Light bulb bases is the metal component of a bulb that are in contact with the fixture. The base of the bulb determine what type of socket the bulb will fit into. Many individuals purchase the wrong type of bulb due to the similarity of the base of different bulbs.
However, the bases of bulbs can have a variety of diameter and connections so forcing a bulb of the wrong type into a fixture can damage the bulb base or the socket within the fixture. Thus, before purchasing a light bulb of any type, it is necessary for the individual to recognize the type of base that the bulb feature in order to ensure that they purchase the apropriately bulb. One of the most common bases for light bulbs is the Edison screw base.
Light Bulb Bases and How to Use Them Safely
These bases use a diameter to classify the type of bulbs. For instance, the medium screw base is one of the more common bases for bulbs in North America. Medium screw bases is used in a variety of household item.
Other type of screw bases include the candelabra base and the intermediate base. Candelabra bases are smaller than medium screw bases and are used in chandeliers to allow for the bulbs to fit into limited space. Intermediate bases are also smaller than medium screw bases and are used in appliances like ceiling fan.
It is important to not attempt to use an intermediate light bulb within a candelabra socket as the bulb will not fit correct within that socket. Some light bulb bases dont use thread to form connections to the light bulbs. Instead, pins is used to make the connection between the bulb and the base.
Pin bases use two metal prong to form the connection between the bulb and the socket. These types of bulbs are often used in track lighting or under cabinet light. Some pin bases use a twist and lock mechanism that ensure the bulb does not fall out of the fixture.
Bayonet bases are another type of light bulb base that dont use threads. Instead bayonet bases use a cap with pins that the user should push into the socket and rotated into place. Bayonet bases are a common base for light bulbs in many part of the world.
Like the screw bases, bayonet bases are used to provide an electrical connection between the light bulb and the fixture. In many case, the old bases for the bulbs in a home are not compatible with LED bulb. Many energy efficient bulb use specific bases to prevent the installation of old type of bulbs.
In these instance, individuals can use an adapter ring. An adapter ring allow for standard light bulbs to be installed into sockets of smaller diameter. Additionally, adapter rings also allow for smaller bulb to be placed into larger socket.
However, these adapter rings should only be used if the wattage of the replacement bulb is within the specification of the fixture. The socket will have a specific wattage rating for the amount of heat and electrical current that the bulb should create. Using an adapter ring to place a high wattage bulb into a low wattage socket can create a fire risk in the home.
Thus, the individual must ensure that the new light bulb base is compatible with the fixture to retain the safety of the home.