Understanding common household light bulb shapes, sizes, and styles is important whether you’re converting outdated incandescent fixtures into energy-efficient ones or using LED bulbs for new-construction applications. Every light bulb has identifying characteristics that are represented by a letter or series of letters and a number; these are known as light bulb codes. The letter or letters in a bulb code indicate either shape or special features such as reflector type. Numbers in a bulb code indicate size in millimeters or eighths of an inch. These codes will tell you if a bulb will fit in your fixture and if it’s the right shape.

For every light fixture or application, there’s going to be a specific bulb or light bulb shape that will fit best and provide the right type of light. If you understand bulb codes, it’s easy to look at a light fixture and know right away what kind of bulb you’ll need.

Let’s talk about light bulb groups, their bulb codes, and what applications those bulbs are typically used for.

Standard/arbitrary (A) bulbs are the most widely used and thought of when it comes to household lighting. These bulbs work well for a variety of applications, such as ceiling lights, lamps, vanity lights, kitchen lights, closet lights, porch light fixtures, and so many more.

Numbers in each code refer to the bulb’s diameter in one-eighths of an inch.

A15 bulb: 15/8 = 1-7/8″ diameter

A19 bulb: 19/8 = 2-3/8″ diameter

A21 bulb: 21/8 = 2-5/8″ diameter

A25 bulb: 25/8 = 3-1/8″ diameter

Most common base types:

Globe (G) bulbs have a full, round shape and are available in various sizes. They can be used for many applications throughout the home, such as foyer lights, kitchen lights, chandeliers, and ornamental fixtures. The most common type is the large G30 bulb, which is used in bathroom and makeup vanities.

Depending on the bulb, numbers in each code can refer to the bulb’s diameter in one-eighths of an inch or in millimeters.

G11 bulb: 11/8 = 1-3/8″ diameter

G14 bulb: 14/8 = 1-3/4″ diameter

G16/G50: 16/8 = 2″ diameter

G60: 60 millimeters = 2-3/8″ diameter

G25/G80: 80 millimeters = 3-9/64″ diameter

G30: 30/8 = 3-3/4″ diameter

Most common base types:

All of the bulbs in these groups resemble the shape of a candle flame and are often referred to as candle bulbs. Conical (C) bulbs are shaped like a cone. Conical angular (CA) bulbs are shaped like a cone but have a bent tip. Blunt-tip (B) bulbs are very similar to C-type bulbs but have more of a torpedo or bullet shape. These bulbs can be used in chandeliers, wall sconces, pendant lights, night lights, decorative light strands, holiday light strands, and other decorative home lighting applications.

Numbers in each code refer to the bulb’s diameter in one-eighths of an inch.

B10 bulb: 10/8 = 1-1/4″ diameter

CA10 bulb: 10/8 = 1-1/4″ diameter

C7 bulb: 7/8 = 7/8″ diameter

C9 bulb: 9/8 = 1-1/8″ diameter

C15 bulb: 15/8 = 1-7/8″ diameter

Most common base types:

BR stands for bulged reflector. Traditionally, the inside surface of an incandescent BR bulb is covered in reflector material that is used to gather and cast a wide beam of light away from the bulb. LED BR bulbs don’t require the reflector material. These bulbs can have a frosted, clear, or patterned dome-shaped lens that diffuses light and provides a gradual fade into nonilluminated areas. BR bulbs also produce less shadows when compared to PAR bulbs. They’re a bit longer than PAR bulbs and tend to protrude from light housings but are used in similar applications, such as track lights, recessed lights, display lights, or can lights.

BR20 bulbs are often referred to as R20 but have the same characteristics of other BR bulb types. The R stands for reflector.

Numbers in each code refer to the bulb’s diameter in one-eighths of an inch.

BR20/R20 bulb: 20/8 = 2-1/2″ diameter

BR30 bulb: 30/8 = 3-3/4″ diameter

BR40 bulb: 40/8 = 5″ diameter

Most common base type:

Multifaceted reflector (MR) bulbs are small in size with a reflective, faceted interior. The facets create a concentrated beam of light that can be displayed in a narrow spot or wide flood beam pattern. Because of the directional light they provide, MR LED bulbs don’t require the facets but often still have them. These bulbs are available in a variety of colors and can be used for many applications, including track lighting, recessed lighting, desk lights, and display case lighting. Many MR bulbs operate on low-voltage wiring systems, which makes them great for outdoor and landscape applications such as driveway lights, path lights, gazebo lights, paver lights, and malibu lights that have weatherproof housings.

