E10, E12 And E14 Bulbs – What’s The Difference?

When purchasing light bulbs online, it might be challenging to determine if the screw or bayonet cap is the correct size when comparing the product image on the computer screen to the old bulb you are holding in your hand. The situation is made worse by the fact that little screw caps only differ in size by a few millimetres.

But don't panic; if you understand what the different cap kinds represent and have access to your go-to sellotape measure or ruler, you can get the correct bulb every time.

The code used to define the bulb cap may be found in the product description or specification while browsing an online store. It will begin with the letter "E," which stands for Edison Screw, for screw-in fittings. As an example, an E10 screw fits into a lamp holder with a 10mm diameter, an E14 screw fits into a 14mm diameter holder, and so on. The second component will be a number that corresponds to the diameter of the lamp holder the bulb's screw goes into.

You'll recall that I indicated the diameter of the lamp holder, not the bulb's screw, is important. This is due to the fact that the screw cap's real diameter is a little bit less than the fitting's. The screw wouldn't fit if they were precisely the same size! The screw caps' precise dimensions are as follows:

A second name for E10 is MES, or Miniature Edison Screw. They are frequently seen in vintage chandeliers, hence the bulbs made to fit e10 lamp holders tend to be more aesthetically pleasing to match the fixture. the.., and the.., and the.., and the.., and the.., and the.., and the.., and the.

E12 is a size that is most frequently utilised in American candelabra fittings that are vintage or foreign-made. As it is the least popular screw size, your neighbourhood grocer is unlikely to carry it. Fortunately, you can still buy a decent selection of bulbs online from specialised bulb vendors (like us!).

The Little Edison Screw, or E14, is a highly popular size in use throughout Europe and the UK. It may be found in a variety of modest light fixtures throughout the house, including wall lights, chandeliers, and bedside table lamps. With an E14 cap, you may purchase a wide variety of bulb forms, such as candles, golf balls, tiny reflector spot lights, and tiny ornamental filament bulbs. Be careful you understand which form will work best for your fitting.

Edison Screw is also known as E27. In the vast majority of big mains voltage light fixtures, this is the usual screw size. There are always exceptions even if it's rare for this size to be employed in a delicate chandelier or an antique fixture. For bulbs with an E27 cap, a broad variety of forms will once again be offered.