All three are 3-3/4" across, 30 eighths of an inch, and the BR30s and PAR30s read all have the standard E26 base. The difference is the light: a BR30 spreads a wide flood, and a PAR30 throws a tighter beam.
The beam, in the makers’ numbers
GE and Signify describe BR bulbs as giving a wide wash of light, and PAR bulbs as more focused. Feit’s listings put numbers on it: every Feit BR30 that lists a beam angle gives 110 degrees, and its PAR30s give 40, apart from one adjustable model at 30. Feit pitches its PAR30s at track lighting, accent walls, artwork and display shelving.
Check the beam angle printed on the box when you replace one. Feit’s own pages don’t agree on where a flood ends and a spot begins, so go by the number.
Length: short neck or long neck
PAR30s come in two lengths, and the code doesn’t say which. Makers name them short neck (PAR30S) and long neck (PAR30L or LN). Match the old bulb, so the new one fits the fixture.
| Bulb | Lumens | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Feit BR30, BR30DM/927CA/3 | 650 | 5.1" |
| Feit BR30, BR30DMHO/927CA/2 | 1,100 | 5.0" |
| GE BR30, Reveal HD+ 65 W replacement | 650 | 5.37" |
| Westinghouse BR30, 9BR30 | 750 | 5.24" |
| Feit PAR30 short neck, PAR30SDM/930CA | 750 | 3.5" |
| Feit PAR30 long neck, PAR30LDM/930CA | 750 | 4.8" |
| GE PAR30, Classic 75 W replacement | 950 | 3.70" |
| Westinghouse PAR30S, 10PAR30S | 840 | 3.58" |
| Westinghouse PAR30 long, 10PAR30 | 840 | 4.57" |
Lengths from each maker’s product page or, for Westinghouse, the maximum overall length in its 2022 catalog.
Where R30 fits in
R30 is the same 3-3/4" width. Westinghouse lists its R30 and BR30 LEDs in one table, 5.16" and 5.24" long, and sells an R30 on the twist-lock GU24 base as well as on E26.
Outdoors, closed fixtures and dimmers
- Outdoors. Every Feit BR30 and PAR30 listing is rated for damp locations, such as under a porch roof, and none for wet ones. Westinghouse’s IndOut PAR30s are approved for wet locations. See outdoor light bulbs.
- Closed fixtures. Every Feit BR30 and PAR30 listing is rated for enclosed fixtures. Check the box for any other bulb.
- Dimmers. Not every BR30 or PAR30 dims: Feit’s BR30/10KLED/3 and PAR30L75/10KLED/3 don’t. Look for the dimmable label on the box.
Choosing a BR30 or a BR40 for a recessed can depends on the can’s size: see recessed light bulbs.
Turn the light off and give a reflector bulb time to cool before you unscrew it.
Another shape?
Bases and shapes