Numbers in each code refer to the bulb’s diameter in one-eighths of an inch.

MR11 bulb: 11/8 = 1-3/8″ diameter

MR16 bulb: 16/8 = 2″ diameter

Most common base types:

Tubular (T) bulbs come in a variety of lengths and widths. Depending on their size, these bulbs can be used in applications ranging from chandeliers, wall sconces, and pendant lights to basement and garage troffer light fixtures.

Numbers in each code refer to the bulb’s diameter in one-eighths of an inch.

T7 bulb: 7/8 = 7/8″ diameter

T8 bulb: 8/8 = 1″ diameter

T10 bulb: 10/8 = 1-1/4″ diameter

T14 bulb: 14/8 = 1-3/4″ diameter

Most common base types:

You look up. Movement. What is this? It looks like your fluorescent lights have come alive! They’re swirling and spiraling, like each one has an angry snake inside. This is no good. The light level in your room isn’t even. The fixtures flicker, annoyingly, and your eyes start to feel overworked and tired.

However, choosing a ceiling fan can be a sometimes difficult endeavor. Knowing what size fan would fit your room, the ideal style, what type of lighting you’ll need, the features the fan contains and staying within your budget can all be a bit of a challenge. We understand that it can be a challenge, so 1800Lighting is here to help; this is the ultimate buyer’s guide for selecting the perfect ceiling fan for almost any need.

Today, many property owners opt for home automation systems. This is the “Internet of Things” and the manner in which various appliances, devices, and installations in your home are networked together; it provides you efficient control over various aspects of your home.

In terms of simple appliance control and lighting, this concept has been around for decades. It’s only in the recent years that there has been a sea change in this technology and you can now opt for systems that allow you complete control of your home from any remote location. Using home automation, you are able to control how a particular device will react, and why and when it should react.

Once the system has been installed, you only need to set the schedule. The rest of it is all automated and will be based on your personal preferences. This is why home automation can alert you about the events that you may want to immediately be aware of, such as unexpected access to your home, water leaks etc. All you have to do is grab your Android device or iPhone or any other remote control and alter the settings in your home. If this isn’t convenience, what is?

Let’s take a closer look at what the benefits of home automation systems are:

You are able to automate and control almost every single appliance and device in your home, regardless of where you are. You don’t really have to worry about getting up from your comfortable couch to dim the lights, draw the curtains or adjust the temperature of the room you are in, or in any other room of your house. You would be able to adjust the temperature in all the rooms in your house, just with the touch of a button on your phone.

Your CCTV cameras can be connected to the automation systems and in case there is any trespasser on your property, you would be immediately alerted to it. Your water sensors could be connected as well and you would immediately know if there was a leak, even if you aren’t at home; this gives you the chance to react and safeguard your home very effectively.

Home automation can help you switch on and off lights and sprinklers etc. when you want to, even when you aren’t actually at home. You can also switch on the air conditioning or water heater a few minutes before you are slated to reach home, and that helps save energy too as you wouldn’t have to keep the hot water system running all day. This kind of functionality helps you save on your utility bills.

When you have a home automation system installed on your property, you know you are using the latest technology. While the working of these systems is quite complex, the systems themselves are very user-friendly and this makes for a fun experience. You will find yourself impressing your guests with the various features of the system and enjoy using the automated systems.

If you are considering getting home automation products installed on your property, you would need to hire the services of a skilled and knowledgeable electrical company that will be able to understand your requirements and provide custom solutions. We at AllRound Electrical can provide you the solutions you need at extremely cost-effective pricing. Our experts will work closely with you and provide applications such as automated:

In addition to home automation, we can handle all other electrical requirements you may have. For more information, simply speak with the experts at AllRound Electrical and take their advice on various aspects of home automation installation solutions. The number to call is – 1300 169 263. You can also write to us at this email address.

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