What are the different types of light bulbs?
There are many different types of light bulbs on the market today. The three most popular types of light bulbs are incandescent, fluorescent, and LED. Each type of light bulb has its own unique set of features that make it best suited for certain applications.
Incandescent light bulbs are the oldest type of light bulb and work by heating a metal filament until it glows. This type of light bulb is typically used in residential applications where a warm, yellow light is desired. However, incandescent light bulbs are being phased out due to their high energy consumption and short lifespan.
Fluorescent light bulbs are the most common type of light bulb found in commercial buildings. They work by passing an electric current through a gas-filled tube, which causes the gas to emit ultraviolet light. This light is then converted into visible light by a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube. Fluorescent light bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescent light bulbs and have a longer lifespan. However, they often produce a harsh, blue light that is not ideal for residential applications.
LED (light-emitting diode) light bulbs are the newest type of light bulb and work by emitting visible light when an electric current passes through a semiconductor LED chip. LED light bulbs are typically more expensive than incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs, but they also last longer and use less energy.
Different bulbs base types
Edison screw base is the standard for screwing in an incandescent light bulb. Edison Screw Bases are also called Medium Base, E-27 is a name for Edison Screw Base with 27 mm diameter of screw base.
Candelabra screw base is used on smaller light fixtures where the light bulbs have to fit into small openings. Candelabra or Miniature Screw Bases are also called E-12 / Miniature Screw based, E-11 / Miniature Slide Fit, SES/B/G4, etc., are named for Candelabras bases with 12 mm diameter of screw base.
Bayonet mount base can be fitted by simply pushing it into an appropriate socket bayonet mount without any screws or complicated rotations. Bayonet Mount Bases are also known as Push-Fit Bases, BA15s is a name for Bayonet Mount Base with 15 mm diameter of screw base.
Edison screw base is the most common type in North America. Candelabra screw base is the most common type in Europe. Bayonet mount base is the most common type in Asia.
Are B11 and E12 bulbs the same?
The short answer is: not quite. An E12 light bulb has a smaller base than a B11 light bulb, so it won't fit in a fixture designed for a B11. However, you can use an adapter to make the E12 fit in a B11 fixture. So if you're ever in a pinch and need a light bulb, don't worry - an E12 will do the trick. Just be sure to screw it in tight so it doesn't come loose and fall out.
What is the B11 bulb?
The B11 bulb (also known as the BA15s) is a small Edison screw (or "screw-base") light bulb with two thin pins arranged in a bayonet mount. A traditional incandescent lamp, it is commonly used for flashlights and automotive lighting.
Key features: Small bayonet-mount
What is the E12 bulb?
The E12 bulb (also known as the C7) is a small candelabra screw (or "screw-base") light bulb with one thick pin and two thin pins arranged in a bayonet mount. A traditional incandescent lamp, it is commonly used in Christmas lights and chandeliers.
Key features: Large bi-post base
Codes explanations and meaning: Fitting in the socket
The B11 bulb has two thin pins arranged in a bayonet mount, which fits into a corresponding socket. It refers to the candle shape of the bulb.
The E12 bulb has one thick pin and two thin pins arranged in a bayonet mount, which fits into a corresponding socket. It refers to the base type of the bulb and the number of contacts. The E12 base is slightly larger than the B11 base.
Diameter features:
The B11 is 2.4cm in diameter and the E12 is 2.7cm in diameter, which means that the E12 is bigger than the B11.
In American units measurements, the B11 is .09 inches in diameter and the E12 is .11 inches in diameter. The E12 is also available in an extended version, which has a 3.8cm diameter.
So, for chandeliers, candelabras, and other applications where a big bulb is desired, the E12 is a better choice. For general use, the B11 is a good option because it can be used in flashlights and other home appliances staff.
Maximum power:
The maximum wattage of a B11 bulb is 50 watts and for an E12 bulb, it is 60 watts, which means that an E12 lamp can produce more light than a B11.
Maximum voltage:
Both lamps have the same maximum working voltage of 6 volts.
Wattages:
Both the B11 and E12 bulbs are available in different wattages, so be sure to check the specifications of the bulb you're buying to make sure it will work with your socket type and voltage range. Sockets and voltage ranges vary depending on the country or region. For example, in the United States, the B11 has a voltage range of AC 45V to AC 85V while the E12 has a voltage range of AC 45V to AC 130V.
The maximum wattage for each bulb also varies with different sockets. The B11 has a maximum wattage of 50 watts when used with a BA15s socket, but it has a maximum wattage of 60 watts when used with an E17 socket. The E12 has a maximum wattage of 60 watts when used with a C7 socket, but it has a maximum wattage of 75 watts when used with an E26 socket.
Saving energy:
For general home use, both the B11 and E12 bulbs are energy savers because they produce light using only 12 watts of power.
