Parabolic Reflector Bulbs (PAR)
Bulbs used to control the level of light more precisely. They provide about four times the light of General Service (A) bulbs and are used in recessed and track lighting. Weatherproof casings make them suitable for outdoor spot and flood lighting fixtures.
PAR Lamps
Parabolic Aluminized Reflector Lamp. Constructed of hard glass with a separate back reflector and front legs that are fused together. PAR lamps may be line or low voltage and can be used unprotected outdoors.
Pavers
Pavers are luminous elements mounted in the ground of a patio or pathway. They act like lighted paving stones, marking a path. Some pavers are designed to replace individual bricks, others are imbedded in concrete.
Pendant Lights
Pendants can provide both general and task lighting. With shades or globes to avoid glare, they can be suspended from the ceiling over dinette table, kitchen counters or work areas. When used over end or night tables they free up space normally occupied by table lamps. The addition of a dimmer control allows you to alter the intensity of the light to suit your mood or time of day.
Pendant Mounted
Pendant mount on a chain, stem, cable or wire, and hand down into space. The word also refers to a style of hanging fixture with a single, central luminous element (like a cone, globe or dish), distinguished from a chandelier, which typically has several arms or luminous elements.
Photocell
Light-sensitive device used to operate fixtures according to available daylight. They are used in solar lighting and to turn outdoor or security lights on and off at dusk and dawn.
Pinhole
Recessed downlight that includes a faceplate with a small aperture used for inconspicuous accent lights.
Plenum
The space between the ceiling and the floor or roof above.
Portable Lamps
Portables, typically table or floor lamps, include a cord and plug. They are distinguished from fixtures, which are permanently fastened and electrified. Portables include table lamps, floor lamps and torchieres. Small specialty lamps, such as clip-on lights, can lights, adjustable task lights, desk and piano lights also classify as portable lamps.
Post-Top Fixtures
Outdoor fixtures used to mark the entrance to a property, define a driveway or light a garden pathway.
Power Feed
The connection point that brings electricity to track and other lighting systems. Power feed may be at the end, floating or at a wiring intersection.
Prism
Refractor of transparent glass or plastic, with three or more straight sides. Light entering one side of the prism bends and exits the other side.
Pull-Down Fixture
Recessed downlight with a retractable lamp-holder / housing (usually a round-back cylinder or bullet) that pulls down from the ceiling at angles up to 90 degrees from vertical.
