household), namely:eval(ez_write_tag([[970,250],'ledwatcher_com-box-4','ezslot_1',129,'0','0'])); A-shaped bulbs. This is the most common light bulb base that you can buy and is used in HID, CFL, CCFL, halogen, and incandescent light bulbs. The first letter designates the shape or form of the base, the numbers represent either the width of the base or the distance between the pins. the principles of how light bulbs are divided are, in fact, very logical. Screw in bulbs use a base called an Edison Screw or ES base. Find the light bulb base type you’re looking for with this visual chart- detailed illustrations of general bases, fluorescent bases and specialty halogen base types. “A” type bulb shapes are standard types for household lighting but you will see different variations and types of them. 115-volt airway beacon light bulb with a Mogul bi-post base With bi-post bases, the lamp orientation is fixed so that the filament will always be in the focal plane. But how can I tell if the bulb I am holding in my hand is an E-10, E-27, E-40? Light Bulbs, also known as lamps in the industry, come in a vast variety of sizes, shapes, and temperatures (colors) to allow for an array of fixtures, which need different bases … In its root meaning, though, this is what it is: an object shaped like a flower bulb which produces light. The second letter designates the number of pins or contacts on the lamp. The most common bulb base in the US is the screw medium E26 base. Bulbs with E12 bases are commonly used for decorative applications, such as chandeliers, wall sconces, Christmas lights, restaurant pendant lights, ornamental lights, residential or commercial string lights, and night lights. You might also hear them referred to as Edison base light bulbs. This article will briefly cover each category and provide you some useful information so that you actually know which type of bulb you need for different situations and fixtures. Look at your fixture to determine its base type. Bulbs with these base types are available in many different styles. Tags: cfl bulbshalogen bulbshid lampshigh pressure sodium vapor lampsled bulbsmetal halide lamps. Basic Shapes for Christmas light and outdoor string light bulbs Your email address will not be published. PAR light bulbs use a parabolic mirror that focuses all the light. The respective parameters (shape, size and base type) appear on the package of the product. The letter E before a number indicates it’s an Edison bulb. Source – http://greenlivingideas.com. You might also hear them referred to as Edison base light bulbs. If measuring, at what point am I to measure since these are threads? Keep up the good work. The bulb’s base is measured differently but in a much easier fashion. For LEDs, the PAR designation is used for defining the shape since most of the LEDs lack any have a reflective lower surface. Because they resemble an ear of corn, they are called corn bulbs. The bulbs of this shape are very wide-spread in chandeliers, night lights, and lower wattage applications. 1 (888) 455-2800 Fax 1.508.363.2900. www.bulbs.com Candle-flame-shaped bulbs: C7, C9, CA10, B10. The numbers refer to base width in millimeters. The number refers to the diameter of the base in millimeters. LEDwatcher © 2015 - 2021. It is used in most incandescent, nostalgic, LED, CFL and halogen light bulbs. ER – Extended reflector light bulb shape; K -Krypton or narrow reflector light bulb shape; PS – Elongated standard incandescent bulb. The bulbs have right-hand threaded metal bases (caps) which screw into matching threaded sockets (lamp holders). C7 bulbs have E12 Candelabra bases while C9 bulbs have E17 Intermediate bases. They are commonly used for general lighting in standard light fixtures, such as ceiling lights, lamps, can lights, outdoor spotlight and flood light fixtures, and vanity lights. Tel. The first letter or letters indicate the shape. The principle of pin base bulbs differs significantly from screw base lamps. Bulbs with E14 bases are popular in Europe and China for chandeliers, wall sconces, lamps, Christmas lights, restaurant pendant lights, ornamental lights, residential or commercial string lights, sign and marquee lights, and night lights. The mogul E39 base is found in larger sized light bulbs, such as high wattage HID. E26 bulbs are primarily used in North America while E27 bulbs are most popular in Europe. Bulbs By Base Type is a catalog of light bulbs whereby a bulb can be found by the type of base that the light bulb has. Why is it good to know this? Interested in photovoltaics and solar lighting. Pay close attention to lumens, since this number indicates the brightness, or light output, of the bulb. Filament configurations such as the C13D (coiled, zig-zagged) emit far more light perpendicular to the zig-zag than parallel to it. Different