Bulb Shapes
A SERIES
ARBITRARY SPHERICAL
A Shape lamps are the most common. The number is the diameter of the widest part of the lamp in eighths. In the case of an A19, it would be 19/8's, or 2-3/8" in diameter.
B SERIES
BULGED LAMPS
B is short for Bulged. The number is the diameter of the widest part of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a B10 would be 10/8's, or 1-1/4" in diameter.
BR/ER SERIES
BLOWN REFLECTOR
BR is short for Blown Reflector. The number is the diameter of the end of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a BR30 would be 30/8's, or 3-3/4" in diameter.
C SERIES
CANDELABRA LAMPS
C is short for Candelabra. The number is the diameter of the widest part of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a C7 would be 7/8's in diameter.
CA SERIES
CANDLE ANGULAR
CA is short for Candle Angular. The number is the diameter of the widest part of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a CA5 is 5/8's in diameter.
CFL SCREW-IN
COMPANY FLUORESCENT LAMP (CFL) SCREW-IN
The number refers to the size of the coil; T2 is a smaller coil (as illustrated) while T6 is larger.
CFL PLUG-IN
COMPANY FLUORESCENT LAMP (CFL) PLUG-IN
The number refers to the number of tubes on the CFL.
ET/PRISM SERIES
ET-16 (INCANDESCENT AND LED) BULB
AND PRISM CANDELABRA BASE BULB
G SERIES
GLOBE SHAPE
G is short for Globe. The number is the diameter of the widest part of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a G40 would 40/8's, or 5" in diameter.
HID
HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE
B is short for Bulged. BT is short for Bulged Tubular. E is short for Ellipsoidal. ED is short for Ellipsoidal Dimple. The number is the diameter for the widest part of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a B17 would be 17/8's, or 2-1/8" in diameter.
LFL
LINEAR FLUORESCENT
LFL is short for Linear Fluorescent Lamp. The number is the diameter of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a T8 would 8/8's in diameter, or 1" in diameter.
MR SERIES
MULTIFACETED REFLECTOR
MR is short for Multifaceted Reflector. These lamps are generally used in spot lamps and track lights. The numerical part of the shape is the diameter of the end of the lamps in eighths. For instance, a MR16 would be 16/8's, or 2" in diameter.
PAR SERIES
PAR LAMPS
PAR is short for Prysmatic Aluminized Reflector. The number is the diameter of the widest part of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a PAR16 would be 16/8's, or 2" in diameter.
PS SERIES
PEAR SHAPED LAMPS
PS is short for Pear Shaped. The number is the diameter of the widest part of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a PS25 would be 25/8's, or 3-1/8" in diameter.
R SERIES
REFLECTOR
R is short for Reflector. The numerical part of the shape is the diameter of the end of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a R30 would be 30/8's, or 3-3/4" in diameter.
RP + S SERIES
RP TYPE MINIATURE LIGHT BULBS
AND S SERIES SPECIALTY BULBS
The numbers refer to the diameters of the glass in 1/8 inch increments.
SPECIALTY
T SERIES
TUBULAR LIGHT BULBS
T is short for Tubular. The number is the diameter of the lamp in eighths. For instance, a T10 would be 10/8's, or 1-1/4" in diameter.
Bulb Bases & Sockets
There are two main types of light bulb bases: screw-in bases and pin bases. Each works in a different way to connect your light bulb to electrical voltage.
Screw bases come in several sizes and are referred to by both a descriptive name and their size. Unlike light bulb shapes, the number in the light bulb base measure the light bulb base diameter in millimeters. For instance, the candelabra E12 has a diameter of 12 millimeters and the “E” indicates that it has an Edison base.
Besides screw-in bases, there are also plug-in fluorescent bases, GU series, bi-pin bases and specialty bases. If you don’t see the specific base you’re looking for, contact us and we’ll help answer your questions.
E SERIES
Screw in E type bases are the most common. The numerical part is the diameter of the base in millimeters. For instance, an E27 is 27 mm in diameter.
FLUORESCENT BASES
PLUG-IN FLUORESCENT BASES
Plug-In fluorescent light bulbs have either 2 pins or 4 pins. 2-pin lamps have an internal starter and are designed for preheat, magnetic operation. 4-pin lamps are designed for electronic ballast operation and are dimmable.
BI-PIN BASES
Bi-Pin bases are push in type pin bases. The numerical part of the base is the distance between the pins in millimeters. For instance, a G12 base would be 12mm from pin to pin.
GU SERIES
GU bases have pins with locking ends on them, and twist into the socket. The numerical part of the base is the distance between the pins in millimeters. For instance, a GU10 is 10mm from pin to pin.
SPECIALTY
