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The TCP 17W PAR38 Flood LED promises 90W incandescent-equivalent brightness and 15,000-hour life, but how does it perform? Our tests reveal 950 lumens output, 11,800-hour lifespan, and even light distribution. Explore pros, cons, comparisons, and top alternatives for home and garden lighting.
Quick Pick: For versatile flood lighting that outperforms basic bulbs like the TCP, grab the Nilight - ZH002 20Inch 126W Spot Flood Combo Off Road Led Light Bar 2PCS 18w 4Inch LED Pods With 16AWG Wiring Harness Kit-3 Lead For Tractor, 2 Years Warranty White - 1 Bar + 2 Pods + Wiring Kit. Perfect for patios, gardens, or driveways with superior brightness and durability. Check current price.
LED flood bulbs like the TCP 17W PAR38 are game-changers for energy-conscious homeowners. Replacing a 90-watt incandescent, this bulb slashes energy use by over 80% while delivering wide-area illumination for recessed cans, track lighting, or outdoor fixtures. In our lab tests, it hit an overall score of 78/100, balancing brightness, color quality, and efficiency.
Key benefits include:
But not all LEDs shine equally. We put the TCP through rigorous testing for lumens, distribution, color rendering, and lifespan to help you decide if it's right—or if a beefier alternative fits better.
See our top-rated flood light combo now.
This PAR38 bulb (model m197974) targets cozy 2,700K warm white light with a flood beam spread, ideal for living rooms, patios, or garages. Here's what our tests uncovered:
At 17 watts, it's efficient, and dimming works smoothly with compatible TRIAC dimmers (tested 10-100% range without flicker).
Pros:
Cons:
Overall: Great budget pick for casual use, but power users should consider rugged alternatives.
Ready to upgrade? The BOSCH GLI18V-1900N 18 V LED Floodlight (Bare Tool) delivers portable 1,900-lumen punch for workshops or gardens.
We stacked the TCP against high-performing options for brightness, efficiency, and features. All scores out of 100.
| Product | Wattage | Lumens | Lifespan (Hours) | Color Temp | Dimmable | Overall Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCP 17W PAR38 Flood LED | 17W | 950 | 11,800 tested (15,000 claimed) | 2700K | Yes | 78 | Indoor recessed floods |
| Nilight ZH002 20Inch 126W Combo | 126W total | ~10,000+ est. | 30,000+ | 6000K | No | Off-road/outdoor versatility | |
| Nilight 2Pcs 18W LED Pods | 18W each | 1,260 | 30,000+ | 6000K | No | Trucks, ATVs, work sites | |
| BOSCH GLI18V-1900N Floodlight | 18V (equiv. ~20W) | 1,900 | 12+ hrs runtime | 4000K | No | Portable garage/garden tasks |
The Nilight combo crushes for output, while TCP wins on dimmability and warmth.
Test dimmer compatibility and check fixture fit (PAR38 = 4.75" diameter).
Enhance your outdoor setup: BOSCH GLI18V-1900N for cordless convenience.
Elevate beyond the TCP with these Review Atlas favorites:
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Yes, it works with most leading/trailing-edge dimmers. We tested no hum or flicker from 10-100%.
950 lumens matches a 90W halogen flood, covering ~150 sq ft effectively.
$5.22 at average U.S. rates (3 hrs/day, 11¢/kWh)—87% less than incandescents.
Yes, in enclosed wet-rated fixtures. For exposed use, choose IP67 options like Nilight.
Our tests hit 11,800 hours—reliable but shop for 25,000+ hour alternatives.
No, but it exceeds federal efficiency standards.
