What types of fittings are available?
Almost all lamps have a fitting; through this fitting, the lamp (light source) receives the electricity required to produce light. The fitting also ensures that the lamp is easy to replace when it breaks. The earliest lamps all featured an E27 fitting. The smaller E14 fitting, which came later, was developed in response to the demand for smaller lamps. All the fittings we know today stem from the demand for different lamp shapes or a more efficient form of power supply. If you do not know the name of the fitting you need, an overview of all fittings is provided below.
E27 – Large Fitting
The E27 fitting, also known as the Edison screw fitting, is a type of fitting used in many countries around the world. The "E" stands for "Edison" and the "27" refers to the diameter of the lamp base in millimeters.The E27 fitting, commonly referred to in Dutch as the 'Large Fitting', has an Edison screw thread with a diameter of 27mm.
The E27 bulbs are characterized by their screw design, where the lamp is screwed into the socket and then twisted to secure it. This design makes it easy to install and remove bulbs as needed. The E27 fitting is compatible with a wide range of lamps, including incandescent, halogen, LED, and CFL bulbs. This type of LED bulb is frequently used in household lamps, ceiling fixtures, and other types of lighting. This fitting is suitable for 220V and can therefore be connected directly to the mains power supply. In addition to the E27, there are similar sizes:
- E17 – 14-17mm – Small Edison Screw (SES). This is a standard size in the US.
- E26 – 25-26mm – (Medium) Edison Screw (ES). This is a standard size in the US.
- E40 – 40mm – Giant Edison Screw (GES). For street lighting and floodlights
- B22 – 22mm – Bayonet cap. This is a standard fitting in the UK.
E14 – Small Fitting
The E14 fitting, also known as the Edison screw base or small Edison screw (SES), is a type of fitting for incandescent and LED bulbs used in many countries around the world. The “E” stands for “Edison” and the “14” refers to the diameter of the bulb base in millimeters. The E14 is also commonly known as the 'Small Fitting' or 'Mignon Fitting'.
The E14 bulbs are smaller than E27 bulbs and are often used in smaller lamps, chandeliers, and other decorative lighting fixtures. It is compatible with a wide range of bulbs, including incandescent, halogen, LED, and CFL lamps.Just as with the E27 fitting, it is important to ensure that the lamp's voltage matches the fitting's voltage to prevent damage. It is also recommended to turn off the power to the fitting before replacing the lamp to prevent electric shocks. Furthermore, there are several other E-type fittings, which are often only used in specific occasions:
- E5 – 5mm – Lilliput Edison Screw (LES). Light chains (o.a. Christmas lighting), dollhouses, and model making.
- E10 – 10mm – Miniature Edison Screw (MES). Indicator lights and bicycle lighting
- E12 – 12mm – Candelabra Edison Screw (CES). This is a standard size in the US.
GU10 fitting
G-fittings (also known as Bipin or 2-pin fittings) originated when Reginald Fessenden was commissioned to illuminate the 1893 World's Fair for the first time using alternating current. He was not allowed to use the patented Edison screw thread for this purpose. The 'G' used in the designation of the various fitting types is a simple reference to the fact that the lamps were primarily made of Glass. The number in the type designation represents the distance between the centers of both pins. For a GU10 spotlight, this distance is 10 mm.
The GU10 spotlights feature a twist-and-lock design, where the bulb is inserted into the fitting and then twisted to lock it in place. This design makes it easy to install and remove bulbs whenever necessary.GU10 bulbs are typically available in halogen, LED, and CFL variants, and they are designed to be energy-efficient and durable. They also offer a range of color temperatures and beam angles, making them suitable for a variety of applications. When replacing GU10 bulbs, it is important that the wattage and voltage of the bulb match those of the fixture. In addition to GU10, there are similar sizes:
- G9.5 – 9.5mm. These and variations are often used in theaters.
- GZ10 – MR16 – 10 mm. Twist-and-lock base 120 volts (US)/230 (EU) volts. GZ10 fixtures can also use GU10 bulbs, but often not the other way around.
- G12 – 12mm. Used in theater and high-intensity discharge lamps.
