Feit Electric PAR38 Weatherproof LED Flood 2-Pack

Feit’s weatherproof PAR38 flood lamps deliver up to 88% energy savings compared to incandescent counterparts while surviving Montana’s extreme outdoor conditions. These wet-location rated LED floods handle everything from winter ice storms to summer downpours without failing.

The 2-pack configuration makes sense for Montana properties where you’re typically lighting multiple areas — barn entrances, garage bays, walkways. With instant-on technology to full brightness without warm-up, they work reliably even in sub-zero temperatures where other bulbs struggle to start.

Weatherproof Specifications and Energy Performance

The wet-location rating means these bulbs can take direct exposure to rain, snow, and ice — not just the “damp” rating that fails when Montana weather gets serious. All models use the standard E26 medium screw base, so they drop right into existing flood fixtures without rewiring.

Specification	Non-Dimmable Model	Dimmable Model
Equivalent Wattage	75W	90W
Actual Wattage	10.5W	11.1W
Lumens	750	950
Lifespan	11,000 hours (~10 years)	25,000 hours (~22 years)
Beam Angle	40° (Flood)	40° (Flood)
Color Temperature Options	3000K/5000K	5000K
CRI	80+ (Standard)	90+ (Enhance variants)

The energy math is straightforward. Using up to 88% less energy than incandescent, you’re looking at 10.5-11.1 watts doing the work of 75-90 watts. That efficiency matters when you’re running multiple floods through Montana’s long winter nights.

Installation Reality and Compatibility Issues

These fit all standard E26 medium screw sockets, but here’s what contractors need to know: Non-dimmable models will flicker if accidentally placed on a dimmer circuit. That’s not a defect — it’s physics. The non-dimmable driver can’t handle the chopped voltage from a dimmer switch.

The 40° flood beam angle works well for security lighting and landscape applications. It’s wide enough to cover a garage entrance but focused enough to highlight architectural features. Both open and enclosed fixtures work fine, though enclosed fixtures in extreme cold might take a few seconds longer to reach full brightness.

Brightness ranges from 750 lumens (non-dimmable) to 950-1000 lumens (dimmable models). The dimmable versions with their higher output and 90+ CRI rating justify the extra cost for applications where color accuracy matters — like illuminating stone or wood siding where you want true color representation.

Common Questions

Can these handle Montana’s temperature extremes? Yes — the weatherproof and wet-location rating means they’re built for direct exposure to elements. They’ll operate from well below zero to summer heat without issues.

Will non-dimmable models work with motion sensors? Yes — the instant-on technology means they reach full brightness immediately, which is exactly what you need for security applications with motion activation.

How do these compare to halogen PAR38s for heat output? The low heat output means significantly less heat than halogen equivalents. This reduces fire risk near dry wood siding or in enclosed fixtures where heat buildup is a concern.

What’s the real-world lifespan in outdoor Montana conditions? Non-dimmable models rate 11,000 hours (about 10 years at 3 hours daily), while dimmable versions reach 25,000 hours (about 22 years). Some users report earlier failures in high-humidity or salt-air environments, though Montana’s dry climate should see better longevity.

Are these truly waterproof or just water-resistant? They carry a wet-location rating, which means they’re designed for direct water exposure — not just splash resistance. That’s legitimate waterproofing for permanent outdoor installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the actual energy savings with Feit PAR38 LED floods compared to traditional bulbs?

Feit PAR38 LED floods use up to 88% less energy than incandescent equivalents, with the 10.5W model replacing a 75W bulb and the 11.1W model replacing a 90W bulb. This means you’re getting 750-950 lumens of light output while consuming roughly one-eighth the electricity of traditional floods.

Q: How long do Feit PAR38 weatherproof LEDs really last in outdoor conditions?

The non-dimmable Feit PAR38 models last approximately 11,000 hours (about 10 years of typical use), while the dimmable versions reach 25,000 hours (approximately 22 years). Some users report shorter lifespans in high-humidity or salt-air environments, though standard outdoor conditions should see the rated performance.

Q: Can I use the non-dimmable Feit PAR38 bulbs on a dimmer switch?

No — non-dimmable Feit PAR38 models will flicker and potentially fail if connected to a dimmer circuit. If you need dimming capability, choose the PAR38DM/950CA/2 or similar dimmable models, which are specifically designed with drivers that handle variable voltage.

Q: What’s the difference between the 80+ CRI and 90+ CRI Feit PAR38 options?

Standard Feit PAR38 models offer 80+ CRI (Color Rendering Index), while the Enhance variants and certain dimmable models provide 90+ CRI. The higher CRI means colors appear more natural and vibrant under the light — particularly important for illuminating architectural features, landscaping, or anywhere accurate color representation matters.

Q: Are Feit PAR38 weatherproof bulbs truly waterproof for Montana winters?

Yes — Feit PAR38 weatherproof models carry a wet-location rating, meaning they’re designed for direct exposure to rain, snow, and ice. This goes beyond basic outdoor ratings to handle continuous moisture exposure in open fixtures without protective covers.

Q: Which Feit PAR38 model gives the most light output?

The dimmable Feit PAR38DM/950CA/2 provides the highest output at 950-1000 lumens with 5000K daylight color temperature. For comparison, the non-dimmable PAR3875/10KLED/2 produces 750 lumens, making the dimmable version about 25% brighter.