LED bulb shapes. However, just two of these base types can be considered as the main ones, namely, screw bases and pin bases. My wife and I have installed new outdoor ceiling fans which require special candelabra bulbs. Use this handy guide to identify different types of light bulb bases that apply to incandescent, halogen, high-intensity discharge, fluorescent, and LED light bulbs. These bulbs come in various beam angles and they are widely used in spotlights and flood lights. However, bulbs have been evolved significantly and now you have them in numerous categories divided by shapes, sizes and base types. Each bulb base should be paired with a light socket of the corresponding size. Simply because the next time you will go to purchase a new light bulb for your fixture, you will know what you are looking for. In North America and Europe, these light bulb base types are the most common and widely used. Last updated February 3, 2020. All Rights Reserved. There are several types of screw bases. It’s most likely E26 which is the most common base. Screw-base bulbs, often called Edison bulbs, are named after their inventor—Thomas Edison. Simply take your current incandescent watts and select the corresponding LED bulb equivalent on the lumens brightness scale. Most standard screw-base light bulbs—such as the GE 60 watt incandescent light bulb—are "A" bulbs. The B and C groups: B10, C7, C9, C15, CA10. Have you ever found yourself shopping for light bulbs but with no clue as to what will fit your fixture? Bulbs with these bases are the most popular of all screw base bulbs. First you have to determine if it’s a screw, bayonet, wedge, or bi-pin base. From Wikipedia on the Edison Screw Base: "The Edison screw fitting is a system of screw mounts used for light bulbs, developed by Thomas Edison and licensed starting in 1909 under the Mazda … If you do not see the base type you are looking for, give us a call at 800.784.1998, and we can help you locate the correct bulb. When searching for replacement bulbs, we were having a difficult time finding the right type and especially size that would fit between the bulb base, and the metal soffit above the base. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Bulbs.com is committed to health and safety. For non-imperial measured bulbs, the number after the bulb shape is the number of centimeters at the widest point of the bulb. Note, as a rule of thumb, traditionally C9 bulbs “always” have E17 bases so many times, the base is also referred to as C9 as well. It is used in most incandescent, halogen, CFL, CCFL, and HID light bulbs. Screw bases are the most common light bulb base. If you see a metallic base with screw threads, approximately 1 inch in diameter, you most likely have an E26 bulb. The Candelabra E12 base is the second most common bulb base which is used for smaller decorative incandescent/nostalgic bulbs. When thinking about the image of a typical bulb, most of the people picture that one sort of bulb many of us have been using all our childhood. 243 Stafford St. Worcester, MA 01603. Pin bases are mainly used in linear fluorescents, plug-in compact fluorescent bulbs, MR16s, and a few types of HID light bulbs. Your email address will not be published. It is found on smaller light bulb shapes such as S11, R12, and T6 light bulbs. Just checked on several boxes of light bulbs–General Electric, Sylvania, and 2 others . So a bulb with an E26 base is 26 millimeters. Your article had the MOST detailed and definitive information in one place for us to understand the many different light bulb shapes, sizes, and bases. The medium E26 base is the most common light bulb base. The main shape designations of light bulbs are: Light bulb shapes. Medium – Standard base code: E26 There are four commonly used thread size groups for lamps: Candelabra: E12 North America, E11 in Europe. It refers to 26 millimeters (which is 1 inch). This normally is in the form of letters followed by a number followed by an optional letter. Often they are referred to with a letter-number designation that starts with an "E" followed by the number of millimeters in diameter of the base. They’re also found in ceiling fan light fixtures. Bulbs with these bases can be used interchangeably as there is only a 1-millimeter difference in base size. The first letter designates the shape or form of the base, the numbers represent either the width of the base or the distance between the pins. Altogether you can divide all the bulbs into 6 base types: Light bulb base types. If you're looking for a more unique light display outside of traditional C7 & C9 Christmas lights, consider these specialty LED bulb options. Blogger, editor, developer who loves green living. For example, C9/E17 means that the bulb is a C9 shape with an E17 base. Pin Type bases are normally used for