05/12/2026
Tech Talk Tuesday : Understanding Light Bulbs
With such a wide range of light bulb shapes and types it can feel overwhelming when making a decision. By being able to understand these light bulb codes, picking the right bulb for your fixture will be easy.
Type A Light Bulbs : A15, A19, A21 & A25
These bulbs are typically used for standard household lighting and are good for a variety of household fixtures. Usually, they are compatible with medium screw bases (E26 and E27) or the candelabra base (E12). The standard lamp bulb size is A19 however traditional incandescent A19s are being replaced with LED bulbs due to their improved energy efficiency.
Type B and C Light Bulbs : B10, C7, C9, C15, CA10
These bulbs resemble a candle flame and, not surprisingly, are commonly referred to as “candle bulbs”. They are longer and have a tip at the end of the bulb. They are usually found in decorative lighting fixtures. The base types that are the most prevalent are the E26 and E27 medium screw in bases, the E12 candelabra base and the E17 base.
Type BR Light Bulbs : BR20/R20, BR30, BR40
These bulbs are reflectors and bulged reflectors. They can be found in the home in outdoor floodlights or in recessed lighting. BR30 and R20 bulbs are the most common and they usually connect with the E26 or E27 bases.
Type PAR Light Bulbs : PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR36, PAR28
These bulbs are parabolic aluminized reflectors and are most commonly used in outdoor lighting, similar to BR lights. PAR lights will create a more concentrated beam where as a BAR light will provide a wider ‘wash’. Typically the base types are the E26, the E27 and the G53 screw pin base.
Type MR Light Bulbs : MR11, MR16
These bulbs are multifaceted reflectors and are typically used in track lights, recessed lights, desks and display cases. They project a focused beam of focused light in a specific direction and are available in a wide range of colors. They are also a great choice for landscaping applications due to their low voltage wiring systems. The most common base type of low-voltage AC/DC systems is the GX5.3 bi-pin or GZ4 bi-pin. The GU-10 bi-pin is most common for 120-volt systems.
Type LFL and T Light Bulbs : T: T7, T8, T10, T12, T14; LFL: T5, T8, T12
These bulbs are tubular and linear fluorescent lights. A T5 Tube has a diameter of 5/8 of an inch, a T8 has a diameter of 8/8 of an inch etc. LED replacements are becoming more popular due to their increased efficiency. T group lights most commonly connect with E26 and E27 medium screw bases, E12 candelabra bases, E17 bases, BA15D bayonet bases or the G13 bi-pin base.
Type G Light Bulbs : G11, G14, G16/G50, G60, G25, G80, G30
The bulbs are globe lights. They are used mostly for aesthetic purposes and are most commonly found in vintage styles (identifiable by the antique-looking filament in the center). They typically connect with E26 and E27 medium screw bases as well as E12 candelabra bases.
Source
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