The lamp cap: a key feature when choosing your bulb
Choosing your lighting is a step not to be overlooked when fitting out any space. It depends on several parameters and criteria, including selecting the best lamp cap. Lamp caps are associated with different uses and different light outputs. When replacing a bulb, the cap of the LED bulb you want to buy is the first thing to check to make sure it is compatible with your light fitting or lampholder. It is therefore essential to know the specific features and names of the main lamp caps available.
What are the different types of LED bulb caps?
To help you easily identify the lamp cap you need, caps carry a code of one or two letters followed by a number that usually indicates the diameter of the cap. To make your choice easier, get to know the different lamp caps below, starting with screw caps, whose code begins with the letter "E", in reference to Thomas Edison.
The E27 lamp cap
The E27 cap is the most widespread type of cap on LED bulbs. As its code suggests, it is a large cap with a diameter of 27 mm. An E27 bulb is generally used for the main lighting of a room or any other area, as it produces powerful light. It runs on 220V, so it can be connected directly to the mains without a transformer.
Discover the E27 bulbs available at Silumen.
The E14 lamp cap
E14 bulbs are known as small-cap bulbs, as their caps have a diameter of 14 mm. After E27 bulbs, they are the most common lamp caps for home lighting. The E14 cap is most often used for small light fittings such as bedside lamps, and can also be found on wall lights and other types of lamps. An E14 bulb runs on 220V and comes in various shapes.
Discover the E14 bulbs available at Silumen.
The E40 lamp cap
The large E40 cap (40 mm in diameter) comes with a much higher light output. This type of screw lamp cap is ideal for lighting very large spaces such as a warehouse or showroom, thanks to its high brightness.
Discover the E40 bulbs available at Silumen.
The B22 lamp cap
The B22 cap is specific to bayonet bulbs. It is characterised by 2 pins on the side of its 22 millimetre cap. A B22 bulb is easy to fit with a simple twisting motion. Despite its age, the B22 lampholder can still be found in many homes. If you want energy-saving lighting without changing your lampholders, we recommend buying a B22 LED bulb.
Discover the B22 bulbs available at Silumen.
The G4 lamp cap
Pin-cap bulbs can be identified by the two conductive pins on their base. Also commonly known as bi-pin, the G4 cap is used on small LED bulbs, with its two pins only 4 millimetres apart. A G4 bulb runs on low voltage (12 to 24V) and must be connected to a transformer for home use. If you want to replace old halogen capsules, choose a G4 LED bulb.
Discover the G4 bulbs available at Silumen.
The G9 lamp cap
The G9 cap is another type of pin lamp cap. It stands out for its two pins, 9 mm apart, which form a loop. A G9 bulb takes the shape of a capsule or bulb, with small dimensions, including a length of around 5 cm. Although small, a G9 bulb is easy to use because it can be connected directly to the 220V mains.
Discover the G9 bulbs available at Silumen.
The GU10 lamp cap
If you are looking for the ideal small LED bulb to fit in a ceiling spotlight, you probably need a GU10 model. As the letter "G" indicates, this type of LED lamp cap also belongs to the pin category. The pins are 10 mm apart and thicker at the ends. A GU10 bulb provides powerful, directional light, ideal for highlighting objects.
Discover the GU10 bulbs available at Silumen.
The GU5.3 MR16 lamp cap
Bulbs with a GU5.3 MR16 cap were designed to meet the need for small-diameter LED lighting. Their size makes them an excellent choice for lighting small spaces. GU5.3 MR16 bulbs are most often found in recessed spotlights. If you plan to use one at home, you will need a transformer, as it is one of the 12V bulbs.
Discover the GU5.3/MR16 bulbs available at Silumen.
The GX53 lamp cap
The GX53 LED bulb cap has two pins spaced 53 millimetres apart. Round in shape, the GX53 bulb has a diameter of around 75 mm and can be recessed, surface-mounted or used with fittings such as ceiling lights (compatible with the GX53 cap). Thanks to its shape, the GX53 bulb provides even light with a wide beam angle, perfect as a main light source in any room. The GX53 lamp cap is found on bulbs that run on 220V.
Discover the GX53 bulbs available at Silumen.
The R7S lamp cap
R7S LED bulbs were designed as a quick replacement for your old linear halogen bulbs. They use less energy thanks to LED technology, while letting you reuse your old floor lamp (designed for a linear halogen bulb). The R7S cap comes in 3 bulb sizes, the largest (189 mm long) being able to light very large spaces effectively.
Discover the R7S bulbs available at Silumen.
Matching the LED bulb cap to the lampholder
The lampholder is the part of a light fitting that holds the LED bulb. It is made of a conductive material that allows the bulb to light up. To make choosing and installing your lighting easier, lampholders follow a standardised naming system similar to lamp caps. All you need to do is make sure the two codes are identical to find a lamp cap that is compatible with your lamp's lampholder.
Take the GU10 bulb as an example. If you want to install one in a room, you need to buy a GU10 lampholder. Likewise, if you have GU10 spotlight holders installed in your living room, you need bulbs with a cap bearing the same code (GU10). If, however, you want to install an LED bulb with a different cap from the lampholders and holders in your home, there are many bulb adapters that let you do so. This handy accessory lets you, for example, use an E40 bulb in a fitting with an E27 lampholder.
How do I choose the right bulb and cap for my needs?
Selecting the best lamp cap and the right bulb is easier once you know the characteristics of the different lamp caps on the market. When you have found the right LED bulb for you at Silumen, the code for its cap type is shown in its name (for example, E27 LED Bulb 20W 220V G120 300°).
Your choice of lighting may also depend on the light output you need from your LED bulb. This varies with the size of the area you want to light. As well as light output, there is also the colour of the light. Choose it according to the atmosphere you want to create in each room. For example, we recommend cool white light to create a dynamic atmosphere in a workplace. Warm white is ideal for living spaces, and a neutral white bulb is designed to provide natural-looking light.
