Standard Light Bulb - Size & Codes | Spec. Sense

What does the A19 code describe? What is an E26 base? In this episode of Spec. Sense, Vance shows how to measure and how to choose a standard light bulb.

All light bulbs use a code to describe the shape, size and base type. This code can be determined by a few simple measurements. The standard A-Shape is the most common shape available and typically use the E26 medium screw base.

For more information on the other bulb shapes and types:

After narrowing down the shape and base type, next choose the brightness and colour temperature.

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[ricardosuarez]

Thank you.
Is the diameter of the E26 the same as the E27?
What's the difference? The voltage?

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Question - i have an enclosed glass fixture on my ceiling - there are 2 sockets inside and it says 60 Watt max. -does this mean the total Max wattage is 60W for safety? or can you use 2 60W bulbs in each socket for a total of 120W total going through the 2 sockets??..Please let me know..thanks

[danielploy]

Interesting learning the sizes . Looking to find the thread sizes like for maybe chandlers where the threads are much smaller than the E26 threads. Can you help me please?

[TRiLLKB]

What about the length of the screw base? Is there a code for that? I ordered correct diameter but the length seems to be different. Thanks!

[plaehee]

This was very helpful! Do you know if using a lightbulb with a slightly smaller E size would still work? Eg E12 in a E13socket

[WeartheGoodSocks]

I inherited an antique indoor floor lamp with three A19 bulb sockets that surround one large bulb socket in the center that would point up towards the ceiling. I cannot find a bulb that will fit the large central socket, which measures 39mm diameter. Any ideas?

[dennismckay]

You need to show actual bulbs of each size for comparison sake.

[nestorismaelflores]

I'm so mad right now, just bought a set of bulbs, turn out my lamp uses E27 but the bulbs are E26 and they won't reach all the way in and won't make contact 😢

[edmarch]

Is the A19 thread size the same thread size as the E27 ?

[keerthisai]

Could u please explain the difference between standard size bulbs and non standard size bulbs

[jndominica]

In the 90s and 2000s all lightbulbs were bigger, even lower power 40 and 60 w. I can't tell the diameter precisely without calipers, either A20 or A21. Maybe manufacturers figured they could save on materials and make them smaller. On the positive side, the A19 are easier to screw into fixtures designed for krypton or candle shape. Only downside is that the surface is slightly hotter.

[junsoliva]

Good evening, sir...how to check a switch dimmer working or not!

[WaynesWorldStudioVancouver]

Unreal, using standard measure tape than bring out the metric system for 2nd reading! Couldn’t be more complicated than that! Lol

[dreamcatchers]

Why do they divide it by 8 do you know the rational?