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Light Bulb Types

Choosing the right lighting for your home starts with selecting the right light bulb type. There are a few types of bulb to choose from, each with their own advantages. We’ll walk you through the specifications of each type and help you choose the perfect light bulb type for your home.

LED Light Bulbs

LED Light bulbs, including smart light bulbs, use less energy and emit the same amount of light as traditional incandescent bulbs, making them a great choice for everyday use around your home. They are more expensive than other bulbs but last longer and are made with no hazardous ingredients, making them environmentally friendly.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fluorescent lighting typically gives off a cooler white colour and it’s usually used for ceiling lighting. You can, however, get fluorescent lighting in warmer tones. They usually last longer than incandescent lighting and can be used to light attics and basements with ease.

Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are usually less expensive than other options and give off a bright light. They emit a warm, cool temperature as well, making them ideal for home use. They are less energy efficient than other bulbs, so keep that in mind when purchasing these.

CFL Light Bulbs

Compact Fluorescent Lamp or CFL light bulbs are a long-lasting bulb that give off very little heat. They typically come in a spiral shape design and emit a softer glow than normal bulbs. They are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but last longer and use less energy over time.

Halogen Light Bulbs

Halogen light bulbs provide a cool white light and are usually used in under-cabinet lighting, pendant lighting or recessed lighting. They can be dimmed, but run quite hot, and shouldn’t be touched with bare hands, as the oil from your skin can cause the bulb to heat up too quickly and burn out.

Popular Light Bulb Shapes

While there are many different types of light bulbs, you also need to consider their shapes as well. We’ll show you the differences between some common types.

Type A Bulbs

Type A bulbs, also called standard bulbs, are the classic, pear-shaped bulb. They’re used in both residential and commercial applications and screw in using an Edison screw. The most common of these bulbs are lamp bulbs or A19, which are used in all lamps, and A15 appliance bulbs.

Type B Bulbs

Type B bulbs are longer and have a tip on the end. These bulbs are usually used in decorations like chandeliers and pendant lighting.

Type G Bulbs

Type G bulbs, or globe lights, are the ones you normally see on vanity lighting or around mirrors. They are big and bright and a great choice for bathrooms and bedrooms. They range in size from G25 to G40.

Type T Bulbs

The most common T bulbs are the tube lighting you see in places like underground parking garages and display lighting. They come in fluorescent and incandescent, depending on your requirements.

Popular Light Bulb Base Types

There are many different light bulb bases in various sizes. We’ll show you some of the most common and detail their use by size, so you know which one will fit your fixture.

Screw Base Light Bulb

Screw Bases

Screw-in light bulbs have different base sizes. They are differentiated by the E size, which is a reference to their size in millimeters. For example, an E10 base would be 10 millimeters in diameter.

Here are the typical sizes:

10mm: Miniature Screw (E10) 
11mm: Miniature Candelabra (E11) 
12mm: Candelabra (E12) 
14mm: European (E14) 

17mm: Intermediate (E17) 
26mm: Medium (E26) 
27mm: European Medium (E27)
39mm: Mogul (E39)

Pin Base Lightbulb

Pin Bases

Pin bases don’t screw in, but rather slot into their outlets. Types of pin bases include miniature bipin, medium bipin, recessed double contact and others.

Popular Light Bulb Features

Smart Light Bulbs

Smart light bulbs use less energy than other bulbs and can be customized and controlled remotely when integrated into your smart home. Shut them off remotely, dim them using your smart phone or set the mood with colour settings and temperatures.

Grow Light Bulbs

Using grow light bulbs indoors helps you grow healthy, vibrant plants without the need for outdoor sunlight. You can place them wherever you like, without having to rely on window or skylight placement, giving you complete control over where you grow your indoor plants.

Colour-Changing Light Bulbs

Set the mood by changing the colour of your lighting to suit your event. Match it with your local sports team colours for the big game or customize it to match your interior décor for your next party.

Motion Sensor Light Bulbs

Perfect if you’re looking to add a bit of security to your outdoor area, or if you’d simply like a bit of light when you’re up in the middle of the night. Motion sensor lighting is a great way to ensure you always see what’s going on.

Dimmable Light Bulbs

Dimmable lighting helps you create the perfect amount of lighting for any situation. Dim your lights for a movie or turn them up for reading or crafts. The choice is yours.

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