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how do you measure bulb base size

by Donna Torphy Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The diameter is the most basic way to determine the base in millimeters. Often, these parameters are written in letters or numbers. The width indicates the length. To convert this measurement to a numerical shape, divide the width by eight. The basic measurement of a light bulb base is its diameter in millimeters.

To know the base of a light bulb, identify if it is a screw type that has threads around the base, or a pin type that has 2 points of contact on the base. After that, measure the diameter of the screw base, or the distance between the two pins, in millimeters.May 21, 2021

Full Answer

What size is a standard light bulb base?

Therefore, an E26 bulb can be used in an E27 base, and an E27 bulb may be used in an E26 base without difficulty. E26 and E27 lamp bases have the exact diameter specifications built to the widely approved IEC light bulb socket standards of 26.05 mm to 26.45 mm.

What size lamp has a medium base?

The industry uses many terms for the same size: C7 / E12 / Candelabra Base Bulbs... typically used for chandelier-type fixtures and decorative lighting. C9 / E17 / Intermediate Base Bulbs... historically known as the old Christmas light bulb size. Medium / E26 Bulbs (E27 in Europe) ... the same size as a standard household bulb.

What is the difference between A15 and A19 bulbs?

What is the difference between a15 and a19 bulbs? A15 bulbs are slightly smaller than A19 bulbs and typically come in outputs ranging from 10 watts to 40 watts. These smaller wattages are frequently used in applications such as appliances, signage and decorative lighting. A15 LED bulbs have now started to appear.

What is the base size of a night light bulb?

The metal part of the lightbulb is 0.47″ across (12mm) and . 65″ tall. Bulb Shape – Typically, a candelabra shape bulb is used in night lights although straight-sided bulbs may also work. What is a E12 bulb?

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How can I tell what size base my light bulb is?

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. The first letter designates the shape or form of the base, and the number represents the width of the base (normally in millimeters).

How big is an E12 base on a bulb?

12 mmChandelier: E12 (12 mm in diameter), also known as the “Miniature Edison Screw MES” base, is used for nightlight bulbs as well as ornamental light bulbs that are used in chandeliers and bathroom mirrors. Intermediate: E17 (17 mm in diameter) is in between two sizes.

How can you tell if a base is E12?

E12 uses the same naming system as E26, whereby the letter "E" signifies an Edison screw base. The two digits after the letter "E" indicates the diameter of the screw base, in millimeters - 12 millimeters, or approximately half an inch.

How do I know if my bulb is E12?

Small Base Light Bulb The 12 in E12 stands the diameter of the screw base in millimeters, so an E12 light bulb has an Edison Screw base that's 12 millimeters in diameter. This is a really simple name for a simple base that is easy to remember.

What does E12 mean on a light bulb?

The Candelabra base is also called an E12 base. You usually find that light bulbs with a Candelabra or E12 base are found in chandeliers, small nightlights, and small decorative bulbs. This type of light bulb base is less than half the size of a Medium/E26 light bulb base.

What is the base size of a normal light bulb?

E26/E27 Medium – Edison 26-mm or 27-mm Diameter 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. Bulbs with these base types are available in many different styles.

What size is a candelabra base?

E12 12 mmWhat is the Difference between Light Bulb Bases?NameCodeDiameter (mm)MediumE2626 mmIntermediateE1717 mmCandelabraE1212 mmMini CandelabraE1111 mm3 more rows•Jul 17, 2018

What's the difference between E12 and E14 bulbs?

When a ruler is not available, the most common fittings, the E26/E27, and E12/E14, is roughly the same length of an adult's thumb (the E26/E27) and little finger (the E14, the E12 is 2mm shorter.) You can also use this diagram by Home Depot to determine your socket.

Why do fittings have different bases?

