There are various lamp sockets used to mount lamps in fixtures, depending on the type of lamp and the application. The choice of socket is important because it determines whether the lamp fits properly in the fixture and whether the electrical connection is secure. Here are the most common types of lamp sockets:
1. Edison screw fittings (E-fittings)
These are the most common fittings, especially for incandescent, halogen, LED, and energy-saving lamps.
- E27 : The most commonly used socket for regular incandescent bulbs and LED lamps in households. The "E" stands for Edison screw thread, and the "27" means the thread diameter is 27 millimeters.
- E14 : Smaller version of the E27, often used in smaller lamps or decorative fixtures, such as candle bulbs in chandeliers.
- E40 : A larger fitting, often used for industrial lighting or street lighting, with a diameter of 40 millimeters.
2. Bayonet fittings (B-fittings)
These sockets use a bayonet fit where the bulb is inserted into the socket and then turned to secure it.
- B22 : The standard bayonet fitting for household lamps, also known as the bayonet base. It has a diameter of 22 millimeters and is found in many fixtures in homes and commercial spaces.
- B15 : A smaller bayonet fitting, often used in decorative lamps or candle lights.
3. GU fittings (plug fittings)
GU fittings are often used for halogen and LED lamps, especially in spotlights and downlights.
- GU10 : A commonly used fitting for spotlights and LED bulbs in lighting fixtures such as recessed spotlights. It has two pins that click into the socket.
- GU5.3 : Used for 12V halogen and LED lamps , often used in recessed spotlights . This fitting has two pins with a distance of 5.3 millimeters between them.
- GU4 : This is a smaller version of the GU5.3 and is also often used for 12V lamps , often in desk lamps and other small fixtures.
4. G-fittings (Pin fittings)
These fittings use pins that are inserted into the fitting.
- G9 : Used for halogen lamps and LED lamps in more compact fixtures. The pins are 9 millimeters apart and are often used in small spotlights or table lamps.
- G4 : A common fitting for 12V halogen lamps , used in smaller fixtures such as pendant lamps , spotlights , and table lamps . The pins are 4 millimeters apart.
5. R7s Fitting
- R7s is a linear fitting often used in halogen lamps and LED tubes . The fitting has two pins at each end of the bulb and is often used in wall lamps or outdoor lighting .
6. ARC fittings
- ARC is a type of fitting used in some industrial applications for large gas discharge lamps (such as high pressure sodium and metal halide lamps ).
7. MR16 Fitting
- The MR16 is a halogen spotlight with a G5.3 base. The bulbs have a diameter of 2 inches and are often used in recessed spotlights and track lighting . They often operate on 12V and are energy-efficient.
8. Special fittings
There are also many other fittings for specialty lamps such as ceiling lights , garden lights , and industrial use , depending on the specific requirements of the fixture and the application. Some of these applications may require special fittings, such as T5 or T8 for fluorescent lamps .
9. End connectors
LED strips and other flexible lighting can use specific end connectors or clamps to connect the lighting.
Summary of Common Fittings:
|
Fitting |
Description |
Usage |
|
E27 |
Edison screw thread (28mm diameter) |
Most common fitting for house lamps |
|
E14 |
Smaller Edison screw thread (14mm diameter) |
Smaller lamps, candle lamps |
|
B22 |
Bayonet fitting (22mm diameter) |
Widely used in household lighting |
|
GU10 |
Plug fitting with pins (10mm between pins) |
Spotlights, LED lamps in recessed spotlights |
|
G9 |
Pin fitting (9mm between pins) |
Small spotlights, table lamps |
|
R7s |
Linear fitting with pins |
Halogen lamps, industrial lighting |
|
GU5.3 |
2-pin socket for 12V halogen/LED lamps |
Spotlights, recessed spotlights |
It's important to choose the correct socket to ensure the bulb fits properly in the fixture and the electrical connection is safe and reliable. The socket type and size should always match the specifications of the bulb and fixture.