A type of lantern (qv) which projects a near parallel beam of light, much used by rock bands. The lamp is a sealed-beam unit (like car headlights) fitted inside the "can". Available, usually, in 300W or 1kw power, they are sometimes known as parblazers, while lighting manufacturer Strand calls them "beamlights".

housing for a PAR lamp. Since a PAR lamp is a complete optical unit in its own right, a parcan is little more than a metal tube h olding the lamp, with a yoke for suspension and colour runners at the front. Short and long nose versions are available, as is a double-yoked version, known as a floorcan.

A luminaire which holds a par lamp.

Accepts the Parcan Bulb and is often rigged on scaffold bar to make a bar of six. Submitted by Piers from London, UK.