Fitting Finder (Caps and Bases)
Some confusion can arises when referring to 'fittings'. A light fitting is the 'socket' into which the lightbulb is installed. However, many people speak of the 'fitting' on the lamp itself, referring to the part of the lamp that secures it into it's holder. This is the 'cap' or 'base' and both holds the lamp in position and provides the connection to the power supply. There are a large number of different fitting options available in modern lighting, so this section is designed to help you identify the fitting that you requrie to ensure that your new lamps easily replace existing ones. To keep things concise we have only included the most popular fittings in this guide. However, we do stock numerous specialist lamps, so if you are unsure then just give us a call. |
GU10 |
| The most popular type of lamp that we sell at YourWelcome is the GU10. Most downlighter fittings use either the 240v GU10, as shown on the right, or the low voltage equivalent, the MR16 fitting which differs slightly as detailed below. The GU10 cap/base features two bayonet style pins, which require a push into the socket, followed by a twist to lock in position. These are sometimes referred to as 'Twist and Lock'.We sell GU10 lamps in a variety of forms, including the common halogen 50w and 35w available in GU10 Halogen, the lower energy and longer life CFL available in Low Energy GU10 and the ultra low energy and long life LED versions available in GU10 LED. |  |
GX5.3 |
| Our second most popular lamp is the MR16. These lamps are of a similar size and application to the GU10, but are low voltage so run off 12v rather than 220-240v and therefore employ a different fitting and base. Rather than the Twist and Lock of the GU10, the use two pins which are pushed into two corresponding holes on the lamp holder. These bases are often referred to as GU5.3They are available in both Halogen and LED forms to suit individual requirements. View our range of LED MR16's by clicking here. |  |
Bayonet Cap (BC) |
| The standard bayonet cap (BC) fitting will be a familiar sight to most, as most traditional lightbulbs used either this or the Edison Screw (ES) shown below. The BC cap is installed with a simple 'Twist and Lock'. The 'Small Bayonet Cap' or SBC is also common and is shown below. We no longer stock traditional lightbulbs that use this fitting, but instead offer various Low Energy replacements in spiral and candle form. To view our range of Low Energy Candle lamps click here. |  |
Small Bayonet Cap (SBC) |
| The Small Bayonet Cap (SBC) is identical to the BC, just smaller in size. It is designed for more compact bulbs and smaller fittings and it is fitted in the same way as the larger version. These are commonly used in lower output situations such as bedside lamps. To view our range of Low Energy Candle that employ these fittings please click here. |  |
Edison Screw Cap (ES) |
| The Edison Screw (ES) cap is another 'traditional' light base, differing from the BC simply by a screw fitting rather than Twist and Lock. A Small Edision Screw (SES) is also common and is simply the a smaller version of the ES. It is shown below. As with the BC, we do not stock the outdated traditional bulbs that originally used the ES, but offer several Low Energy alternatives. To view our range of Low Energy Candles click here. |  |
Small Edision Screw (SES) |
| The Small Edison Screw (SES) is simply a smaller version of the ES for more compact lamps and fittings. We offer a range of Low Energy Candle and Spiral lamps that use the SES cap. To view our range of Low Energy Spirals click here. |  |
Halogen Capsules - G9 |
| The G9 Halogen capsule uses two looped pins at the base and is simply pushed into the fitting to install. Unlike other capsules in our range it is designed for 220-240v mains use and is available in several different power options, depending on the light output required. |  |
Halogen Capsules - G4 |
| The G4 is a low voltage capsule lamp that uses two pins spaced 4mm apart. The pins differ from the G9 as they are straight without the wire loop. They are simply pushed into the fitting to install. Like the G9 they are available in a range of power options to tailor to your needs. |  |