An LED lamp is a light-emitting diode (LED) product which is assembled into a lamp (or light bulb) for use

in lighting fixtures. LED lamps have a lifespan and electrical efficiency which are several times longer
than incandescent lamps, and significantly more efficient than most fluorescent lamps,
Today's LED light bulbs are brighter and more efficient and more durable than ever. They dim smoothly, have very good color
rendition and choice of color temperature. Best of all, pricing is coming down as quality goes up. Now, LED light bulbs are being
produced in virtually every shape and base size. In this article, we'll explain the most popular alpha-numeric designations so it will be
easy for you to find just what you need to replace traditional light sources everywhere in your home and business.

If you do not see your base type or bulb shape, here is a more complete list of bases and bulb shapes.

Lamp Base Types:

E-12 candelabra base: This type of base typically is found in chandeliers, wall sconces and some bath bars. It is
typically topped by a blunt tip, flame tip, or globe shaped bulb. There are also E-11 mini candelabra bases and E-
14 European bases. Although all are referred to as 'candelabra' they are not interchangeable.

The E17 intermediate base is in between a candelabra base and a medium base. These are frequently found in
commercial Exit signs. The intermediate base is sometimes used in ceiling fans and appliances. Although a lamp
base adapter may be used, it's best to make sure an appliances is suited for a LED bulb replacement. LED bulbs
are not advised for use with some appliances such as microwaves and range hoods, although they are just fine in
refrigerators.

E-26 or E-27 medium base. This is the most common base type used for light bulbs in the USA. It's the
standard household base which can be topped by many different shapes. When you think medium base, think
of the standard lamp you would put in a table lamp or light fixture in most places around the home. Browse
our LED light bulbs.

E-39 E-40 Mogul base. Except for commercial lighting applications, this base size is somewhat of a dinosaur.
Sometimes made of ceramic, the mogul base incandescent bulb was used in torchiere lamps and had to be
larger and sturdier to take the heat a 300W incandescent bulb produced. You may want to think of a lamp
base adapter to size this down so you can use a medium base LED bulb.

There are several other types of fluorescent bases; only the two most common are shown here. Typically, a
fluorescent tube has two pins, or one larger single pin in the center. Check with your electrician as he or she
may be able to replace the 'tombstones' in your fluorescent fixtures more economically than waiting for supply
on one type or the other. A 'tombstone' is the receptacle the bulb sits into. Our LED Fluorescent
Replacementsshine!

The GU-10 base is typically found in bath bars, ceiling fans and track lighting. GU-10 halogens typically operate at
120VAC. Our LED GU-10 replacements also operate at line voltage so there is no need to worry about
transformers or trying to make an ant learn new tricks. This is a twist and lock type base.

The GU-5.3 is an MR-16 type lamp base. It has two pins. MR-16's are found in track lighting
heads, bath bars, some ceiling fans. Our LED replacement MR16 lamps operate at low voltage and work
particularly well with magnetic transformers. If you have an electronic transformer, you will want to purchase
just one LED MR16 to try in your fixture to make sure it will work properly.
Lamp Shapes:

A-shape. Not so sure why this is called A. It doesn't look like an A unless you turn it upside down. Perhaps it's
because it's the first type of light bulb produced. It's more of a pear shape. It won't be long before the next
generation has no clue what we mean when we say "like a 60 watt incandescent bulb". Soon enough, people won't
know what that is. The most common A shaped bulbs are A19's and A15's. The A15 is smaller and is often found
in refrigerators and bath bars and can easily be used in some chandeliers. Our LED A shape bulbs are available
in a medium or candelabra base.

B stands for Blunt as opposed to 'flame tip' bulbs of this type. These can be had
withcandelabra or medium bases. You would typically choose a blunt shape in more
contemporary chandeliers if the bulb itself will be seen. Its counterpart is the flame tip bulb. It
has a more traditional appearance and goes well with more traditional crystal and brass
chandeliers, or in the type of candle lights you would place on window sills at Christmas time.

G is an easy one. G stands for Globe shape. The G 16 1/2 is much smaller in diameter than the G-25. It is
available in candelabra or medium base. The G-25 is larger. It's the size of the globe shape bulbs you may have in
a bare light bar above your vanity. The G-25 is medium base only. You have your choice of color temperatures in
both variations. in stock here at TheLEDLight.com in both types.

R stands for reflector. The numerical designation indicates how wide the bulb is. LED lamps are available in sizes
from R20 up to R40. You'll find these in gimbal track rings, recessed cans, indoor and outdoor spot and flood
fixtures. The R type bulb is usually not waterproof, but can be used in a fixture protected from the weather as long
as it is not sealed. LEDs need room to breathe. Cooping them up inside a closed container will shorted the life of
your LED bulbs. Find our LED R lamps here.

BR stands for 'bulged reflector'. The 'bulge' allows the light to be distributed in a subtly different manner. It is very
pleasing to the eye. You will see by comparison to the R-20 shown above, that the glass part is more curved. It's
optical, but not an optical illusion! Take a look at this 250W LED replacement BR40.

MR stands for 'mirrored reflector'. We still call it that in the LED industry, but a LED MR-16 doesn't require those
tiny mirrored squares to put the light where you want it to be. MR16's are found in track lighting and in all kinds of
display case lighting. We now have a 50W equivalent (to a halogen) at a fraction of the wattage
consumption and without all that heat.

And next, the

PAR lamps. PAR stands for Parabolic Reflector. The guts are U shaped. Once again, the LED PAR bulbs
don't require that to produce the same kind of light output and performance as the traditional PAR. You'll see
either an "S" or an "L" in this bulb shape description. That stands for either short neck or long neck. What you
want to consider is how deep is your fixture. Measurements arealways on our site for each type, so you can
easily decide which length you need.

And last but not least, you have the T shaped bulb. T stands for 'tube'. T type bulbs are found in things likebankers
lamps and podium lights. The T designation also fits fluorescent tube replacements. The number associated with
it determines the bulb diameter.