Lampholders and LED sockets

Overview of lamp bases

As there are a large number of lamp holders and lamp bases, the question of which light sources can be used arises time and again. Here we have summarized a selection of the most common base types and the matching lamps as well as their properties.

Base or socket	Description	Icon	Light source Shape and design	Light source technology
E27	Swivel socket with Ø 27 mm. Still the most widely used in all types of luminaires. Accordingly, there is the largest and most comprehensive selection of light sources for this socket.		Standard lamps (Edison), candles, globes, globes, carbon filament, mirrored head, opal, reflector lamps, decorative lamps, swirl, softtone, LED filament	Conventional incandescent lamps, halogen, LED
E14	Smaller rotary socket with 14 mm outer diameter. Often used for smaller pendant lights or bedside lamps, usually under 40 watts. Also used in refrigerators and ovens.		Candles, globes, drops, head-mirrored, opal, reflector lamps, decorative lamps, swirls, softtone, LED filament	Conventional incandescent lamp, halogen, LED
G9	Small plug-in base for high-voltage lamps without reflector. For use in small luminaires or multi-flame luminaires such as chandeliers.		Small pin lamps, Halopin, LED corncob, LED pin	Halogen, LED
GU10	The light source is inserted into the socket and then locked in place by turning, similar to the French bayonet socket. Mostly high-voltage lamps. Contact protection is provided when plugging in.		Reflector, spot, Par16, LED tube lamp, spotlight lamp	Halogen, LED
G5 / T5	Socket for the classic long neon tube with Ø 5/8". The two contact pins are inserted into the open "lock" and then brought into contact and locked by rotating the tube through 90°. The "LED neon tube" (LED TUBE) owes a small comeback to this type of socket.		Fluorescent tubes e.g. in the typical lengths of 90, 120, 150 cm.	Fluorescent lamps, LED
GU4	Small plug-in base with 4 mm pin spacing, usually for reflectorless low-voltage lamps for use e.g. in reflector housings in suspended ceilings.		Small pin lamps or reflector	Halogen, LED
GU5.3	Plug-in base with 5.3 mm pin spacing. The standard became popular with the advent of reflector lights and spots in low-voltage technology (12 V), e.g. on cable systems.		Reflector, spot	Halogen, LED
PL-S 2 and 4 pin	Plug-in base system for compact fluorescent lamps, often used in functional lighting, e.g. in suspended acoustic ceilings. LED light sources are now available for energy-saving continued operation of the luminaires.		Compact fluorescent lamps	Compact fluorescent lamps with integrated starter (2-pin) or without (4-pin), LED
GX53	A relatively new plug-in base system with 5.3 cm pin spacing and locking by rotation. This standard is the first to offer very flat LED assemblies in standard housings and for self-replacement.		Box-shaped, mostly with frosted glass	LED or energy-saving lamp
G53	Plug-in base with 5.3 cm pin spacing for high-quality low-voltage spots or LED spotlights. Typical design AR11 = reflector diameter of 111 mm.		QR-LP111, AR111 LED spotlight, reflector lamp	Halogen, LED
R7s	Two-sided base for rod lamps. Developed for halogen rods with high light output, primarily in spotlights. The rod is clamped and then locked by rotation. Usually high-voltage. There are now replacement bulbs with LED technology.		QT-LP12	Halogen, LED

"E" stands for Edison socket, "G" for plug-in base. The numbers are usually an indication of size.

Explanation of the information on the maximum number of watts for lights
Specifications such as "max. 40 watts" or "max. 28 W halogen" are information provided by the luminaire manufacturer, which we also reproduce as such for reasons of liability. The point here is which light source the lamp can be fitted with without the luminaire or components such as the socket and cable being damaged by heat development.

We generally recommend the use of high-quality and energy-efficient LED light sources. These heat up less, so that the maximum thermal load of the luminaire is only reached in extreme cases.