- E27 base device for light bulbs
- Types of e27 bulbs and their parameters
- incandescent lamp
- Halogen
- energy saving
- LED
- Packaging and appearance of the LED lamp
- Edison base
- Characteristics of popular types of socles for lighting lamps
- Base E14
- Plinth E27
- Plinth G4
- Plinth G5
- Plinth G9
- Plinth 2G10
- Plinth 2G11
- Plinth G12
- Plinth G13
- Plinth R50
- Plinth types
- Types of lamps and base
- Types of plinth
- What are plinths
- What base do regular light bulbs have?
- Threaded or screw bases
- Marking
- e27 plinth features
- Design
- Size and specifications
- Product marking
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Characteristics
- Edison socket e27
- Design
- Types of threaded bases for LED lamps and their features
- Main conclusions
E27 base device for light bulbs
At the bottom of the Edison base are diodes that receive a signal from the cartridge. From them, current flows through two wires. Black is connected to the body, red is connected to the center pin. From them, electricity is already supplied to the final destination.
In incandescent lamps, a stem is also built into the base. This is a special tube, through which air is pumped out of the flask in production or inert gases, halogen vapors are added.
LED lamps and dimmer
Cartridges with a thread of any diameter are installed in lighting devices with a power of 3 to 1000 watts. Edison's invention became widespread due to the fact that modern technologies make it possible to connect not only bulbs with an incandescent filament to the base, but also various options for energy-saving analogues. Easy to manufacture, lightweight aluminum body practically does not deform and has a long service life, which is also the reason for the high demand.
Types of e27 bulbs and their parameters
The E27 base is used in all spheres of life and in production, as well as on mining equipment. Gradually, incandescent lamps are being replaced by LED and energy-saving ones. However, the principle of fastening remains the same.
incandescent lamp
An incandescent lamp is a source of illumination. It has been most actively used since the invention of electric lamps and up to the 21st century.
In an incandescent lamp, light is produced by heating carbon filament or tungsten to very high temperatures. Heating is carried out by electricity passing through the cartridge to the base.
A glass bulb over the filament is needed so that the hot metal does not oxidize in the air. All air is pumped out of the flask until a vacuum is formed, or inert gases are added.
The device emits light with a flux of 10 Lm/W. Its power range is defined by the boundaries of 25-150 watts. Frequent switching on and off causes the tungsten filament to wear out and burn out.
Halogen
A halogen lamp is an incandescent lamp filled with halogen vapor from the inside. The device emits a stream of light of 17–20 lm/W. Halogen lamps last up to 5000 hours, which significantly exceeds the life of conventional incandescent lamps.Often there are halogen bulbs with pins, linear type.
energy saving
Compact lamps that emit fluorescent light. Energy-saving devices, as the name suggests, consume less energy.
At the same time, they give off 5 times more light than conventional lamps. Their light power is 50–70 Lm/W. The current power level in a 20W twisted fluorescent lamp corresponds to a power of 100W on a standard incandescent lamp.
Twisted, or spiral shape, provides a compact product. Energy-saving devices give even "daylight" light, which has a beneficial effect on a person.
LED
LED-type lamps began to disperse en masse after 2010. The power range lies in the range from 4 to 15 watts. The luminous flux from LEDs is on average 80-120 Lm / W. As you can see from these numbers, LED lamps have taken another step towards lower energy consumption with more output.
LED devices can be used in rooms with high levels of humidity, as they are relatively safe. On sale there are models designed for low voltage of 12-24 watts.
Packaging and appearance of the LED lamp
Much about the product itself says the packaging and appearance of the product. To understand how to choose the right LED lamps for your home, you need to deal with this item. Packaging must contain comprehensive information, at least such as:
- power value;
- guarantee period;
- luminous flux of the lamp;
- country of origin;
- plinth type;
- dispersion angle;
- information about the manufacturer;
- color rendering value and color temperature.
If the package contains only some of the listed items or does not contain them at all, then it is not recommended to choose such an LED lamp for home lighting. As for the appearance, before buying it is advisable to get the lamp out of the package and carefully examine it. All visible elements of the lamp must be carefully mounted
In products with a transparent bulb, you should pay attention to the location and installation of LEDs.
An important point that you should definitely pay attention to is the radiator. There is an opinion that LED lamps do not heat up.
