base, and distinct wattage offerings, the bulbs are not typical in your local lighting shop. Still, there is a place for the 300PAR56; since they are made for stage lighting most specifically, the items shown under this light will be highlighted with a lot of light or any variation that dimming offers. It's truly a versatile light, but it has to be when it is used for lighting effects.  If you have any questions about these lamps, we can help, we know that you want to make sure to get the right one.  If you need help identifying a bulb, our customer service representatives can help you determine what you have.