A practical, field-tested comparison of MR16 and PAR36 remote heads—how their optics, beam patterns, and housings affect throw distance, aiming tolerance, glare control, and outdoor performance.
Last updated: October 2025
Overview: What really differs between MR16 and PAR36?
Both MR16 and PAR36 remote heads are code-accepted egress luminaires driven by a remote-capable power source. The deciding factor isn’t the label—it’s the beam and how it interacts with your mounting height, throw distance, and environment. In short:
- MR16: compact optics with tighter, more controllable beams and cleaner cut-off—great for longer throws and glare-sensitive spaces.
- PAR36: larger face with wider, forgiving beams that “fill the near-field” fast—ideal at doors, landings, and small rooms.
This guide strengthens long-tail searches like “MR16 vs PAR36 beam angles,” “remote head throw distance,” and “remote head glare control.” Use it to select optics first, then confirm spacing using your corridor/room geometry.
Beam Angles & Patterns (spot → wide): how degrees change results
Think in degrees, not just part numbers. Narrower beams push light farther and keep edges crisp; wider beams smooth the near-field and tolerate aim errors. Use these practical ranges when reviewing submittals:
- MR16 Spot (≈10–15°): tight center beam for long, straight runs and higher mounts; excellent cut-off when aimed slightly off the line of travel.
- MR16 Narrow/Medium Flood (≈20–30°): the corridor workhorse at 9–12 ft; a balanced reach/width that avoids scallops.
- PAR36 Flood (≈35–45° typical): broad, forgiving distribution that blankets doors, landings, and compact rooms with minimal aiming fuss.
- PAR36 Wide Flood (≈50–60°+): maximum spread for lower mounts and short throws; great when uniformity matters more than punch.
For overlap strategy—how far heads can be spaced so the light pools meet cleanly—see the Remote Head Spacing Guide.
Throw Distance by Mounting Height: fast field rules
You don’t need a photometer to get close. Use these rules, then verify at dusk or with lights off during a supervised test:
- Ceiling 8–9 ft, short runs: PAR36 flood to fill 15–25 ft with wide overlap—quick acceptance during punch-list walks.
- Mount 9–12 ft, longer runs: MR16 narrow/medium flood to maintain intensity 30–50 ft down-range with crisp edges.
- High mounts ≥12 ft / long corridors: MR16 spot/narrow for distance and glare control—especially where sightlines are sensitive.
Tip: If the corridor has glossy finishes, favor slightly narrower beams to reduce veiling glare and reflections on the walking surface.
Aiming & Glare Control: keeping light on the path
Aim is where MR16’s tighter optics shine—literally. Small angular changes move the hot spot significantly; the payoff is clean cut-off and less spill in eyes. PAR36 beams are easier to “set and forget,” but avoid flat, low aims that can produce uncomfortable brightness at eye level.
- MR16: lower tolerance, higher reward—offset aim a few degrees from the line of travel to keep cut-off above eye level.
- PAR36: higher tolerance—tilt slightly downward and off-axis to avoid glare while maintaining near-field uniformity.
Exterior mounting: At doors/canopies, graze the walking surface rather than the horizon to prevent spill. For wet-location spacing and site aiming, see Outdoor IP65 Spacing & Aiming.
Housing, Mounting & Environment: interior vs outdoor choices
- MR16 housings: smaller, lighter, and visually quieter—pair with narrower beams at higher mounts to keep beam cones off walls/handrails.
- PAR36 housings: larger face and robust builds; the natural choice for door thresholds, stair landings, and short runs.
- Wet / washdown: use listed/gasketed heads with proper IP/NEMA ratings; keep gaskets intact and seal hubs to avoid water ingress.
Specifier note: If the site has frequent cleaning or salt air, check for corrosion-resistant hardware and UV-stable lenses.
Power & Compatibility: voltage, drop, and wire sizing
Optics pick the head; system voltage and run length pick your conductor. Longer exterior runs or many heads per circuit usually point to 12 V or 24 V systems to cut current and limit drop so heads stay bright near end-of-discharge.
- Compare reach vs. system voltage in 12V vs 24V for Remote Heads.
- Then size conductors with the Wire-Gauge Distance Tables to keep voltage drop within design targets.
Submittals: Include the head schedule (wattage & quantity per run), conductor gauge, run lengths, and voltage-drop calcs.
Field Scenarios: corridor, landings, doors, canopies
Long corridor (10–12 ft mount): MR16 narrow/medium flood staggered so pools overlap mid-aisle; aim slightly off-axis to maintain cut-off.
Stair landing (8–9 ft mount): PAR36 flood aimed down the run; wide beam fills tread edges without stripe artifacts on risers.
Exterior door canopy: Either family works; choose by throw distance and mounting height, then confirm with a dusk test to dial elevation.
High-bay egress path: MR16 spot/narrow to reach the floor plane; avoid lighting the upper wall to keep visual contrast where people walk.
Common Mistakes & Quick Fixes
- Beams too wide in long halls: swap to MR16 narrow/medium flood; tighten spacing so pools meet cleanly.
- Low, flat aims causing glare: tilt down and offset the head; MR16 optics provide cleaner cut-off if glare persists.
- End-of-discharge dimming: step up to 12/24 V and re-check conductor gauge using the wire tables.
- Streaks on glossy floors: reduce elevation angle and consider a narrower beam to shift the hot spot forward.
- Outdoor failures: confirm wet-location listings; replace cracked gaskets and reseal hubs; verify aim after weather cycles.
Inspection Checklist
- COVERAGE & UNIFORMITY: Overlap light pools to avoid dark bands; verify with a corridor walk-through. Guidance in the Remote Head Spacing Guide.
- LISTINGS & ENVIRONMENT: Use wet-location heads outdoors; maintain gaskets and sealed hubs.
- WIRING DOCS: One-line diagram + head schedule (W & qty), conductor gauge, run lengths, and voltage-drop math (see 12V vs 24V and Wire-Gauge links above).
- CODE REFERENCES: Keep local expectations handy; see Remote Head Code Requirements.
Note: Treat these as typical patterns; always confirm with your AHJ.
FAQ
Which head is better for high mounts and long, straight corridors?
MR16 with spot or narrow/medium flood optics. You’ll gain distance and cleaner cut-off, which reduces glare complaints.
What about quick installs in small rooms or near doors?
PAR36 flood. The forgiving beam reaches “good enough” quickly and keeps near-field uniform.
Do beam degrees matter more than wattage?
Often, yes. Beam angle controls throw and uniformity; wattage without the right optics can still leave dark bands.
How do I keep heads bright near the end of discharge?
Use 12/24 V systems for long runs and size conductors with wire tables to keep voltage drop within target.