
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 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 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 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

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

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.

LED light bulbs

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.