What types of lamp fittings are there?

Need to replace a light bulb, but don't know which fitting you need? Not surprising, considering that there are over 100 different lamp fittings. In our latest blog, we give you an overview of the most common lamp fittings and their properties.

What is a fitting?

In principle, most forms of lighting consist of three different parts. First of all, you have the fixture; the housing. This is particularly important for its looks, because your lamp must of course fit in well with your interior. Part 2 is the light source; the lamp that actually emits light. The last indispensable part is the lamp socket; the connection between the lamp holder, the light source and the fixture. The light source receives the required power to produce light via the socket.

The most common lamp fittings

As you have read, there are over 100 different lamp sockets, but the majority of these are not often used. The sockets that are often used are highlighted below.

• E27 fitting (large fitting)

  The E27 fitting is the most common of all lamp fittings and is also known as the large fitting. The letter E stands for Edison and the 27 refers to the diameter of the lamp base in millimeters. E27 lamps are often used in household lamps and ceiling lamps. With the help of the screw connection you can easily screw the lamp into your E27 fixture.

  

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  E14 fitting (small fitting)

  Another common fitting is the E14 fitting, also called small fitting or Mignon fitting. As the name suggests, the diameter of the E14 lamp base is smaller than E27 lamps. Lamps with E14 fitting are often found in smaller fixtures and chandeliers.

• GU10 fitting

  The GU10 fitting is the most common fitting when it comes to spotlights. GU10 fittings are equipped with a so-called bayonet lock. The fitting has two pins with a distance of 10 mm between them. You plug them into the holes of the spotlight and then turn it a quarter turn to lock the fitting.

  

   

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  GU5.3 fitting

  A GU5.3 fitting, also known as MR16 fitting, is equipped with a Bipin foot. This plug foot has 2 pins with a distance of 5.3 mm between them. GU5.3 fittings are suitable for 12V voltage, which is useful for damp areas. That is why you often see light sources with this fitting in bathrooms and kitchens, but also outside under the eaves, for example.

• G4/GU4 fitting

  The G4 fitting is somewhat similar to the GU5.3 fitting, with the main difference being that the GU4 fitting is usually used for decorative lighting such as desk lamps and standing lamps. You also see a lot of G4 light sources under the extractor hood. The 2 pins with a distance of 4 mm between them are easy to plug in, after which the light source works immediately.

  

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  G9 fitting

  The G9 fitting is again a push-in fitting. Characteristic are the 2 loops. Especially with the somewhat smaller wall and ceiling lamps you see G9 fittings a lot. Placing a lamp with this fitting is very easy; just stick it in the fixture and you have light immediately.

• G53 fitting

  Only AR111 light sources have a G53 fitting. This fitting has a diameter of 111 mm. You mainly see it in recessed and surface-mounted spotlights. A light source with a G53 fitting is secured with clamps or screws.

  

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  T8 fitting (G13)

  The T8 fitting is found in fluorescent tubes . A T8 tube has a diameter of 28 mm. The fitting is also called a G13 fitting, because the pins are 13 mm apart. T8 tubes are suitable for both electronic and conventional ballasts with starter.

Tips for choosing the right fitting

We hope that this blog has taught you a little more about the most common types of fittings and their properties. To really make sure that you buy the lamp with the right fitting, we have a few additional tips for you:

• Check the manual of your lighting to find out which fitting you need. Do you no longer have the manual? The type of fitting is often also stated on the lamp itself.
• Please note that the fitting of your new lamp can also handle the maximum wattage. This can also be found in the manual or on the lamp itself.
• Please note that not all lamps with the same fitting also have the same dimensions. So make sure that the lamp is not too big for your fixture.

If you have any questions about a specific type of fitting, please do not hesitate to contact our specialists. We are always ready to help you find the perfect light source!