Types of lamp fittings
​The most commonly used fittings:​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
What types of lamp sockets are there?
​A socket is an object that connects parts together. The socket of a lamp is also called a lamp socket and is attached to a lamp base. In the Netherlands, the following sockets are often used: E27, E14, G4, GU5.3 and GU10. Do you not know which socket belongs to which type of lamp? In this article we will explain it all to you.
Did you know that? The screw fittings such as the 'E27' and 'E14' were developed by Thomas Edison. The letter E stands for Edison. And the number after the 'E' stands for the diameter (in millimeters) of the thread of the fitting. So, the E27 fitting has a diameter of 27mm, and the E14 a diameter of 14mm.
​
​
What is an E27 fitting?
The E27 fitting used to be mainly used for light bulbs. Nowadays it is the standard fitting, in which an LED bulb is used in most cases. This fitting is mainly used for general home lighting and can now have multiple (RGB) colours. It is also possible to connect PAR lamps to it. PAR lamps are suitable for spotlights and for rooms with high ceilings. For a pendant lamp, wall lamp, table lamp, standing lamp and ceiling lamp it is by definition the E27 or E14 fitting that is mounted.
Fitting specifications:
-
Suitable for: pendant lamps, wall lamps, table lamps, standing lamps, ceiling lamps
-
Diameter fitting: 27 mm
-
Type fitting: Screw thread
-
Connection voltage: 230V
​​​
​
​What is an E14 fitting?
The E14 fitting is a smaller fitting than the E27 version. The E14 fitting is becoming increasingly popular in fixtures because it looks more elegant. This fitting is used in table lamps, mood lighting and spotlights. E14 lighting can have different shapes. They are also available in multiple (RGB) light colours. You can recognise most E14 lamps by their spherical and candle shapes.
Fitting specifications:
-
Suitable for: Pendant lamps, wall lamps, table lamps, standing lamps, ceiling lights
-
Diameter fitting: 14 mm
-
Type fitting: Screw thread
-
Connection voltage: 230V
​​
​
​What is a G4 fitting?
With the G4 fitting, the number in the name is the distance between the pins, 4mm. This fitting is suitable for places where there is little space, such as a cupboard or under a kitchen cupboard. But also for mood lighting, desk lamps and in the extractor hood. The fitting is a bipin foot and is also called a plug foot. This fitting works with halogen lighting from 10 to 30V. The G4 fitting is often used with a pendant lamp and standing lamp.
Fitting specifications:
-
Suitable for: Hanging lamps, standing lamp
-
Distance between pins: 4 mm
-
Type of fitting: Plug
-
Connection voltage: 10V to 30V
​​
​
What is a GU10 fitting?​
GU10 fitting uses a 'bayonet' lock, and the distance between the pins is in the name: 10mm. The bayonet lock is an efficient way of making a connection between the fitting and the lamp. GU10 is mainly used for spotlights. In contrast to spots with G4 or GU5.3 fittings, GU10 spots are often suitable for 230V. These spots are often mounted in the ceiling, used in the kitchen and in the home. For surface-mounted and recessed spotlights, the GU10 and GU5.3 fittings are used.
Fitting specifications:
-
Suitable for: Surface-mounted spotlight, recessed spotlight
-
Distance between pins: 10 mm
-
Type of fitting: Plug-in
-
Connection voltage: 230V
​​
​
What is a GU5.3 fitting?​
The GU5.3 fitting has a bi-pin base, this is also called a plug-in base. The distance between the pins is the number in the name, in this case 5.3mm. To make a GU5.3 LED work on 12V, you need a transformer that converts the mains voltage (230V) to the lower voltage. This lighting is often used in a bathroom, kitchen or in the garden. In these places, the chance of short circuit is greater due to moisture. This makes using 12V instead of 230V a lot safer.
Fitting specifications:
-
Suitable for: Surface-mounted spotlight, recessed spotlight
-
Distance between pins: 5.3 mm
-
Type of fitting: Plug-in
-
Connection voltage: 12V
​
