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Guide to Light Bulb Fittings

Choosing bulbs for your lights can be tricky. Find the light bulb you need with our guide to the different types, sizes and fittings.
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Light-bulb-guide
DIY Superstore’s guide to the different Light Bulb types, sizes and fittings.

Light bulb types and fittings

Choosing bulbs for your lights can be tricky. There’s a range of types and fittings, all with different codes to identify how they should be used. Some serve a functional purpose for lamps or spotlights, while others can be used to make a real style statement.

Luckily our guide is here to help you find the right bulbs for the lighting in your home.

Light bulb types

All light bulbs have a code to identify their type of fitting. The letters tend to stand for the name of the fitting and the numbers are the diameter of the fitting in millimetres. For example, an E27 is an Edison Screw bulb with a diameter of 27 millimetres.

ES (Edison screw) light bulbs

edison-screw-light-bulb
ES (Edison screw) light bulbs

Edison screw fittings are one of the most commonly used around the home. The main two types of ES bulbs are the E27, used in many household lamps, and the less common E14, AKA the SES (small Edison screw).

BC (bayonet cap) light bulbs

bayonet-cap-light-bulb
BC (bayonet cap) light bulbs

Bayonet cap bulbs use a twist and lock action to secure into the fitting. They are used in a variety of lighting around the home and one of the most common types of fittings. The most common code is for bayonet caps is B22.

G4 and G9 light bulbs

g4-g9-light-bulb
G4 and G9 light bulbs

G4 and G9s, or capsule bulbs, are similar to bayonet caps, in that they need to be pushed in, twisted and locked. The difference is that they use two connection pins, which are much smaller, at 4 and 9mm respectively. Most commonly used in cooker hoods.

GU5.3 and GU10 bulbs

bulbs-gu5
GU5.3 and GU10 bulbs

GU5.3 and GU10 are the different types of down and spotlights you can find around your home. They connect through twin pins, which use a push and twist mechanism to fit into the socket.

R7 light bulbs

r7-light-bulbs
R7 light bulbs

R7s are longer than other light bulbs and have connections at either end. They are most likely to be used in home security or flood lighting due to their increased brightness.

guide-to-light-bulb-types-and-fittings
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LED light bulbs

Lighting inspiration

Benefits of LED light bulbs

LED light bulbs will soon be the only type of bulb that you can buy in SA. LED bulbs can last up to 25 years, far longer than halogen bulbs, which may need replacing after 1 year of use. LEDs are far more cost effective, saving you a lot on your electrical bill, while halogens produce more heat and use 85% more power.

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Riddle 4

Don’t flush your chance to win down the toilet,

The wordplay on “flush” and “toilet” immediately hints that the answer is toilet-related

Your prize is waiting, so don’t dare spoil it.

“Spoil it” implies things can go wrong — reinforcing the value of a high-quality toilet.

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This cheeky line references the common joke that men (and many people) sit on the toilet as part of a daily ritual.

As silence and scrolling clears their mind.

Connects to the modern habit of scrolling phones in private spaces.

It’s your last chance sit upon the throne,

Throne” is a well-known euphemism for a toilet.

A front-flush seat in a class of its own.

This is a direct product clue — the Toilet is specifically a front-flush design.

This bathroom beauty is what you seek

Tells you the location of the product.

A porcelain touch that’s bold and chic.

“Porcelain” confirms material of the product.

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Cement your chance to WIN R12,329 grand prize,

Wordplay on “cement your chance” — a pun that links directly to cement the product

Lay the foundation — go big, be wise.

“Lay the foundation” refers both to starting a construction project using cement as the base

Mix it up – earn your right to brag,

This hints at the physical process of mixing cement

Then put your entry in the bag.

Mirrors “bag of cement”, keeping the riddle rooted in product-related phrasing.

A brand born local, rock solid and true,

Tells participants this is a South African brand with reliable strength, hinting at CEMZA as the brand of cement

Built for strength — that’s their claim to you.

Plain and direct — emphasises Cemza’s brand promise.

Create Everlasting Monuments, Zone Approved,

The first letter of each word spells CEMZA. It also reinforces the function of cement.

With it in hand, nothing gets moved.

The final line also emphasises the function of cement.

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Riddle 2

Where colour runs deep and the dog knows the way,

Hints directly at Dulux — famous for deep, rich colours and its iconic Dulux dog mascot.

This trusted name brightens homes every day.

Reinforces that it’s a well-known, reliable paint brand

Get ready to do lux with a pearly glow,

A playful wordplay on “Dulux” (“do lux”) and the Pearlglo product

Paint the town — it’s time to put on a show.

Refers to painting (the product’s purpose)

Put nose to the ground its time to explore,

This reinforces the subtle Dulux dog imagery.

Find glow that’s hidden on the see floor.

This line leads to Dulux PearlGlo paint by evoking the imagery of pearls (treasures) that glow on the seafloor

Like a smile with charm, it’s got good enamel,

This hints at Pearlglo an enamel paint without directly naming the paint type.

Smooth, tough, and tidy — no mess to unravel.

Describes the key qualities of Dulux Pearlglo

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Riddle 1

When the leaves start to fall, orange becomes the new pink,

References the iconic orange of the Incgo brand

Get ready — the power’s in your hands, all you have to do is think.

Suggests the tool is handheld and powerful, hinting at a portable power tool

So don’t let the Inc dry before you go,

A clever wordplay: “Inc” and “go” sounds like Ingco, the brand.

If you’re not plugged in, you will feel the blow.

“Blow” refers to the blower function of the power tool

Charge your batteries — you’re about to up your game,

This reinforces the cordless design — the tool runs on rechargeable batteries

Don’t leaf a clue behind, your ego won’t be the same.

Pun intended: “Leaf” = leaf blower

May the invisible force be with you,

This references airflow — the powerful, unseen blast created by a blower.

As you wield your tools to uncover the clues.

SEE OUR 1ST WINNER OF 4!

PS. each line holds a clue. Use the answer to find the egg hidden in-store to stand a chance to win weekly R1000 vouchers and get one entry towards the grand prize each week.

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