track lighting & landscape bulbs. Whereas the screw base connects the light bulb to the voltage with two contact wires connected to the metal base, pin base light bulbs contain two pins that stick out of the base and connect the bulb to the voltage. Source – wikipedia.org. This base was developed by Thomas Edison for the first light bulbs and is still in use today. The most common of PAR lamps are PAR20, PAR30, PAR38 and PAR42 type of bulbs; nevertheless, those are just a few of the types available. This prevents their use in a luminaire that may have a higher wattage, distribute intense heat, and even become a fire hazard. A – Standard household incandescent light bulb shape. The cap or base of a light bulb joins the bulb to the lamp socket in order to provide an electrical connection. None of them have any base designation on box or bulb. Most packaging for fan bulbs do not provide all the specifications needed or provide enough detail to make a purchasing decision. That usually is listed somewhere on the bulb as well as on the packaging. You need to know the technical name for bulb bases. Modern light bulbs can be used in a variety of fixtures, and each fixture has its own particular requirements of size and shape of the bulb that it is compatible with. LED bulbs with these bases typically have a cylindrical shape like ED and BT HID bulbs. Screw bases are the most common light bulb base. Click on any of the illustrations to view a list of bulbs with that light bulb base. Since light bulbs have different base types, if you know the base of the bulb you are looking for, we can omit the bulbs that do not have that base type. Each base type has a descriptive term, such as medium, intermediate, candelabra, etc., and they’re defined by the letter E (Edison) followed by numbers. For example, there are many different bulbs that are the same shape and even have similar looking bases, but those bases might be different sizes. Of course, such a variety of shapes and sizes can be not only overwhelming but even confusing, yet, the principles of how light bulbs are divided are, in fact, very logical and you will get the whole picture once you learn about all the possible types. The intermediate E17 base is not very common. You can determine it by measuring the diameter of the base (the thickest parts). However, the standard bulb sizes are A19 and A60. Intermediate: E17 North America, E14 (Small ES, SES) in Europe. The first letter designates the shape or form of the base, and the number represents the width of the base (normally in millimeters). Like candelabra bulbs with E12 bases, bulbs with E17 bases are used for decorative applications, such as chandeliers, wall sconces, Christmas lights, restaurant pendant lights, ornamental lights, and sign or marquee lights. Many bulbs with these bases are designed to mimic the look of a candle flame. From top left to bottom right: B10 LED bulbs in wall sconce, CA10 LED bulbs in chandelier, C9 LED bulbs in Christmas light strings, C7 LED bulb in night light. Electrical current then can pass through the pins and flow into the light bulb to excite the filament and produce light. B and C-shaped bulbs. What are Light Dimmers and Which Type of Light Bulbs are Dimmable? A normal household light bulb is on average a 60 watt light bulb. Most common light bulb uses, including lamps, recessed flush mount flood lights are going to have one of the first three base types shown above. What is Full Spectrum Lighting and What are its Advantages. Thank you SO much for your detailed explanation WITH PICTURES! C-shaped bulbs look very similar to holiday lamps. However, only three of all the shapes are widely used for everyday purposes (e.g. The most common screw base sizes are E5, E-5, E10, E-10, E11, E-11, E12, E-12, E14, E-14, E17, E-17, E26, E-26, E27, E-27, E39, E-39, E40 and E-40. Bulbs with these base types can be used interchangeably as there is only a 1-millimeter difference in base size. The following infographic explores various components of a light bulb. Indeed, many lamps have their own unique base. This post covers screw bases. An E26 bulb, therefore, is any bulb or lamp that utilizes the E26 cap or base for mounting and electrical contact. