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+1 (813) 649-8899Understanding Light Bulb Screw Bases
With hundreds of different types of bulb bases on the market today, and the ever-growing list of LED Light Bulbs, it can be a challenge ensuring that the right bulb is chosen.
Add to the fact that there are different styles and light bulb base sizes, even for the same bulb shapes, and it can quickly become an overwhelming process.
Take the four most common types of bulb bases, for instance. There are screw, bayonet, wedge, and bi-pin bases to account for, all of which are used in different applications and work using different sockets.
In this article we will be discussing light bulb screw bases which are also referred to as Edison bulb bases, named after their inventor, Thomas Edison.
Light bulb screw bases are commonly used in North America and Europe, and are identified with the letter “E” followed by a set of numbers indicating the width of the base in millimeters, and are available in a wide range of sizes.
E26 and E27 Medium Base
E26 bulb bases are most commonly used in North America while E27 bulbs are more common in Europe. Bulbs with these bases can be used almost interchangeably, as there is only a 1mm difference in base size. These are typically used in general lighting applications, such as ceiling lights, lamps, can lighting, and vanity lights.
Common Bulbs with E26 / E27 Bases
A-Series Bulbs
BR (bulged reflector) Series bulbs
Globe-Shaped bulbs
PAR (parabolic aluminized reflector) Series bulbs
E12 Candelabra Base
Decorative Flame-Shaped bulbs with E12 Candelabra Base
E12 bulb bases are most commonly used in decorative applications, such as for chandeliers, wall sconces, and string lights, and often bulbs with these bases are designed to look like a candle flame.
Some common bulb shapes that use E12 bases include:
- Decorative Flame-Shaped bulbs
- Globe-Shaped bulbs
- T-Series bulbs
E39 / EX39 / E40 Mogul Base
E39 and EX39 Mogul bases are primarily used in North America while E40 bases are popular in Europe, although these can often be used interchangeably due to the 1-millimeter difference in base size. EX39 bases have a longer tip than E39 bases, and are interchangeable in either E39 or EX39 sockets, whereas E39 bases can only be used with E39 sockets. Mainly used in industrial applications, such as in high-bay warehouse lights, parking lot lights, canopy lights, and wall packs, these bulbs produce a high lumen output. These bases are most commonly seen in Corn Lights, which are named for their cylindrical shape and rows of linear lighting.
80W LED Corn Lights with EX39 Mogul Base
E14 European Base
E14 bulb bases are most 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.
Some common bulb shapes that use E14 bases include:
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Smaller A-Series bulbs
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Small T-Series bulbs
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Smaller Globe-Shaped bulbs
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Candle and Marquee bulbs
E17 Intermediate Base
Similar to E12 Candelabra bases, intermediate bases are used in decorative applications and also used for appliance lighting, such as for microwave lights, refrigerator lights, and range hood lights, and can also be found in ceiling fan light fixtures.
Some common bulb shapes that use E17 bases include:
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Smaller A-Series bulbs
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Small T-Series bulbs
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Smaller Globe-Shaped bulbs
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Candle and Marquee bulbs
For a complete list of the different Bulb Bases and Shapes, please feel free to check out our Bulb Shape and Base Guide!
If you have any additional questions regarding LED Light Bulbs or if you would like to provide us with any additional feedback, we always have our ears open to new input and suggestions, and we enjoy learning from others and sharing knowledge. Please feel free to contact us today for a complimentary quote on your lighting project or simply to provide some additional input by giving a call at (813)-649-8899 or simply emailing us at sales@htm-lighting.com.
- Michael Tomas
