Cracking the Light Bulb Code: All You Need To Know About Bulb Types

19-04-2021

To this date, there is a vast range of light bulbs currently available in the market. Knowing which is which will not just save you time, but also avoid errors and incurring unnecessary costs, or worse, losing your clients’ trust. Generally, light bulbs are mainly categorised according to their base, shape, and size. The codes seen on light bulbs’ box packaging pertain to these aforementioned attributes.

Base, Shape, and Size

For example – on the A60 light bulb, the letter – in this case, A – refers to the light bulb shape. The A shape is the classic bulb shape that has been the most common shape for GLS or General Lighting Service applications. The number that follows the letter indicates the nominal major diameter of the bulb in millimetres.

So in the case of the A60 light bulb – it has the classic light bulb shape, with a 60mm diameter.

The C series light bulbs refer to ‘candela’ or candle-shaped light bulbs, usually used in chandeliers, wall lamps, and more.

The P & G series are spherical, golf ball-shaped light bulbs.

The R and PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) series are reflector or spotlight light bulbs used in directional, ceiling lighting fittings.

The F series light bulbs are UFO-shaped big light bulbs, useful for their broader lighting scope

On the other hand, choosing the correct base is very important, as they are not interchangeable. Each base corresponds to a certain holder where it is perfectly compatible.

B22 - Found in most ceiling fittings in the United Kingdom, the B22 or Bayonet base is a push-and-twist type of base that has a standard diameter of 22 mm.

B15 - A smaller Bayonet base type that is 15 mm in diameter

E27 - Commonly used in ceiling fittings, table/desk lamps, or floor lamps, the E27 is also referred to as the Edison Screw (ES) base type with 27mm in diameter

E14 - Also referred to as the Smaller Edison Screw (SES) base with a 14-mm diameter, usually used in wall lamps, and indoor lighting fittings

Colour Temperature, Equivalent Watts, and Other Important Attributes

The lighting’s colour temperature sets the mood in every room and should be able to fit its purpose – whether it’s for mood lighting, task lighting, or just for general lighting purposes. The standard colour temperatures range from 2700K/3000K Warm White, 4000K Day White, then to the coolest 6400K White. The unit Kelvin is used to measure the light’s colour temperature. The lower the number, the warmer the colour.

LED Bulbs use way less wattage but give off more, if not the same light output as traditional, incandescent light bulbs. For example, this 9W A60 light bulb has an equivalent wattage of 60W. This means that it emits the same light output as that of a 60W, only it uses far less power of only 9W. This also shows how efficient and how much energy is saved by switching to LEDs.

Explore more light bulb shapes & sizes, base types, colours, and more at vtacexports.com.