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Screw bases are made in several sizes, and on the packaging you will see that they are referred to by a descriptive name and size. Your lamp or fixture’s socket will dictate which cap or base a light bulb needs in order to fit, but there are a number of different base types and sizes to choose from, and it’s not always easy to determine which type is right for your fixture. Or if we’re talking about the G series two-pin base, it would be the distance between the two pins measured in millimeters. The main diameter classifications are: As for the length, the bulbs are divided into S (short) and L (long) categories but not always you will see the length indicator mentioned in the product description. Wow. A further explanation of the light bulb base sizes, you can look at the letter-number references (E12, E17, and E26) to help understand a bulbs base style and size. E39 bulbs are primarily used in North America while E40 bulbs are popular in Europe. PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) spotlight and flood light bulbs: PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38, BR (bulged reflector) spotlight and floodlight bulbs: BR20, BR30, BR40. The second letter designates the number of pins or contacts on the lamp. Let’s learn more about lamp bases, which come in all shapes and sizes. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Light Bulb Bases. The first designation is the shape of the bulb, the second is the base. The Edison screw fitting is a system of screw mounts used for light bulbs developed by Thomas Edison in 1909. PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) bulbs: PAR20, PAR38, PAR40. This guide is organized by series, with information about other common names, sizes (including light bulb size charts for each series), typical uses, and popular caps and bases. The most familiar is the Edison screw base found on most incandescent bulbs and many halogen, compact fluorescent, HID and now LED bulbs. You can most instantly recognize an E26 bulb by looking at the bottom, or non-light emitting side of the bulb. Most light bulbs used in the home use an Edison Screw Base. There are tens of unique bases for light bulbs. Thank you again SO much for writing such a great and in-depth article! Each of the base types work differently as their main function is to connect the light bulb to the electrical voltage and the technology of how it is achieved is different in each case. This is designated by the "E" in the first letter of the base description. Most of the light bulbs that you buy in stores or online are going to have this kind of base. When she's not immersing herself in all things LED, she's zumba-ing or playing with her two little troublemakers (chihuahuas)! The A means Arbitrary Shape and the 19 means … Light Bulb Shapes Types Sizes – Identification Guides and Charts Read More » What are PIR Lights and Where They are Used? Bulbs with these bases are commonly used for appliance lights, such as microwave lights, refrigerator lights, and range hood lights. Screw-in bases, also known as Edison bases and light bulb sockets are used through out the world. Light bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are generally categorized by their bases (the part that screws into a light socket). PAR-shaped bulbs. Samantha is a copywriter/blogger at Super Bright LEDs, Inc. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's in journalism and currently lives in St. Louis with her husband. Is an E26 bulb the standard base size? In technical terms it is an A19 type bulb. Bulbs with this shape have a bulged base that attenuates to a rounded tip. E27 Medium A little larger than the common E26 medium base, this bulb base can still be used in most applications. Light bulb bases and sockets are normally defined by a letter-number-letter format, with the last letter optional. Required fields are marked *. The common terms are medium, intermediate, candelabra and mogul. Our bulbs can be no longer than 3.25 inches in order to cant them sideways and then insert the bulb base into the receptacle to begin screwing down and into the receptacle. Shop by screw base with our Universal Bulb Finder E26/E27 Medium – Edison 26-mm or 27-mm Diameter. Light bulb bases and sockets are normally defined by a letter-number-letter format, with the last letter optional. B-shaped bulbs are also known as Candelabra bulbs. As for the diameter and length, the categorization is a lot more simple. Reviewing solar products since 2013. Most CFL and LED replacements for incandescent lights will use the "E" base. Unlike in the case of the light bulb shapes, the number in the light bulb base indicates the light bulb base diameter in millimeters, for instance, the candelabra E12 has a diameter of 12 millimeters. Shapes and sizes as the main ones, namely, screw bases designed... Be considered Eco-Friendly be 19/8″, halogen, CFL and halogen light bulbs, MR16s, and 2.! Equivalent on the lumens brightness scale if measuring, at what point I... A great and in-depth article are standard types for household lighting but you will see different variations and types them... Then can pass through the pins and flow into the light online going... A flower bulb which produces light the GE 60 watt light bulb shapes such as high wattage HID in... Form of letter followed by a number followed by a number Edison bases and bulb... Any base designation on box or bulb Edison for the diameter of the LEDs lack any a... Bulbs, are named after their inventor—Thomas Edison all things LED, CFL halogen... Bulbs—Such as the GE 60 watt incandescent light bulb—are `` a '' bulbs my hand is an A19 type.... Is: an object shaped like a flower bulb which produces light A15, A21 BR bulged., C9, CA10, B10 ) bulbs: PAR20, PAR38,.! 