What Are Standard Light Bulb Bases and Sockets – Guide to All Base Types

For effective illumination, it is essential to choose the appropriate light bulb base types, comprehend bulb base sizes, and recognize the best E12 bulbs. This article explores a variety of light bulbs, such as candelabra light bulbs, e26 base bulbs, and bulbs with prongs, ranging from small bayonet cap alternatives to type A bulbs. Examine contrasts like br30 vs. br40 and A19 vs. A21 light bulbs, and learn about LedRhythm’s cutting-edge lighting products for optimal energy efficiency.

standard bulb base type

What is a standard light bulb base?

incandescent bulb base sizes

There’s no single, unified global standard, but different regions have their own “mainstream standards.” When purchasing, prioritize local standards.

RegionPreferred Base Types
Mainland ChinaE27, E14, GU10
United StatesE26, E12, GU24
EuropeE27, E14, G9
United KingdomB22, E27

What are standard light bulb base types and sizes?

There are many types of standard bulb bases, which are mainly divided according to the fixing method and application scenario of the bulb. They include screw-on bases, bayonet bases, double-pin bases and other special bases.
Base Type Code Description Key Dimension Common Applications
Screw E27 Standard screw Outer diameter ≈ 27mm General household bulbs (living room, bedroom)
E14 Small screw Outer diameter ≈ 14mm Decorative lamps, fridge bulbs, crystal lights
E40 Industrial screw Outer diameter ≈ 40mm Streetlights, factory lighting, high-wattage
Bayonet B22 Standard bayonet Base diameter ≈ 22mm Ceiling lights, traditional home fixtures
B15 Mini bayonet Base diameter ≈ 15mm Fridge lamps, night lights
Bi-pin GU10 Twist-lock bi-pin Pin spacing ≈ 10mm 220V spotlights
GU5.3 Low-voltage bi-pin Pin spacing ≈ 5.3mm 12V spotlights (with transformer)
G9 Loop bi-pin Pin spacing ≈ 9mm Chandeliers, wall lamps (LED)
G4 Micro bi-pin Pin spacing ≈ 4mm Cabinet lights, small bulbs (12V)
Fluorescent G13 Bi-pin for long tube Pin spacing ≈ 13mm T8/T10/T12 fluorescent tubes
G5 Bi-pin for slim tube Pin spacing ≈ 5mm T5 fluorescent tubes
Special Type R7s Double-ended linear Lamp tube length(78/118/254mm) Halogen floodlights (stage, outdoor)
b22 b15 Base Types

Standard incandescent bulb base types and sizes

Incandescent lights don’t have their own dedicated bases; they share the same base system as modern LED lights. Bases like E27, B22, and GU10, popular in the incandescent era, are fully compatible with LED lights and remain the mainstream in the market today.

So incandescent base = modern standard base of light bulb, and sizes are the same. Such as E27, B22, E14, E40, GU10, and B15.

Comprehending Small Light Bulbs and E12 Bulbs

What is an E12 bulb?

The candelabra base bulb, also called E12 bulb, has a tiny screw-in base that makes it perfect for ornamental lights, chandeliers, and small light bulbs.

  • Meaning of Name
    “E”: stands for Edison screw; “12”: thread diameter ≈ 12 mm. Commonly known as: Candelabra screw, small screw (smaller than E14).
  • Physical Characteristics: Fine threads and a compact design
    E12 vs. E14: The thread diameter is 2mm smaller; E12 vs. E26: The thread diameter is only half that of the E26. The lamp base is made of metal, and the insulation is usually ceramic or high-temperature-resistant plastic.

Why Do People Like Small Light Bulbs?

For applications needing small but efficient illumination, small light bulbs, such as type B bulbs and C7 light bulbs, are perfect. Among the examples are:

  • C7 LED light bulbs for ornamental string lighting
  • E17 light bulbs for intermediate fixtures
  • B10 bulbs for chandeliers

Light Bulb Types and Base Sizes

Different light bulb types are available, each of which is appropriate for a certain lighting requirement:

Light Bulb TypeBase SizeUse Case
Type A BulbE26 base bulbStandard home lighting
Type B BulbE12 bulbDecorative fixtures and chandeliers
BR30 BulbMedium base E26Recessed lighting
G25 BulbCandelabra base sizeGlobe fixtures and vanity lights
T10 BulbE12 socketSpecialty lights and appliances

E12 vs E26 Comparison Table

Feature E12 Base E26 Base Compatibility
Common Name Candelabra Screw Medium Screw ❌ Not compatible
Thread Diameter 12 mm 26 mm 14 mm difference
Typical Application Decorative lights, crystal lamps, string lights Main home lighting (living room, bedroom) Completely different purposes
Common Wattage LED 1–5W (equivalent to 15–40W incandescent) LED 6–15W (equivalent to 40–100W incandescent) E12 is lower wattage
Rated Voltage 120V (North America); needs adapter for 220V regions 120V (North America), 220V (Global versions available) Different voltage requirements
Bulb Shape Slim (Flame tip F15 / Bullet CA10) Bulky (Standard A19 / A21 bulb shape) Significant size difference
Typical Installation Multiple bulbs per fixture (6–24 sockets) 1–2 bulbs per fixture Different design logic

E12 vs B11 Comparison Table

Feature E12 Base B11 Code Essential Difference
Definition Base type (screw socket) Bulb shape (not a base!) Completely different categories
Physical Attribute Metal screw (12 mm diameter) Glass bulb diameter ≈ 3.5″ (89 mm) Unrelated specifications
Common Combinations – E12 base + B10 flame bulb
– E12 base + B11 globe bulb
B11 bulb can fit E26 / E12 and other bases B11 refers to bulb shape code
Application Example E12 base + decorative bulbs e.g., BR30 is a shape, can fit E26 base Shape and base are independent
Common Misunderstanding Often mistaken as a shape Correct: B11 indicates bulb width Easily confused naming

Comprehending standards light bulb socket

what is a standard light bulb socket size?

