MR-16 vs PAR36 Remote Heads

Key differences at a glance

• MR-16: Compact reflector/optic options with tighter, more controllable beams and cleaner cut-off. Great for longer throws and precise aiming.
• PAR36: Larger lamp face with broad, forgiving beams that “fill space” easily. Helpful when you need coverage at short to medium distances with less pinpoint aiming.

Beam control & throw distance

MR-16 heads typically offer narrower beam options (spot to narrow flood) and maintain intensity farther down the path—useful for long corridors or high mounts. PAR36 heads skew wider and softer, which smooths out near-field coverage at doors, landings, and small rooms. For full corridor math and overlap patterns, see the remote head spacing guide.

Aiming tolerance & glare control

• MR-16: Needs more precise aim; the payoff is tighter distribution and less spill light into eyes when set just off the line of travel.
• PAR36: More forgiving; quick to aim acceptably in the field, but can produce veiling glare near eye level if mounted low and aimed too flat. Tilt slightly down and off-axis.

For exterior doors and canopies, combine these rules with outdoor tips in IP65 spacing & aiming.

Housing, mounting height & environment

• MR-16 housings are generally smaller and lighter—useful where aesthetics or tight clearances matter. Narrow beams pair well with higher mounts.
• PAR36 housings are larger and robust; many models accept protective guards. Wider beams excel at door thresholds, short runs, and stair landings.
• Wet location: Choose listed/gasketed models for rain and washdown. IP/NEMA ratings and hub sealing practices are covered in Outdoor IP65 spacing & aiming.

Power, voltage & compatibility

Both head types come in low-watt LED variants, but the system voltage and run length drive wiring choices. For long exterior runs or many heads, step up from 3.6 V to 12/24 V where supported, then size conductors to manage drop. See 12V vs 24V for remote heads and reference the wire-gauge distance tables.

Quick chooser (rules of thumb)

• Long corridor / higher mount (≥9–10 ft): Favor MR-16 with narrow or medium beams for reach and cut-off.
• Door thresholds / small rooms / landings: Favor PAR36 for broad fill and fast field-aiming.
• Outdoor canopies & walkways: Either works—choose by throw distance and mounting height; confirm with a quick dusk mock-up. See IP65 spacing & aiming.
• Glare-sensitive locations: MR-16 aimed slightly off-axis usually gives cleaner cut-off.

Inspection checklist

• Coverage & uniformity: Overlap beams to avoid dark bands; confirm with a walk-through. Guidance in the spacing guide.
• Listings & environment: Use wet-location heads outdoors; seal hubs and maintain gaskets.
• Wiring docs: One-line diagram, head schedule (W, qty), conductor gauge, run lengths. If runs are long, document voltage-drop math (see 12V vs 24V and tables).
• Code references: Keep local expectations handy; see UL 924/NFPA 101/NEC 700 overview.

This article focuses on beam control and use-case selection between MR-16 and PAR36 heads. For step-by-step sizing and fundamentals, use the core remote head sizing & wiring guide.