Xavier Hart
The Edison screw base is the most common type of light bulb base, used in most incandescent bulbs and many halogen, compact fluorescent, HID, and LED bulbs. The size of the Edison screw base is denoted by a letter, 'E', followed by a number that indicates the diameter of the base in millimetres. For example, an E26 bulb has a base diameter of 26mm and is the standard light bulb size in the United States. Other common Edison screw base sizes include E12, E17, and E39. When shopping for light bulbs, it is important to check the base size to ensure compatibility with your lamp or light fixture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Edison Screw |
| Other Names | E26, E27 |
| Diameter | 26-27mm |
| Common Uses | Most light bulbs in the US, incandescent, vintage LED, CFL, and halogen smart light bulbs |
What You'll Learn
Edison Screw vs Bayonet Cap
The Edison screw cap bulb is named after the inventor of the lightbulb, Thomas Edison, and it is one of the most common types of lightbulb caps on the market. The Edison screw cap has a threaded metal base that screws tightly and securely into place within the light fitting. The most common screw cap bulb is the E27, which fits most standard light fittings in the UK. There are also smaller versions (E14 and miniature E10) with thinner screw bases, which are commonly used for decorative lighting, such as candle-shaped bulbs for chandeliers.
On the other hand, bayonet caps, also known as 'twist and lock' bulbs, have two pins that retract and then expand into slots inside the fitting when twisted. Bayonet caps are the commonly used bulbs in the UK. The standard bayonet cap is 22mm in diameter (B22d), but smaller sizes are also available.
The main difference between Edison screw and bayonet cap bulbs is in their base types. Edison screw bulbs have a threaded metal base that screws into the light fitting, while bayonet caps have two retractable pins that twist and lock into the fitting.
When choosing between Edison screw and bayonet cap bulbs, it is important to consider the compatibility with your light fittings. If your light fittings have spiralling ridges, then you need a screw cap bulb. If the inside of your fitting is smooth with two L-shaped slots, then you need a bayonet cap bulb.
In terms of availability, Edison screw bulbs are widely available and used globally, with the E27 being the standard size. Bayonet caps, on the other hand, are generally found in Commonwealth countries, with the B22 being the standard size.
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E26 vs E27
E26 and E27 are two types of Edison Screw (ES) lamp bases, which were first patented by Thomas Edison. The main difference between the two is the voltage they are designed for and the region in which they are used.
E26 bulbs have a 26mm diameter and are primarily used in North America and some countries in South America. They are designed for a voltage of 120V AC.
E27 bulbs, on the other hand, have a 27mm diameter and are commonly used in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. These bulbs operate at a higher voltage of 240V AC.
Due to the difference in voltage, E26 and E27 bulbs have different safety standards. While E27 bulbs can be safely used in E26 sockets, using E26 bulbs in E27 sockets can lead to electrical safety hazards such as short circuits and electrical fires. This is because E26 bulbs are designed to receive a maximum voltage of 120V AC and are not equipped to handle the higher voltage of 240V AC.
It is important to note that while the bulbs may physically fit into each other's sockets, it does not mean they meet the electrical safety standards for which they were designed. Therefore, it is recommended to use the correct bulb for your region and voltage to ensure safety and avoid potential electrical issues.
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E12: Miniature Edison Screw
The E12 bulb is a small candelabra base, also known as the "Miniature Edison Screw" or "MES". It has a diameter of 12mm and is used for night light bulbs and decorative light bulbs for chandeliers and bathroom mirrors. It is most common in America, especially in old or imported fittings, but it is not widely stocked in supermarkets.
E12 bulbs are designed to mimic candle flames and are used in decorative lighting fixtures such as chandeliers, pendant lights, and wall lights. They are also used in integrated fittings and appliances like cooker hoods and kitchen cabinet lights.
The E12 is one of the most familiar bulb bases, along with the E26, which is the standard medium base. The E12 is smaller than the E26, which has a diameter of 26mm and is the most common light bulb size in North America.
The E12 is a single-contact bulb, meaning there is one contact button at the centre of the base. The E12 base is also used for miniature lamp applications, with E10 bulbs being the most common.
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E14: Small Edison Screw
The E14 screw base is a smaller version of the standard Edison screw base, with a diameter of 14mm. It is commonly used in the UK and Europe for smaller decorative light fittings, such as chandeliers, wall lights, and bedside table lamps.
E14 bulbs come in a variety of shapes, including candle, golf ball, spotlight, and filament bulbs. These bulbs are designed to fit into a 14mm lamp holder, and the screw cap on the bulb is slightly smaller to ensure a secure fit.
The E14 is also known as the "Small Edison Screw" or "SES" and is one of the most common screw sizes in Europe. It is important to note that the number in the code "E14" refers to the diameter of the lamp holder and not the size of the bulb's screw.
The E14 is commonly used in residential settings and offers a range of lighting options to suit different fixtures and aesthetic preferences.
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E39: Mogul
The E39 screw base is 39mm in diameter and is used for street lights and high-wattage lamps. It is also known as the mogul base. The E39 base is commonly used in North America, while its European variant is the E40, which has a diameter of 39-40mm.
The E39 screw base is one of the less common Edison base bulbs, also called "single contact" bulbs because there is one contact button at the centre of the base. The E39 is larger than the E12 (candelabra) and E17 (intermediate) bases, but smaller than the E26 (medium/standard) and E27 bases.
The E39 base is also interchangeable with the E40 base, as there is only a 1mm difference in their diameters. However, E39 bulbs will not work with EX39 sockets, which have a longer tip at the screw base.
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Frequently asked questions
In the United States, the screw medium E26 bulb base is the most common, present in most incandescent, vintage LED, CFL, and halogen smart light bulbs.
The E26 bulb base is a standard medium screw base with a diameter of 26mm. It is the most common light bulb base size in the United States.
The E12 bulb base is a small candelabra base commonly used for night light bulbs and decorative light bulbs for chandeliers and bathroom mirrors.
The main difference between E26 and E12 bulb bases is their size. E26 is a standard medium screw base, while E12 is a smaller candelabra base. E26 bulbs are more common and used in a variety of applications, while E12 bulbs are less common and typically used for decorative lighting.