G5.3 fitting
The GU5.3 fitting, also known as an MR16 fitting, is a type of socket commonly used for low-voltage lighting. Think of track lighting, landscape lighting, and accent lighting. GU5.3 refers to the type of connector used with this lamp base. The GU5.3 fitting features a push design, where the bulb is inserted into the socket and then pushed to lock it in place. This design makes it easy to install and remove bulbs when necessary.
GU5.3 spots are available in halogen, LED, and CFL variants. The bulbs are designed to be energy-efficient and durable. They are available in a range of color temperatures and beam angles, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications. Because GU5.3 lamps operate on low voltage, a transformer may be required to convert the voltage from the main power supply to the lower voltage required by the lamp. In addition to GU5.3, there are also similar sizes:
- G5 – 5mm. Suitable for T4 and T5 fluorescent tubes.
- GX5.3 – 5.33mm – 1.45-1.6 mm (round pins). Small halogen (replacement) lamps of 12/24 volts.
- G6.35 – 6.35mm – 12/24 volt halogen (replacement) lamps, often used as task lighting or landscape lighting.
G4 socket
A G4 socket is generally also called a GU4 socket. The G4 socket is a type of fitting commonly used for low-voltage lighting, such as under-cabinet lighting and pendant lights. These lamps are also frequently found in kitchen extractor hoods. G4 refers to the type of connector used at the lamp base.The G4 fitting features a push design, where the bulb is inserted into the fitting and then pushed into place to hold it securely. This design makes it easy to install and remove bulbs when needed.
G4 & GU4 spotlights are typically available in halogen and LED variants and are designed to be energy-efficient and durable. They are available in a range of color temperatures and beam angles, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications. Because G4 lamps operate on low voltage, a transformer may be required to convert the mains voltage to the lower voltage required by the lamp. In addition to G4, similar sizes are also available:
- GY4 – 4 mm. Pin diameter: 0.65-0.75.
- GZ4 – 4mm. Pin diameter: 0.95-1.05.
G9 fitting
The G9 fitting is a type of socket commonly used for small, decorative lighting fixtures such as chandeliers, pendant lights, and wall sconces. Furthermore, this bulb is also widely used for small wall lights or ceiling lights. G9 refers to the type of connector used on the lamp base. The G9 fitting features a plug-in base with 2 loops, with a distance of 9 mm between these two loops.
The G9 fitting features an easy push design, where the bulb is inserted into the socket and then pressed to hold it in place. This design makes it easy to install and remove bulbs when necessary. LED G9 Spots are small and delicate, which means they must be handled with care to prevent breakage or damage.Besides G9, there are also comparable sizes:
- G8 – 8mm. 120-volt halogen (replacement) lamps.
- GY8.6 – 8.6mm. 120-volt halogen (replacement) lamps.
- G9.5 – 9.5mm. These and variations are often used in theaters.
R7s fitting
R7s lamps are also known as linear tube lamps or R7s plug-in lamps. These lamps can be connected directly to 220V (mains electricity). The R7s fitting is a type of socket commonly used for linear lamps in a variety of applications such as floor lamps, floodlights, and work lights. In addition, R7s lamps are frequently found in "old" construction lamps. When the R7s lamp is broken and the "old" fixture is still in good condition, it can be replaced with an LED R7s lamp. With an R7s lamp, you not only save electricity, but the light is also brighter and of higher quality.
An LED R7s bulb is the perfect replacement for a halogen R7s bulb. The R7s fitting is named after the type of connection on the lamp base. The R7s fitting has a linear design with two connections on the lamp base. The lamp is inserted into the fitting and pressed until the pins click into place. This design makes it easy to install and remove lamps when necessary. Because R7s lamps are linear and have pins, they must be handled with care to prevent breakage or damage. When purchasing an LED R7s bulb/R7s rod lamp, you need to know the dimensions of your current R7s lamp. The most common sizes are 78mm and 118mm in length.
Buy LED lighting and LED bulbs at MeinLED
In our assortment, you will find various LED bulbs with different fittings. You can easily and affordably buy LED bulbs online in our webshop.We supply top-brand LED lighting at competitive prices. With a warranty period of up to 5 (!) years and a lifespan of 25,000+ burning hours, you are guaranteed high quality.
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