Reflector types:
The B11 bulb is available with clear, frosted, or tinted lenses. The E12 bulb is available with clear, small-point frosted, large-point frosted, or tinted lenses. For this reason, the E12 bulb can be better for certain lighting projects than the B11 because it has so many options to choose from.
However, this versatility limits where each lamp can be used because neither one is designed for specific applications like spotlights or floodlights. These lamps are good for general lighting purposes but not much else.
Efficiency:
Both the B11 and E12 bulbs are about 95% efficient, meaning that only 5% of the energy used to power them is wasted as heat. This is a good efficiency rating for a light bulb.
Weight:
The weight of a B11 bulb is 0.09 ounces and the weight of an E12 bulb is 0.14 ounces. Bulbs' weights can vary depending on the materials used in their construction.
Types of light beam:
The B11 produces a wide-angle light beam, while the E12 produces a brighter spot.
Socket types:
The B11 has the BA15s base type and the E12 has an E17 cap type. Both are interchangeable. The voltage range is AC45V to AC85V for both bulbs; however, the maximum wattage varies with different sockets (more on this below).
Light color features:
The B11 is available in different colors of light, including amber, blue, clear (or "white"), green and red while the E12 has clear (or "white") light only. However, by adding a colored filter over an E12 lamp, you can get it to emit any desired color.
Both bulbs give off a warm white color and they both have similar lumens (brightness) output.
Life span:
On average, both lamps last roughly 750 hours before burning out, which could be about 1 year with normal use. This depends on what type of lamp you are using it for or how frequently you are using it.
Retrofit B11 and E12 light bulbs
Did you know that by retrofitting your light bulbs, you can not only save money on your energy bill but also help the environment? LEDs use less energy than incandescent or CFL light bulbs, so retrofitting your light bulbs is a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Retrofit light bulb is an electric light bulb designed to replace an old-fashioned light bulb, typically an incandescent or CFL light bulb. There are a few things to consider when retrofitting light bulbs. First, you'll need to know the type of light bulb socket you have. B11 and E12 light bulbs are the most common types of light bulb sockets. Second, check the specs like wattage, durability and brightness.
More on why you should consider upgrading your B11 and E12 light bulbs to LED retrofits:
What does CRI mean?
CRI stands for Color Rendering Index. It measures how accurately colors are rendered under light sources with different color temperatures (K). A higher score indicates more accurate color rendering; however, "perfect" CRI is considered 100. Anything above 80 is generally considered good; however, some purists won't accept anything below 90.
Both bulbs have a CRI of 80. This means that colors will be displayed fairly accurately when compared to other light sources. However, if you are looking for the most accurate color representation, then you might want to choose a bulb with a higher CRI score.
Are B11 and E12 interchangeable?
Yes, B11 and E12 bulbs are interchangeable. If you have a fixture that takes an E12 bulb, you can use a B11 bulb in it without any problems. Vice versa, if you have a fixture that takes a B11 bulb, you can use an E12 bulb in it without any problems.
The only difference is that the E12 has a larger base than the B11, and it might not fit in some smaller sockets. If this is the case, you can use an E12 extender to make it fit.
Both bulbs give off a warm white color and they both have similar lumens (brightness) output. The only difference is that the E12 has a larger base than the B11. On average, both lamps last roughly 750 hours before burning out.
On average, both lamps last roughly 750 hours before burning out, which could be about 1 year with normal use. This depends on what type of lamp you are using it for or how frequently you are using it.
What are some popular applications for B11 and E12 bulbs?
Some popular applications for the B11 bulb are flashlights, automotive lighting, and small appliances. Some popular applications for the E12 bulb are chandeliers, candelabras, Christmas lights, and another decorative lighting.
Which bulb should I choose?
If you're not sure which bulb to choose, it's best to go with the B11. It's a good all-around bulb that can be used in flashlights, small appliances, chandeliers, and candelabras. The E12 is a good option for applications that need a brighter spot or strong directional light beam. It's also a good choice if you want to use colored bulbs for your decorative lighting projects.
The B11 has a BA15s-type base and an AC voltage range of 45V to 85V, and it's up to 95% efficient. The E12 has an E17 type cap and an AC voltage range of 30V to 40V, and it's about 90% efficient. The latter bulb also emits a brighter spot.
Bottom line
B11 and E12 bulbs are both available in different colors of light, have a warm white color, and have a CRI of 80. The B11 has a BA15s-type base and an AC voltage range of 45V to 85V, while the E12 has an E17 type cap and an AC voltage range of 30V to 40V.
The E12 also emits a brighter spot. Both bulbs last roughly 750 hours on average before burning out. The B11 is better than the E12 because it has a BA15s-type base, an AC voltage range of 45V to 85V, and is up to 95% efficient. Choose the B11 for general applications, the E12 for brighter applications.