However, it is not. Any modern LED lamp is designed using powerful ultra-bright LEDs, which have an efficiency index (coefficient of performance) in the region of about 40%. The rest of the consumed energy is released on the crystal of the semiconductor element in the form of heat. LEDs are small and unable to dissipate all the heat generated on their own. To remove heat from the crystal, a heat sink system is used, without which the LED crystals will simply burn out. For this reason, when choosing an LED lamp, it is imperative to pay attention to the presence of a radiator and its area. It is worth noting that a radiator with a small surface area will not be able to dissipate heat well in a room with low convection.
Edison base
The oldest device that provides a connection to a lighting fixture is the Edison base. It is a device with a screw thread that is screwed into a cartridge. The international designation is the capital letter E. The two-digit number after the letter indicates the diameter of the product in millimeters. So, the designation of the base E14 indicates that it is screw with a diameter of 14 mm.Size classification is divided into:
- large GES - E40;
- medium ES - for lamps with a screw element type E26 (110 V - for the American market) and E27;
- miniature MES diameters E10 and E12;
- small (minions) SES - used in a lamp whose base diameter is 14 and 17 mm (for power systems with 110 V);
- microsocle LES - lamp products with an E5 screw-in element.
These structural elements are most often used in incandescent lamps and are used to illuminate streets and premises. In addition, they can often be seen in household appliances. The industry offers a wide variety of screw base lighting lamps. They are pear-shaped, drop-like, round, candle-shaped, mushroom-shaped, matte and mirror.
Characteristics of popular types of socles for lighting lamps
Base E14
Everyone's favorite popular "minion". Suitable for many types of light bulbs, used for both decorative and general lighting. It is most often consumed under incandescent lamps, since the energy-saving option is more expensive. Also, do not forget about the led-variety, which do not have the disadvantages inherent in the lamps mentioned above. Due to their compactness, "minions" are widely used, because they can be inserted into almost any lamp or chandelier.
Plinth E27
The properties are the same as the above-mentioned E14, differing from it only in an older history of origin and greater fame. Regarding versatility, here both designs are almost the same, because in which case there are countless special adapters.
Plinth G4

Designed for voltage from 12 to 24V, estimated service life - up to two thousand hours. Designed for very miniature halogen-type light bulbs, which play an exclusively decorative role in lighting.
Plinth G5
Unlike its smaller subtype, it is also designed for LED lamps. They are often used in false ceilings for local lighting of individual elements of the interior decor of the room.
Plinth G9
They differ in their work without transformers, they are used in a conventional 220V network. They are installed in many lamps and chandeliers, the lamps are usually halogen (then the basement is made of glass), but there are also LED variations (in this case, the glass is replaced with plastic). They are second in popularity after the Edison screw.
Plinth 2G10

It is a combination of two similar designs. It has four pins and is made specifically for extra flat fluorescent type lamps, which are used for characteristic wall fixtures, or their ceiling variants.
Plinth 2G11
An even more compact version, designed for fluorescent lamps that are inserted into luminaires of especially small dimensions, which illuminate a small area, but are nevertheless used for both indoor and outdoor lighting of the attached area.
Plinth G12
Designed for small metal halide bulbs, which have excellent color rendering and light output, therefore they are widely used in the field of landscape design, often for illuminating facades, monuments or fountains. Relatively durable. They work stably in outdoor conditions and are generally unpretentious. Pretty popular group.
Plinth G13
Applicable for the installation of standard T8 fluorescent lamps, with a bulb with a diameter of up to 26 mm. Their gas-discharge subtype is characterized by increased efficiency, a relatively large illuminated area and a clearly greater durability than similar incandescent lamps. It is usually used for interior space.
Plinth R50

The most popular area of consumption of this group is in spots (a kind of spotlights) or in suspended ceilings. Mirror lamps are gaining prominence in home lighting due to their low cost. The flask type is often drop-shaped.
Read more:
What is a halogen lamp, where is it used, how to choose a halogen lamp for the home
How to properly position spotlights on a stretch ceiling
What is measured in lumens and what are the norms of illumination per 1 square meter?
Comparison of the main parameters of LED lamps and incandescent lamps, a table of correspondence between power and luminous flux
How to choose an LED strip for lighting, types of LED strips, decoding of markings
Plinth types

The most common bases in home electrics are threaded, have been used for over 100 years and have a different size, as a rule, depending on the power of the device:
- E 40 - the thread diameter of such a base is 40 mm, it is used mainly in powerful lighting fixtures for street lighting.
- E 27 - the most common type of plinth of this design. It is used both in incandescent lamps and in energy-saving lamps.
- E 14 - often used in chandeliers and household lamps of low power.
- E 10 is a miniature base, often used for decorative lighting of a small object.