Light bulbs have to fit snugly into light fixtures, so they are designed with different bases. The light bulb base has to match the socket in the light fixture. If light bulb bases were standardized, light bulbs could be interchangeable across many fixtures. However, light bulb bases are not standardized. This is to prevent dangerous light bulbs from being used in light fixtures that aren’t designed for them. Light fixture sockets have a grip on the inside of the socket, and light bulb bases have a matching metal tab on the outside of the base. A light bulb with no grip can be inserted into any kind of light fixture, but it won’t stay in place because the grip and tab don’t match up. This is why light bulb bases aren’t standardized: if they were interchangeable across light fixtures, people would risk inserting a light bulb into sockets that weren’t designed for them.

What is the most common socket used in the United States?

The three most often used sockets in the United States of America are the E12 (candelabra), the E26 (medium), and the E39 (mogul). As indicated in the table, there are several sockets that fall between these sizes. These three types of lighting are the most frequently used in traditional lighting.

What is an E11 bulb?

E11 (mini candelabra) is 11mm (0.433 in) in diameter and is a bit smaller than E12 (candelabra) which is 12mm in diameter. Its applications are very limited. E11’s are most commonly used for small, halogen (hot!) bulbs. Another most obvious application is obviously for 120-volt chandelier/candelabra. Low voltage models are used on Lionel toy trains and other toys. The E11 base is sometimes used for 50/75/100-watt halogen lamps in North America, where it is called the “mini-can”.

What is a bipin socket?

A bipin or bi-pin (sometimes referred to as two-pin, bipin cap or bipin socket) is a type of lamp fitting. They are included in the IEC standard “IEC 60061 Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of interchangeability and safety”. They are used on many small incandescent light bulbs (especially halogen lamps), and for starters on some types of fluorescent lights.

What is the smallest light bulb base?

The smallest light bulb base is G4 with a diameter of 4 mm.

What is the diameter of an E-10 bulb?

In the lamp base designation “E-10” (sometimes called Miniature Edison Screw (MES), “E” stands for “Edison” and “10” indicates the diameter in millimeters as measured across the peaks of the thread on the base, e.g., E-10 base bulbs have a diameter of 10 mm. E-10 base light bulbs have a single contact on the bottom and are used in flashlights, indicators, and toys.

What is the E39 base used for?

The large E39 “mogul” base is used on street lights, and high-wattage lamps (such as a 100/200/300 Watt three-way). Chances are you won’t have a need for these guys.

What is a screw base bulb?

A common screw base bulb with single contact. Light bulb bases come in several different types. It is important to determine if the type you intend to purchase matches the type taken by your light fixture. Otherwise, the bulb will not fit the fixture.

Where are the pins on fluorescent bulbs?

Look for pins. Pins are found on one or both ends of fluorescent bulbs. There are three basic sizes: the T8, the T12 medium bi-pins — with the T12 being spaced further apart — and the miniature bi-pin.

How to identify plug in type base?

Identify a plug-in type base by the appearance of a rectangular protrusion on the plug end of a compact florescent bulb. They are identified by codes beginning in PL.

What is a threaded bulb?

Threads indicate a screw type bulb; popular sizes are candelabra, intermediate, medium and mogul. Candelabra are the smallest and typically utilized in chandeliers, sconces or small lamps. Moguls are the largest, and are found on higher power bulbs such as metal halide.

Can a bulb fit a fixture?

Otherwise, the bulb will not fit the fixture. Basic types are those with screw bases consisting of aluminum, brass or ceramic; or pin types such as bayonet or bi-pin. Each comes in a variety of sizes. Advertisement.

How are decorative bulbs measured?

Most bulbs are measured in eighths of an inch, however decorative lighting globe-shaped (or G) bulbs are measured in millimeters. For example, an S14 would be a sign bulb shape and 14/8" (or 1.75") and our decorative lighting G40 bulbs are globe shape and 40 mm (or approximately 1.5").

What does the letter number mean on a light bulb?

The letter refers to the shape, and the number refers to the size* . Here's a list of the letters used for bulbs we carry and their meaning:

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