Light Bulbs & Fluorescent Lights

What type of bulb and socket to choose? We will advise you.

Socket

The base part of the bulb that connects to the lamp. There are several types of fittings:

27 mm in diameter, this is one of the most common fittings. It’s used by almost every light source with a voltage of 230 V, i.e. classic incandescent lamps, halogen, energy-saving, and LED bulbs. You can usually find this type in ceiling or wall lighting fixtures or chandeliers.

E14

Has the same screw as E27, so once again, it’s used in classic incandescent lamps, halogen, energy-saving, and LED bulbs. They differ only in diameter, which in this case is 14 mm. The operating voltage is 230 V. Commonly used in smaller lamps, spot lights, and candelabra and chandeliers consisting of a large number of light bulbs.

GU10

This slot has no screw. Instead, it has two pins with a diameter of 5 mm that you snap into the lamp and twist slightly. Its operating voltage is 230 V and this type is most commonly encountered in halogen or LED bulbs. It is used in ceiling lights, spot lights, or in bathroom and lavatory fixtures.

A threadless socket, it features two pins 4 mm apart that you snap into the lamp. Its operating voltage is 12V. Most commonly found in kitchen counter lighting fixtures, low ceilings, or bars.

GU5.3

Another threadless socket, it features two pins 1 mm in diameter and spaced 5.3 mm apart. The socket is designed for 12V. The light source is usually a halogen or LED bulb. Mainly used in smaller lamps and spot lights.

A threadless socket similar to GU10. It has two pins that snap into the lamp. This is the smallest size for 230V halogen and LED bulbs. Most commonly used in ceiling fixtures, spot lights, or in bathroom and lavatory fixtures.

R7s

A linear, tube-shaped socket inserted into a fork with a pitch of 78-189 mm. Its operating voltage is 230 V. Used in halogen spotlights, LED lamps, floor lamps, or architectural lighting fixtures.

Technology

Incandescent light bulbs

The cheapest light source when it comes to purchase cost. The massive heat loss, however, makes them very inefficient. Over 90% of the consumed energy is converted into heat and only the remaining 10% into light. Their service life is also low – 1,000 hours on average.

Halogen bulbs

About 30% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Illuminate at the full power right after you switch them on, can be dimmed, and their purchase cost is lower than that of LED bulbs. Their operating costs are considerably higher, so they are mainly used in places where you need strong light for a short time. Their service life is 2,000 to 3,000 hours.

Energy-effcient light bulbs

Roughly 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. After switching, it takes a while before they reach their maximum brightness, so they aren’t suitable for places where lights are often turned on and off. Lose their original luminance after a few years. Their service life ranges between 6,000 and 20,000 hours.

LED bulbs

The latest and most efficient technology. Their service life is remarkable - usually between 20,000 and 50,000 hours. Achieve high brightness with minimum energy consumption. A 9W LED bulb is equivalent to a 60W halogen lamp.