Bulbs are identified with a letter to indicate the shape or type and with a number to indicate the approximate diameter in eighths of an inch.
Electric bulb fitting types.
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.
The letters tend to stand for the name of the fitting and the numbers are the diameter of the fitting in millimeters.
Caps provide the electrical contact to conduct electricity to the light bulb but it also helps to secure the light bulb into its fitting.
The instructions on your lamp or light fitting will tell you the style of cap fitting to choose.
It is essential to know the cap type to identify the lamp.
Types of lamp fittings.
The cap or base of a light bulb joins the bulb to the lamp socket in order to provide an electrical connection.
Br bulged reflector spotlight and floodlight bulbs.
For example an e27 is an edison screw bulb with a diameter of 27 millimeters.
This section shows many of the most popular fittings.
There are a vast variety of caps and bases that exist in order to help make sure that only the correct type of lamp is used in any given fitting.
Par parabolic aluminized reflector spotlight and flood light bulbs.
Below we have listed the most popular fittings.
Common bulbs with e26 e27 bases.
A lamp holder is the device for holding a light bulb or lamp.
Our simple bulb identifier guide helps you find the correct light bulb for a new fixture or a replacement bulb for a fixture you already own.
Par16 par20 par30 par38.
All light bulbs have a code to identify their type of fitting.
1 888 455 2800 fax 1 508 363 2900.
For wall and ceiling lights with a fixed lamp holder it s important that the lamp holder is compatible with the type of bulb you want to use.
Make sure you check this carefully as the wrong cap fitting will not work in your light.
The cap or base provides an electrical connection to the lamp and ensures the lamp is held in the correct position.
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.
Bulbs with these base types are available in many different styles.
Light bulb buying guide share.