BR20 vs BR30 vs BR40 : Which one is the right LED Bulb for You?

The selection of the right bulb for recessed can or flood lighting results in even light distribution, energy efficiency, and a proper fit. When selecting bulbs, you might have come across BR20, BR30, and BR40 bulbs.

This guide will break down the key differences in lumens between BR20 vs BR30 vs BR40 bulbs to help you choose the best lighting option for residential and commercial spaces.

Why BR Bulb Size Matters

BR light Bulbs are common reflective light bulbs used in recessed, ceiling, and can lighting. Their shape and wide beam angle help them to spread light over a larger area. They are available in BR20, BR30, and BR40 bulb codes.

The number after BR indicates the light bulb code. It sounds like the performance grade, but actually, it is the designation for the bulb’s diameter in eighths of an inch. It does not indicate the brightness level of the lamp.

• BR20 = 2.5 inches wide
• BR30 = 3.75 inches wide
• BR40 = 5 inches wide

The selection of the wrong bulb size causes poor fit, light spillover, or inefficient coverage, especially in recessed lights. With a correct BR light bulb size, your lighting looks clean. It works efficiently and delivers the intended ambiance.

What Does “BR” Mean in Light Bulbs?

The “BR” stands for “Bulged Reflector.” This name indicates the curved, bulged neck of the bulb. The extra reflector in BR lamps enhances beam control. It directs light in a wide, soft beam.

Some fixtures need functional necessity lighting, not just aesthetics. With a directional nature, the BR group is designed to illuminate broad areas evenly. They are best used in recessed, ceiling lights, track lights, and floodlight-style indoor fixtures.

BR lamps offer a wider beam angle (110° to 120°) compared to traditional R-series bulbs. It results in broader and more even light coverage. Traditional R lamps have a straight neck and produce a more focused beam.

When R bulbs are installed in deep fixtures, they reflect off light from the fixture edges, which causes light wastage. BR lamps are an upgraded version of R lamps with a bulged reflector design that directs light toward the center of the beam.

So, the BR light bulbs give more light output, even in different types of recessed or deep luminaires.

BR vs. R Bulbs at a Glance

If you’re choosing between R20 vs BR30 or BR30 vs R20, note that BR bulb types are more modern. The light produced in the BR and R series is the same. But BR distributes light evenly and gives wide coverage, which can be adjusted by color temperature.

BR20 Bulbs: Features, Size, and Use Cases

Bulb sizes are measured in eighths of an inch, such as BR20 = 2.5 inches (20 × 1/8″). BR20 bulbs are the most compact in the BR series.

These lamps are ideal to use in bathrooms, hallways, small recessed cans, wall sconces, chandeliers, decorative fixtures, or in pendant lights.

BR20 bulbs have a beam angle of roughly 100°–110°. They cover a smaller surface area. This means they don’t throw as much light as larger BR bulbs. So, for tight and confined spaces, BR20 light bulbs are perfect.

BR20 LED bulbs are also available in dimmable smart LED and color-tuning. They are more energy efficient and can be customized according to mode.

BR30 Bulbs: The Most Versatile Size

The most popular bulb size in the BR series is BR30, which is used in residential recessed lighting. BR30 bulbs measure 30 eighths of an inch in diameter, which equals 3.75 inches.

They deliver an ideal light beam angle of around 110° and provide a wide, even spread of light without hot spots.

BR30 is typically used in household lighting, such as living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and also for general ambient lighting.

Their balance of size and output makes them the go-to bulbs for 4–5 inch cans. It is a common bulb fixture size in homes and retail environments.

BR40 Bulbs: Large and Powerful for Wide Coverage

BR40 bulbs give maximum coverage for a large or vaulted space. With a diameter of 5 inches, BR40 light bulbs are designed for large recessed cans (6″ +) and high ceilings.

BR40 bulbs have strong and wider beams. It is typically used in vaulted ceilings, open-concept living rooms, commercial lighting, and retail lighting.

A BR40 light bulb can not sit flush in smaller cans and can protrude awkwardly if misused. Always measure your fixture first before installing a bulb.

Comparison Table: BR20 vs BR30 vs BR40

How to Choose the Right BR Bulb

When selecting a BR light bulb, don’t just consider the brightness. It’s important to choose a light bulb that fits physically in your recessed fixture and visually suits the space. Follow these steps to make sure you get the perfect fit and lighting performance:

1. Measure Your Can Housing

Recessed lights work best with reflector-type bulbs for directional lighting. Directional flood lights provide wide, even light coverage.

Measure the diameter of your recessed lighting can, which is usually in inches. This will help you determine the maximum bulb size that can fit comfortably without protruding or sitting too far back.

2. Match the Bulb Size to the can

The widest point of a BR bulb determines its fit in the fixture. BR light bulbs are available in different sizes, such as BR20, BR30, and BR40. Choose a bulb code that matches your can size. For example, a 4-inch can fit a BR30, and a 6-inch can fit a BR40.

