Bulb socket

Of course, if you want to mount a new lamp, make sure that you use the right socket. There are, however, a large number of different versions, all of which have special or individual properties. Which socket you need can depend on the one hand on the amperage and on the other hand on the space available in the lamp. We will introduce you to the differences and similarities and support you in your purchase decision.

Basically, the selection is huge and most of the differences are clear. Inexpensive plastic frames are available in the eibabo® shop as well as versions made of high-quality ceramic. You will also find models with different diameters and sockets into which the bulbs are screwed or clamped. Speaking of light sources: Last but not least, the choice of light bulb also determines which socket must be used. The counterpart to a socket is the so-called base of the light source. Proper functioning of the lamp can only be guaranteed if the base and socket fit together.

TIP

The frames offered here are attached individually. Choose from models with screw holes, screw lugs, spring clamps, threads or mounting brackets.

However, there are also distinguishing features, the purpose of which often only becomes clear at second glance. At this point we give you a small overview.

Which lamp holders are the most common?

The base is an indispensable element of any light source, since it performs the function of fastening and power connection. By connecting the base to the lamp socket, the lamp / illuminant is fixed to the light and supplied with energy. Of course, the lamp base and lamp socket must be of the same type, otherwise the connection will fail. Now one would think that this is self-evident and does not pose a problem in everyday life.

Yes and no: Because the times when there were only lamp sockets with a thread are long gone. The modern world of lamps is now so diverse that the market for base types and the required lamp sockets has become very confusing. The manufacturers of modern lighting are constantly developing new variants. With a spontaneously bought lamp, you quickly acquire a surprise in the form of a previously unseen lamp socket. It's good if the first lamp is already there. But nothing lasts forever. Sooner or later it's time to replace a burned out lamp with a new one. We present the most common forms of lamp holders. Essentially, these are divided into screwable and pluggable sockets.

E40 - screw socket for lamps with an output of more than 200 watts at 230 volts (use in the industrial sector or with conventional street lighting)
E27 - classic standard screw socket for household lamps up to 60 watts at 230 volts with a plastic socket, up to 200 watts at 230 volts with a ceramic socket (usually used for Edison bulbs, energy-saving lamps, filament and LED)
E14 - screw socket for lamps with an output of up to 60 watts at 230 volts (usually used for Edison light bulbs, energy-saving lamps, filament and LED)
GU5.3 socket for simple plug-in pins with a spacing of 5.3 millimeters (often used in low-voltage spotlights with reflectors)
GU10 sockets with bayonet lock, into which two solid pins are inserted, a quarter turn establishes the electrical connection (often used with spotlights with reflectors)
G4 - receptacle for U-shaped plug pins with an average spacing of 4 millimeters (found in small halogen glass lamps or LEDs)
G5 - Bayonet jack for fluorescent tubes with a pin spacing of 4.75 millimeters
G13 - Bayonet jack for fluorescent tubes with a pin spacing of 12.7 millimeters
G9 - receptacle for U-shaped plug pins with a mean distance of 9 millimeters (found in halogen glass lamps or LEDs)

And that's by far not all. Here in the eibabo® shop you will also find sockets with the designations E10, R7s, 2G11, GX5.3, GZ10, G23 and around a dozen others.

The 'E' in the screw sockets stands for Thomas Edison, the developer of the corresponding socket thread. The following number describes the diameter of the thread in millimeters. The 'G' is used for plug connections, with the following number indicating the mean distance between the two plug pins in millimeters.

Source: eibabo®, Houben 102599 E27 lamp socket Image: Houben 102599 E27 lamp holder

What material should I choose for lamp holders?

When choosing a lamp holder, you often have a choice of different materials. You can choose from different metals such as aluminium, steel or brass, several plastics and ceramic/porcelain sockets.

What is Bakelite?

Bakelite is a thermoset phenol-formaldehyde resin that is easy to form during manufacture and has high resistance to electricity, heat and chemical attack. It was the world's first commercially successful plastic. It is rarely used today because once a product has hardened, it cannot be melted down and recycled.

The main difference between these materials is their ability to withstand certain temperatures. For a rough estimate of which material is right for you, you can use the following information: modern plastic frames can withstand temperatures of up to around 210 °C, Bakelite is resistant up to 190 °C, ceramic frames and metal frames tolerate 230 °C and more. The higher the wattage rating on the bulb, the more heat is generated. For high heat output bulbs or special heat lamps, metal or ceramic sockets are usually the best option.

How is the power connection to the lamp socket?

Another difference is the type of cable connection. Here we distinguish between a detachable and a fixed connection. The fixed connection is usually made by soldering. In these cases, the lamp socket only has the contact pins required for this, to which the wires of the cables must be soldered. More often you get lamp sockets with detachable connections. These are made either via a screw connection or a plug-in connection / clamp connection.

Whether you should opt for a lamp socket with a plug connection or a screw connection essentially depends on the type of cables you have. Modern lampholders offer special connection points, where the wires are fixed just by plugging them in with a spring mechanism. To loosen this connection, the tension on the spring is usually released with a pointed tool. This method of assembly is simple and quick. However, you need stable wire ends for this. You only have this for cables with solid conductors or when using ferrules. With flexible lines (finely stranded cores, strands) you cannot establish a secure connection in this way. If you have flexible cables, you should use sockets with screw connections. This method is a little more time consuming, but you'll attach the wires tightly and securely. Solid conductors can also be easily connected using the screw method.