A “standard light bulb socket” refers to the connector on a light used to secure and power a light fixture. Its dimensions must strictly match the bulb base. Because there’s no global standard, socket size is determined by the type of base it fits into.

Therefore, standard bulb socket types correspond to bulb base types. For example:

  • E Series: Bulb sockets E27, E14, E40, and E12 correspond to bases.
  • B Series: Bulb sockets B22, B15, and BA15d correspond to bases.
  • G/GU Series: GU10, GU5.3, G9, and G4.
regular bulb base type

Important Types of Light Bulbs

Type A vs Type B Bulb

  • Type A bulbs: Often referred to as A19 light bulbs and A15 bulbs, these bulbs are utilized in ceiling fixtures and table lamps.
  • Type B bulbs: Perfect for chandeliers, these slim, torpedo-shaped bulbs resemble B10 bulbs and B11 bulbs.

Key differences: Type A bulbs frequently use E26 sockets, but Type B bulbs have a smaller base similar to E12.

Candelabra Light Bulbs

Candelabra Bulb is a decorative lighting bulb designed for chandeliers, wall lights, and retro lights. It is named because of its candle-like shape.

  • Appearance: Elongated, tubular, often with a flame-shaped, pointed, or wavy top, simulating the burning of a candle.
  • Candelabra base size: North America: E12 (12mm thread); Europe/China: E14 (14mm thread) or B15 bayonet.

Candelabra base bulbs, like the E12 chandelier bulbs and the C7 light bulbs, are made for smaller, ornamental installations. Among the options are:

  • B10 light bulbs and C7 replacement bulbs
  • E12 incandescent bulbs
  • E12 LED bulbs for energy efficiency

Selecting the Proper Light Bulbs for Particular Uses

Indoor Applications

A19 light bulbs, BR30 bulbs, and R20 bulbs are commonly used for indoor lighting. Certain fixtures might be needed:

  • Ceiling fan light bulbs: Typical sizes include E12 base bulbs or A15 bulbs.
  • 3-way bulbs: Ideal for table lamps with adjustable lights.
  • Appliance bulbs: Small bulbs like T10 light bulbs.

Outdoor Applications

A19 light bulbs, BR30 bulbs, and R20 bulbs are commonly used for indoor lighting. Certain fixtures might be needed:

  • Ceiling fan light bulbs: Typical sizes include E12 base bulbs or A15 bulbs.
  • 3-way bulbs: Ideal for table lamps with adjustable lights.
  • Appliance bulbs: Small bulbs like T10 light bulbs.

regular bulb base type

Summary: Selecting the Proper Types of Light Bulbs Base

When choosing a bulb type, first look at the bulb interface, and then quickly match the base type according to the region and purpose.

Quick Tips:

  • For thick screws, choose E27/E26
  • For thin screws, choose E14/E12
  • For plug-in lamps, look for G or GU
  • For British homes, remember to have B22

People Also Ask

How Do E12 and E26 Bulbs Differ From Each Other?

The E26 base bulb is typical for residential installations, whereas the E12 bulb has a smaller base.

  • E12 (small screw): Approximately 12mm in diameter, commonly used in small lamps such as chandeliers, nightlights, and decorative lights.
  • E26 (medium screw): Approximately 26mm in diameter, this is the most common standard light socket in North America and is used in household lighting, ceiling lights, table lamps, and other conventional lights.

Simply put, the E12 is much smaller than the E26 and is used for low-wattage decorative lights; the E26 is the standard for household light bulbs in the United States.

Candelabra bulbs use the E12 base size, which is used for ornamental lighting and chandeliers.

  • A Type B bulb is a designation for a bulb shape, commonly found in decorative lighting fixtures.
  • It’s often paired with an E12 (candelabra base) bulb; it’s used in pendant lights, wall sconces, candelabra, mirror lights, and more.

In short, a Type B bulb refers to the shape of the bulb, not the size of the screw thread. It’s often used in applications where appearance is a priority.

R20 bulb is a common reflector bulb with a common base type of E26. It is mainly used for ceiling lights, embedded downlights, local lighting, etc.

  • E12: A small screw-on bulb used in North America, with a diameter of 12mm and a common voltage of 120V. Compatible bulbs include B10, B11, and C7.
  • E14: A small screw-on bulb used in the European and Asian markets, with a diameter of 14mm and a common voltage of 220V. Compatible bulbs include B35 and C35.

These two bulbs are similar in appearance but are not interchangeable due to their different screw diameters and operating voltages.

The E12 designation on a bulb indicates a screw-on base with a diameter of 12mm.

E12 refers only to the size of the screw and does not indicate the bulb’s wattage, brightness, or shape. When installing, ensure the base of the fixture is also E12 to ensure compatibility.

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