- E 5 - micro-base, used in low-voltage lighting devices. The second most common type of base is pin, denoted by the letter “G” and a number that indicates the distance in millimeters between the contacts of the base.
- G4 - lamps with such a base are used in spotlights that operate at a constant voltage of 12 V.
- G5 - halogen and LED lamps are equipped with such a base, which are installed in ceiling lights.
- G5.3 - such lamps are used both to illuminate the entire room, located in the ceiling, and for single illumination of any section.
- G6.35 - usually halogen lamps are equipped with such a base, the supply voltage of such devices is usually 12V.
- G9 - mainly halogen lamps are equipped with this type of base, sometimes you can find LED devices with this type of base.
- G10 - this type of base is not very common, it is used with halogen lamps. Such devices are used for both indoor lighting and outdoor lighting fixtures.
- G12 - a very common type of base, used mainly with fluorescent fluorescent lamps.
Types of lamps and base
There are seven types that differ in the characteristics of light:
- Natural cool color with LKB marking.
- Daylight with improved color rendering with LDC marking.
- White warm color LTB.
- Day color with LD marking.
- White color LB.
- Natural color with improved LEC color rendering.
- Cool white color LHB.
Types of plinth
Fluorescent lamps, unlike incandescent lamps, are not connected directly to the electrical network.For connection, special devices are used - ballasts, these are ballasts.
They are divided into two types: with external gear and built-in electronic gear. Ballasts are ballasts, electronic ballasts are electronic ballasts. Ballasts can be built into the cartridge or into the instrument.
Models with external control gear are divided into 2-pin and 4-pin bases. Four-pin bases are connected using a special device or choke.
A two-pin base can only be turned on with a throttle. Lamps with external control gear are often used for table lamps, chandeliers.
Also, there are models that are produced with a base in which an electronic ballast is built. The base is produced with a thread of two diameters - standard and small.
What are plinths
Due to the variety of socles known today, a classification has been developed, according to which all types of lamp socles are usually divided into groups. Among them, two groups are considered the most common: threaded and pin.
Threaded
The threaded base is considered traditional, or, as it is also called, the screw base. It is denoted by the Latin letter E. The threaded base is widely used for many types of lamps, including household ones. The letter, as a rule, is followed by a number, it indicates the diameter of the thread. The most common screw bases are designated E14 and E27. For high-power lamps, there are also bases, for example, E40.
A little less popular is the pin base, it is denoted by the letter G, which shows the gap between the contacts in millimeters.The scope of the pin base is also wide - suitable for many lamps: halogen, fluorescent and ordinary incandescent lamps.
Pin base
In addition to the traditional ones, there are several more types of socles that are less common, but, nevertheless, are used for various types of lamps.
- Plinths with recessed contact (R). They are used mainly for high-intensity appliances that operate on alternating current.
- Pin (B). They allow you to quickly replace the lamp in the cartridge due to asymmetrical side contacts. They are an improved analogue of threaded plinths.
- With one pin (F). Such plinths come in three subspecies: cylindrical, corrugated and special shape.
- Soffit (S). Most often, light bulbs with such a base are used in hotels and cars. Their distinguishing feature is the two-way arrangement of contacts.
- Fixing (P). Scope - special spotlights and lanterns.
- Telephone (T). They are equipped with control panel lamps, backlights, signal lamps in automation panels.
Soffit lamp
Often the marking of the lamp consists of more than one letter. The second letter usually indicates a subspecies of the lighting device:
- V - base with a conical end
- U - energy saving
- A - automotive.
Types of lamp bases
In this video, a specialist will talk in detail about the different types of plinths:
What base do regular light bulbs have?
The most common incandescent lamps in everyday life have a threaded base, marked with the letter "E". The number following the letter determines the diameter of the part included in the cartridge. The larger the value, the wider the base. If you buy a light bulb of a larger or smaller diameter, then the lighting element will not fit the cartridge.
A screw base is not a guarantee that the light bulb is intended for domestic use. It's all about diameter. The threaded parts included in the cartridge are produced in the following types:
- micro base E5;
- miniature E10;
- small E12;
- "minion" E14;
- medium E27;
- big E40.
The number in the marking indicates the size of the diameter in millimeters. Along with the above, there are threaded bases in sizes of 17, 26, 39 mm.
Each type has its own characteristics, scope, but they are all designated by the letter E in honor of Edison. In everyday life, two types of light bulbs are used: E14 and E27. Lighting elements with a large Edison base (40) are also presented on the domestic market, but they are intended for industrial and street lighting.
