What are the three types of lamp holders?

Lamp holders, also known as lamp sockets, are the components that hold the light bulb and connect it to the electrical circuit. There are several types of lamp holders, each designed to accommodate specific types of bulbs. The three most common types of lamp holders are:

1. Edison Screw (ES) Lamp Holders

The Edison Screw (ES) is the most common type of lamp holder and is used for many household bulbs, including incandescent, halogen, and LED bulbs. The lamp holder has a threaded base, which allows the bulb to screw in and make an electrical connection. There are two main sizes of Edison screw lamp holders:

• E27: The most common size used for standard household bulbs. It has a diameter of 27mm.
• E14: A smaller size, often used in smaller fixtures or decorative lamps. It has a diameter of 14mm.

Advantages:

• Widely used and easy to find.
• Suitable for a wide range of bulb types, including incandescent, halogen, CFL, and LED.

Example:

• E27 socket for regular light bulbs (often found in home ceiling lights).
• E14 socket for small bulbs (often found in chandeliers or small table lamps).

2. Bayonet (B) Lamp Holders

Bayonet lamp holders are commonly used in certain regions, such as the UK and Australia, and are designed for bulbs that feature two small pins on the sides, which are inserted into the socket and then twisted to lock in place. There are two main types of bayonet lamp holders:

• B22 (Bayonet Cap): This is the standard size used for many household bulbs, particularly in the UK. It has a diameter of 22mm and is used in ceiling lights, lamps, and other fixtures.
• B15: A smaller bayonet socket often used for smaller, decorative bulbs like those found in chandeliers or decorative lights.

Advantages:

• Secure connection since the bulb is locked in place by twisting the bayonet cap.
• Commonly used in certain regions, especially in older lighting fixtures.

Example:

• B22 socket for household bulbs in the UK and other regions.

3. GU (Push-in) Lamp Holders

The GU lamp holders are used for bulbs with two pins that push into the socket and are commonly used in halogen and LED bulbs. These are sometimes referred to as bayonet-style push-in or bi-pin holders because of the way the bulb is inserted.

• GU10: Commonly used in halogen and LED spotlights. It has two pins that are pushed into the socket and twisted to lock into place.
• GU5.3: Used primarily for low-voltage halogen bulbs and certain LED bulbs. The pins are spaced 5.3mm apart.

Advantages:

• Often used in spotlights and track lighting.
• Provides a secure connection, especially for low-voltage lighting applications.

Example:

• GU10 for spotlights (commonly used in track lighting or recessed lighting).

Summary of the Three Types of Lamp Holders:

1. Edison Screw (ES): Most common, uses threaded bases for easy installation and removal (e.g., E27, E14).
2. Bayonet (B): Bulb is inserted and twisted into the socket, used primarily in the UK and Australia (e.g., B22, B15).
3. GU (Push-in): Uses pins that push into the socket and twist to lock, often for spotlights and low-voltage lighting (e.g., GU10, GU5.3).

Each type of lamp holder is designed for specific applications and bulb types, so it's important to choose the right one for your fixture and lighting needs.