3. Factor in Room Size and Beam Angle

Many light fixtures support BR light bulbs, especially in kitchens and living rooms. BR LED bulbs can be used in pendant lights for stylish, downward lighting.

Large rooms, high ceilings, and track lights can benefit from BR40 with wider beam angles and broad light spread. Small areas like kitchens, hallways, etc, can benefit from BR30, and reading nooks or smaller cans suit BR20 bulbs.

4. Consider Depth

Deep or shallow cans and trim styles can impact the appearance of recessed or exposed bulbs. BR bulbs are designed to minimize light loss in deep fixtures. The right length and shape of a bulb enhance aesthetics and lighting efficiency.

In low-voltage wiring systems, make sure the bulb is compatible. In shallow cans, BR20 fits better; in modern kitchens, BR30 is suitable, and BR40 suits vaulted ceilings.

BR vs R Bulbs: Shape & Lighting Differences

BR and R lamps are directional reflector-type bulbs. They are similarly shaped and have the same characteristics. Both are designed to diffuse light more widely and are better for general illumination than the Parabolic Aluminized Reflector(PAR).

A Parabolic Aluminized Reflector or PAR bulb focuses light in a narrow beam. Track lights typically use LED PAR bulbs or BR light bulbs for accent lighting.

The “R” in the R series stands for “Reflector,” which has a narrow, concentrated beam, better for spotlights or directional lighting. These lamps have a mirror-like reflective coating in the bulb housing for better light output and are commonly found in old fixtures.

The BR is the abbreviation of bulged reflector, which is the modern form of R bulbs. The bulged neck of BR lamps reflects and forwards more light, which is wasted in the R series. BR bulbs offer softer, wider lighting, which is typically ideal for modern recessed and ambient lighting.

Smart & LED BR Bulb Options

Older halogen and incandescent bulbs have been replaced by modern LEDs. BR LED bulbs offer bright, focused light with lower energy use and emit less heat than incandescents.

BR lamps with LED technology and smart features, including an extra reflector, enhance lighting efficiency, comfort, and control. As compared to incandescent bulbs, LED BR bulbs use significantly less energy and give more light.

Many models now come with built-in smart features designed for greater convenience and customization.

• Dimmable Functionality

Most LED BR bulbs offer dimming capabilities. Just like reading a book or watching a movie, you can adjust brightness with the dimmer switch and save energy.

• Smart Home Compatibility

This enables voice commands and remote control via smartphone apps. So you can automate lighting routines like turning lights on at sunset or off when you leave the house.

• RGB Color-Changing Options

Some BR LED bulbs support full-spectrum RGB lighting. This means you can change the bulb color to millions of shades.

• Tunable White Temperatures

With tunable white LEDs, you can switch the color temperature between warm white (for relaxing) and cool white (for focus and clarity).

• Energy Star Certification

Look for bulbs with the Energy Star label to purchase energy-efficient light bulbs. These bulbs meet strict standards for performance and cost savings in long-term use.

Conclusion

In short, when choosing light bulbs for recessed or floodlights, pick BR light bulbs for high light output. Always consider the light bulb size code to create a perfect ambiance and fit.

• BR20 is suitable for small spaces like bathrooms, hallways, or small task areas.
• BR30 is an ideal choice for bedrooms, kitchens, and family rooms.
• BR40 is suitable for high ceilings, wide rooms, or commercial use.

Always measure your recessed housing first and choose a bulb based on room size and fixture depth. For best results, opt for LED or smart BR bulbs that offer energy savings and flexible control.

Get the High-Quality BR Bulbs From RisunCorp

At RisunCorp, we specialize in high-performance LED lighting solutions for residential and commercial projects. As the largest LED lighting company, we aim to deliver exceptional products all over the world.

Need help choosing the right bulbs for your home or business? Contact us today for a free consultation, or download our full LED bulb catalog, and let us become your good partner to improve your business.

FAQs

Q1: What is a BR30 light bulb?

BR30 light bulbs are directional flood lights with a bulged shape of 3.75 in diameter with a flat top. It offers a wide beam angle that is perfect for general lighting, track lighting, or accent lighting in recessed light fixtures.

Q2: What does the number mean in BR bulbs?

The number in BR bulbs indicates the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch. For example, BR30 = 30/8 = 3.75 inches wide.

Q3: Can I use BR40 instead of BR30?

Yes, you can use BR40 instead of BR30 if the fixture can accommodate the extra size. BR40 is large in size and can protrude or not fit smaller cans designed for BR30.

Q4: What is the difference between R20 and BR20?

Yes, in size, both R20 and BR20 bulbs have the same diameter of 2.5 inches (20/8 inches). R20 bulbs have a straight neck with a narrow beam, while BR20 bulbs have a bulged neck that provides a wider, softer beam ideal for modern recessed fixtures.

Q5: Will BR40 fit in a 4-inch recessed can?

No, BR40 bulbs will not fit in a 4-inch recessed can. They are designed for 5-6 inch recessed cans. You can use BR30 or BR20 instead, depending on the depth and application.