Caps and Bases
With the following description, we would like to give you some guidelines on light fittings. The light fitting, or as otherwise called the socket, is a type of electrical connector used for installing the light bulbs.
The name “fitting” is often used only for the cap or base; the part of the lamp that secures the light bulb into its holder and provides the connection to the power.
Due to a large number of different fitting types available in lighting today, this section is only designed to help you identify the most common fittings that you may require for easily replacing existing lights with LED light bulbs.
Although only the most popular fittings are mentioned in this guide, please feel free to contact us on 0207 450 5292 or at support@ledcentre.uk.com if you require further assistance.
Mains, 230V light fittings:
One of the most popular light fitting used in UK households is the GU10 or also called “twist and lock” type. Standard GU10 cap/base spot lights operate at 230V, and have two bayonet style pins. For installing the GU10 light, push the bulb into the socket and twist to lock it in position.
LEDcentre sells a wide range of LED GU10 lights, including low power LED for decoration, SMD power LED with wide beam angle light, and also high power LED lights with spot-light beam angle, to illuminate smaller areas with a bright beam angle. SMD power LED lights can operate up to 12 hours a day, high power LED lights can be used 24/7.
Bayonet cap fittings:
The Bayonet base or cap is often abbreviated as BC, often with a number following it. The number refers to the diameter of the base, for instance B22 has a 22 mm diameter or B15, has a 15 mm base.
A male side with two pins and a female receptor with matching slots are keeping the two parts locked together. To disconnect the Bayonet cap light bulb, push both parts together to overcome the spring whilst twisting slightly to reverse the locking turn.
This style of connector was named after its original use for soldiers who needed to mount bayonets to the ends of their rifles in a hurry.
The B22 bayonet cap or connector (BC) fitting commonly occur with the traditional GLS shape light bulbs, especially in the UK.
The SBC or Small Bayonet Cap is commonly used with small, golf ball or candle shape light bulbs, and various forms and diameters are used for car lights. Car lights with SBC caps are marked as BA+diameter of the cap, with S – sinlge connection or D – double connection. Pins on car lights can be opposite or offset, as well as parallel or staggered. Check the drawins below to identify which fitting you need.
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Edison screw fittings:
The Edison screw fitting is a system of light bulb connectors,developed by Thomas Edison in 1909. The ES cap light bulb adjusts fully when turned clockwise and is disconnected when turned anti-clockwise, just like a hardware screw.
In countries which use 220-240 volts AC domestic power, mostly in Europe,E27 and E14 are the most common sizes for traditional light bulb fittings.
The reare four common sizes of screw-in sockets used for main voltage lamps:
Candelabra: E12 North America, E11 in Europe
Intermediate: E17 North America, E14 (Small ES) in Europe
Medium or standard: E26 (MES) in North America, E27(ES) in Europe
Mogul: E39 in North America, E40 (Goliath ES) in Europe.
Low Voltage, 12V light fittings:
TheMR16 spot lights are the low voltage versions of the GU10 light bulbs for similar applications with a predestined, two-pin fitting. The MR16 fittings are often referred to as the GU5.3 base or bi-pin cap. All our LED MR10 lights are the same, standard size as common MR16 halogen spot lights.
Browse our LED MR16 lights, to find the energy efficient LED suitable for you.
G4 fittings:
The G4 fitting,sometimes referred to as 2-pin or bi-pin cap, is a standard low voltage lamp fitting from the IEC (International Electro-technical Commission). The bi-pin base was invented by Reginald Fessenden in 1893. The G4 base has two pins spaced 4mm apart from each other.
LEDcentre stocks a great rage of LED G4 lights with various power consumptions and light outputs.
G9 fitting:
Lights with G9fittings are available in both 12V and 230V, therefore it is crucial that you check the voltage of the light you wish to replace before buying.
The G9 fittings have two looped pins to connect the light and keep it in place in the socket.
Wedge fitting
Wedge fittings are common for car lights for dash board or side lights.