Threaded or screw bases
Threaded or screw connection of the cartridge in the lamp and the base of the lamp is the most widespread. In instruction manuals and other technical documents, such socles are marked as EXX, where the letter E - Edison - corresponds to the name of the person who invented this light bulb, and the numbers XX indicate the thread diameter, measured in millimeters.
This connection method has been used since the beginning of the last century, it is considered the most accelerated and electrically safe. It has been widely used to date, including energy saving fluorescent lamps compact type.
The threaded base is screwed into the cartridge part in a clockwise direction, while one of the contacts is connected to the phase conductor coming from the switch, and the other to zero. Such a connection guarantees the absence of dangerous voltage on current-carrying parts, being in the on state.
Marking
Since the voltage values in the networks of different countries vary markedly, varieties of the most suitable thread diameters were mastered in production. In most cases, the mains supply voltage is 220-230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. For these indicators, the base structures E14, E27 and E40 will be the most suitable.
The smallest base, known in everyday life as a minion, is marked E14. It was originally designed for small candle-shaped light bulbs. They are widely used in decorative lighting, in spherical and non-standard lamps.
The most widely used bases are E27, originally used exclusively in incandescent bulbs. With the development of technology, they found their application in compact phosphor lamps, and later in LEDs. Most of the newest modern light sources are adjusted specifically to this standard.
E40 bases are installed in large powerful lamps. A classic example is a five hundred watt product used in street lighting systems, as well as in luminaires for production workshops, surrounding areas, warehouses and other objects with large areas. The same luminaires use new lamps - compact fluorescent and LED with appropriate sockets.
The use of E40 socles made it possible to avoid the replacement of expensive lighting fixtures when switching to more modern light sources.
As additional information, the E10 low-voltage light bulb operating at a low voltage of 2.5 to 6.3 volts can be noted. They were installed in low-voltage equipment and were popular in garlands for Christmas trees.As light sources, they ceased to be used when bright multi-colored LEDs appeared, completely replacing small incandescent bulbs in all areas.
e27 plinth features
To choose the right light bulb for the lighting fixture, you must consider the type of base. A plinth of the wrong size cannot be mounted in the chuck without the appropriate adapter.
In the name "E27", the numerical designation means the diameter of the external thread. "E" in this case stands for Edison. Socles E27 are available in a wide range. Varieties of light bulbs with standard thread:
- the small standard E14 is 14 millimeters in diameter;
- diameter E27, as already mentioned, reaches 27 millimeters;
- in the E40 device, the thread diameter is 40 millimeters.
Conventional light bulbs of the E27 standard are used everywhere in everyday life. They are placed in ceiling lamps, table lamps and chandeliers. The power supply of such a device is possible through a network of 220V (AC).
Design
The E27 base is a cylinder with a large encircling thread. The base is attached to the counterpart. The counterpart is the inner surface of the cartridge in contact with the base. The screw method of attaching the base to the cartridge allows you to safely and quickly replace the desired lamp.
There are many types of threaded light bulbs. E27 is the most common base type in Europe, Russia and North America.
The counterpart is made of ceramic or metal. At the bottom of the cartridge there are contact plates through which electricity is transmitted to the light bulb. Energy from one contact goes through the central part of the very bottom of the base. The other two contacts (in some cases only 1 contact) conduct electricity to the threaded part.
The electrodes at the bottom of the base receive electrical voltage and apply it through wires to the board or filaments. The supply wires run inside the base housing. The black wire is connected to the base body, the red wire is connected to the center terminal. Also, inside the base of a conventional incandescent light bulb, a stem is designed to pump air out of the bulb.
220V on E27 is the standard for Russia. In many other countries, E26 threaded luminaires powered by 110V are more common.
Size and specifications
On the E27 base, the length of the lamp can be, for example, from 73 to 181 millimeters, the bulb diameter can be in the range of 45-80 millimeters. The shapes of the glass "cap" also differ. "Cap" can be pear-shaped, spherical or spiral. There are products made in the form of the letter U or reminiscent of a bazooka.
Product marking
E27 - this is one of the types of base marking. Plinth marking is a symbol that indicates the characteristic properties of an object.
As already mentioned, in the E27 marking, the number means the diameter of the thread, and the letter indicates belonging to the Edison patent collection.