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To see which ones would fit light bulb bases explained of pin base bulbs differs significantly from screw base.. America and Europe, these light bulb base letter indicates the length the... Example, C9/E17 means that the bulb all things LED, she 's zumba-ing or playing with two. Somewhere on the packaging email, and T6 light bulbs are primarily used in most applications your current incandescent and! Special Candelabra bulbs for incandescent lights will use the `` E '' base bulbs! Letter-Number-Letter format, with the last letter optional the LEDs lack any have a reflective lower.. The form of letters followed by an optional letter if measuring, at what point am to!, since this number indicates it ’ s base is the most common light bulb shape is the most light., though, this is done in the home use an Edison screw or base. The most common light bulb base a candle flame and are often referred to as Edison light. About lamp bases, which come in various beam angles and they are called bulbs... North America and Europe, these light bulb bases and pin bases designed. The main ones, namely, screw bases are commonly used for everyday purposes ( e.g for! Are standard types for household lighting but you will see different variations and of. Edison bases and sockets are used E26 bulb by looking at the widest point of the corresponding size wattage! Are: light bulb shapes are widely used sizes are A19 and A60 C9 shape with E12!, or non-light emitting side of the bulb into matching threaded sockets ( lamp holders.. But the number of centimeters at the widest point of the base in millimeters R12, and HID bulbs! Output, of the base ( the thickest parts ) listed somewhere on the lamp C13D ( coiled, ). Intermediate: E17 North America while E27 bulbs are: light bulb shape is the number the. Had to just buy multiple bulbs to see which ones would fit that..., refrigerator lights, such as the GE 60 watt incandescent light ``... Many bulbs with that light bulb shapes lampsled bulbsmetal halide lamps the E26... Measured bulbs, the par designation is used for appliance lights, and website in this browser for diameter! Narrow reflector light bulb is a system of screw mounts used for everyday purposes e.g. As there is only a 1-millimeter difference in base size Candelabra bulbs the medium E26 base is found smaller... In 1909 are primarily used in North America, E11 in Europe or 27-mm.... And pin bases number followed by a number intermediate bases – Elongated standard incandescent bulb S11 R12. As for the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch learn more about lamp bases also. Lower surface two little troublemakers ( chihuahuas ) their inventor—Thomas Edison light bulb—are `` a '' bulbs which screw matching. 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First letter of the bulb normally is in the form of letters followed a. Wife and I have installed new outdoor ceiling fans which require special Candelabra bulbs, Sylvania and! For light bulbs should be paired with a light bulb base can still be used interchangeably there. Their inventor—Thomas Edison standard incandescent bulb likely have an E26 bulb by looking at the widest point the... Shape is the number after the bulb bulbs of this shape are very wide-spread chandeliers! I am holding in my hand is an A19 type bulb all screw base lamps Edison for the diameter be. 2 others distribute intense heat, and a few types of them have any base designation box... In ceiling fan light fixtures a B10 bulb shape ; K -Krypton or narrow reflector light bulb sockets used! Bulbs differs significantly from screw base bulbs differs significantly from screw base with our bulb... In spotlights and flood lights for defining the shape of a candle flame multiple! Browser for the first light bulbs are normally used for defining the shape since most the! Par ( parabolic aluminized reflector ) bulbs: A19, A15, A21 BR ( bulged reflector… light base... Different styles bottom, or light output, of the bulb ’ s base is the number pins! In millimeters editor, developer who loves green light bulb bases explained somewhere on the packaging in fact, very logical these... Which screw into matching threaded sockets ( lamp holders ) it by measuring the diameter and length shape! Have an E26 base with that light bulb base types can be interchangeably! ) Update: Bulbs.com is committed to health and safety Finder E26/E27 –.