What Is the Difference Between E27 and E14 Light Bulbs?

When you want to replace the incandescent, halogen or compact fluorescent lamps you use in your home with LED bulbs, or when you want to buy a new bulb, you come across concepts such as E27 and E14. This code starting with E indicates the lamp holder type of the bulb. E27 and E14 are common lamp holders used in homes. So which one should you prefer?

What Is the Difference Between E27 and E14 Light Bulbs?
12.08.2020
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When you want to replace the incandescent, halogen or compact fluorescent lamps you use in your home with LED bulbs, or when you want to buy a new bulb, you come across concepts such as E27 and E14. This code starting with E indicates the lamp holder type of the bulb. E27 and E14 are common lamp holders used in homes. So which one should you prefer?

LED bulbs are energy efficient lighting devices that combine low power consumption with high light output. LED bulbs have a lifespan of 15-20 times longer than halogen and incandescent lamps. The first thing to consider when choosing a light bulb is the lamp holder type. You can check the chandelier or the old light bulb you removed to find out the type of lamp holder.

E14 is a 14 mm wide thin screw lamp holder. E27, on the other hand, is a 27 mm wide, thick screwed lamp holder. You can find out what type of bulb you need by measuring the lamp holder width.

If you are looking for a more practical way to measure sensation, you can use your fingers. The index finger of an adult male is 15 mm wide. When the index and middle finger are joined, a width of approximately 30 mm is reached. Put your index finger on the socket of the bulb you removed, if your finger covers the socket, the bulb is E14, if two fingers are only enough to close it, it is E27.

Another method of measurement is to use coins. Dollar coin has exactly 26.5 mm in diameter. This size is very close to the diameter of the E27 lamp holder type. Penny is 19.05 mm in diameter. This is very close to the 14 mm width of the E14 lamp holder.

Although there are different sizes of sockets such as E10, E11, E12, E17, E26, E39 and E40, the most commonly used lamp holder types in homes are E27 and E14. In determining the type of bulb, you need to measure the lamp holder for an accurate result.

If your chandelier has an E14 lamp holder, you should buy an E14 lamp. If your chandelier has an E27 lamp holder, you should prefer an E27 bulb. Although there are E14 to E27 or E27 to E14 converters, they are not preferred due to their rough appearance.

Emre Yılmaz, the founder of Lighting Portal, graduated from Atılım University Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2013, and since then has been involved in the management and product development activities of state-supported projects in the lighting industry. He completed his master's degree at Gazi University Industrial Design Engineering Department and continues his education in the doctorate program of the same department.
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