Light bulbs marked E27 base can vary in power:
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages and disadvantages of metal elements, which are integral parts of any lighting structure, largely depend on the lighting devices themselves in which they are installed. So the following indicators can be attributed to the pluses of luminescent sources: high technical indicators (power, light output, energy intensity).In addition, especially energy-saving devices are characterized by high durability. The disadvantages include their cost, which is often high, in the event of a voltage drop, they can fail, and if turned on for a very long time, they negatively affect a person’s well-being.
Characteristics
The dimensions of the plinths are not always directly proportional to the required output luminous flux. For example, E40 has a coil diameter of 40 mm, and R7, only 7 mm. And the output power of the former reaches a result of 1000 watts, the latter can shine at all 1500 watts.
The marking of the socles of all light bulbs is represented by uppercase, lowercase letters and numbers. The number refers to geometric characteristics. The Latin alphabet means the following:
| B | Pin (bayonet) | s | 1 contact |
| E | Threaded (Edison) | d | 2 contacts |
| G | pin | t | 3 contacts |
| K | Cable | q | 4 contacts |
| P | Focusing | p | 5 contacts |
| R | With recessed contacts | ||
| S | soffitny | ||
| T | Telephone | ||
| W | Baseless lamps |
Marking
If the number immediately follows the capital letter, then it indicates the outer diameter of the base (E27) or the distance between the center points of the protruding contact elements (G4). Additionally, A (automotive lamp), U (energy saving) or V (conical shape of the bottom of the base) can be specified.
Edison socket e27
The base provides fastening in the lamp socket thanks to the screw thread. The type of thread is indicated by the letter "E". The next number indicates the diameter in millimeters. E27 is most common in Europe and Russia. Historically, it was developed by Thomas Edison specifically for incandescent lamps. Patented in 1894.
Design
Edison base device
The base is a cylinder with a diameter of 27 mm with a thread. The body is made of aluminium. At the top is the bottom contact. One of the electrodes leading to the tungsten spiral is attached to the bottom. The second electrode is attached to the thread. In addition, in the base of incandescent, halogen lamps there is a glass insulator. The insulator is hollow inside, air is pumped out through it, inert gases and halogen vapors are added to the “halogens”.
When connecting, the phase wire should be connected to the base contact. The neutral wire is connected to the screw thread. With such a connection, the likelihood of a person getting under the current is minimal.
Connecting the e27 to the electrical network
The design of the bases for other types of light sources is the same, except for the glass insulator. Some LEDs may have a driver in it.

Filament led light source
Types of threaded bases for LED lamps and their features
The popularity of LED lamps is increasing today, this is due to the fact that they provide high-quality lighting with minimal energy consumption. Other advantages of LED bulbs include durability, low fire safety, high electrical safety, and aesthetic appearance.
The most popular type of LED lamp base is threaded or screw. In the technical documentation, it is designated by the letter E, which stands for Edison (the name of the creator of the device). Light sources with this type of holder are designed for alternating current 220 V. This is the easiest way to connect light bulbs. Previously, E bases were used for incandescent lamps, now more and more often they are re-equipping the electrical circuit using diode bulbs.
Common types of light-emitting diode (LED) lamp bases with E marking:
- E14 - suitable for small light bulbs, which are called "minions". They are used in low-power (up to 3 W) lamps, compact chandeliers, sconces, which are usually placed in the kitchen, toilet, bathroom, corridor. The shape of the light sources is different: a candle, a ball or a mushroom;
- E27 - this holder is used for the most familiar light bulbs. They are installed in pendant, overhead chandeliers, various lamps, etc. The optimal power of lighting elements is from 4 W. They are suitable not only for ordinary, but also for halogen, energy-saving, diode lamps;
The universal screw base is suitable for various types of lamps: conventional, halogen, fluorescent, light-emitting diode (LED).
There are several more types of detachable threaded connections that are used less frequently:
- E5 is the smallest lamp holder.
- E10 is a small base designed for low voltage (up to 6.3 V).
- E12 is slightly larger than the previous type of device.
- E17 - small detachable connection.
- E26 - medium size holder.
Socles E17 and E26 are designed for a 110 V network.
Before making a choice, be sure to look at the lamp socket and study the technical specifications.
Main conclusions
There are a lot of types of socles for LED (LED) lamps, but devices of type E and G are considered the most popular.
When choosing a holder, keep in mind that not all light bulbs operate at the same voltage.
Some light sources operate from a network of 12 - 24 V, while others operate at 220 V.
Practically each base has its own purpose, which increases its efficiency.
Before buying a base, decide where the lamp will be used, under what conditions.
In addition, select a lamp with a suitable voltage, measure the circumference of the socket or study the technical documentation for the lamp and find out what voltage you have at home.
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