Candelabra Base
A small screw base commonly specified for North American decorative fixtures, chandeliers and wall lights. Confirm 120V, socket marking and fixture conditions.
Lighting Knowledge Center / Decorative Bulb Resource Hub
GLORILUM RESOURCES
Practical Guidance for Custom Decorative Bulb Projects
Product-based information for lighting brands, distributors, designers, contractors and commercial project buyers.
RESOURCES
EDISON SCREW BASE BUYER GUIDE
E12 vs E14 vs E26 vs E27 Bulb Bases
Choose the correct Edison screw base for a decorative bulb project by confirming the socket, destination market, voltage, fixture and approval route together. A one- or two-millimetre difference can change fit, while a base that physically fits does not by itself prove electrical compatibility.
QUICK DEFINITION
What the E Number Means
The “E” identifies an Edison screw connection. The number indicates the nominal screw-shell diameter in millimetres: E12 is approximately 12 mm, E14 is 14 mm, E26 is 26 mm and E27 is 27 mm. The code describes the base—not the glass shape, brightness, voltage, dimming performance or market approval.
Small Edison Screw
A 14 mm base used in many European and international decorative fixtures. It is not the same size as E12, even when the bulb glass looks identical.
Medium Base
A common North American medium screw base for table lamps, pendants and exposed decorative bulbs. Match the base with the product’s rated input.
European Medium Base
A common medium Edison screw base for 220–240V markets and international projects. Confirm the exact country, holder and electrical version.
E12 E14 E26 E27 COMPARISON
Use the Base Code as One Part of the Specification
This table is a purchasing starting point. Regional conventions are useful, but the fixture marking and approved project specification remain the deciding references.
| Base | Nominal diameter | Common project context | Typical market starting point | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E12 | 12 mm | Chandeliers, candle bulbs, wall sconces, compact decorative fixtures | United States and Canada | Socket marking, 120V/60Hz requirement, fixture clearance and dimmer |
| E14 | 14 mm | Candle bulbs, small pendants, table lamps and decorative fixtures | Many European and international markets | Country, 220–240V/50Hz requirement, holder and local compliance scope |
| E26 | 26 mm | ST64, globes, table lamps and exposed pendants | North American medium-base fixtures | Rated voltage, contact geometry, socket label, dimming and fixture conditions |
| E27 | 27 mm | ST64, T30, globes and larger decorative bulbs | European and many global projects | Rated input, target country, holder, markings and product approval |
Important: E12 and E14 are different sizes and should not be treated as interchangeable. E26 and E27 may appear mechanically similar, but physical fit alone does not confirm the correct voltage, contact clearances, fixture rating or market compliance.
BUYER DECISION
Base Size, Bulb Shape and Voltage Are Separate Choices
A candle-shaped bulb may use E12 or E14. An ST64, globe or T30 bulb may use E26, E27 or another project-specific base. The glass envelope describes the visible form; the base describes the connection; the rated input describes the electrical version.
For OEM, ODM and wholesale projects, record all three items on the quotation, sample label, approval sheet and packaging. This reduces the risk of approving the appearance while leaving the connection or market version unclear.
Read the fixture or socket marking
Use the specified base code wherever possible. Do not identify E12 versus E14 only by looking at a photograph.
Measure when the code is unavailable
Measure the screw-shell diameter and compare it with the fixture documentation. Measurement is a clue, not a replacement for electrical confirmation.
Confirm the destination market
State the country, nominal voltage, frequency, required base and agreed compliance responsibility.
Test the actual product system
Approve the selected bulb in the intended holder, fixture and dimming circuit before bulk production.
DECORATIVE BULB APPLICATIONS
Match the Base to the Fixture and the Visible Bulb Family
GLORILUM develops decorative glass bulbs for different fixture scales and markets. Use these real product families as visual starting points, then confirm the final base and electrical specification for the selected model.
E12 / E14 PROJECTSDecorative LED Candle BulbsReview C35 and flame-tip directions for chandeliers, wall lights and compact hospitality fixtures.E26 / E27 PROJECTSCustom ST64 Decorative BulbsCompare classic Edison silhouettes, glass finishes and custom internal designs for visible fixtures.E26 / E27 PROJECTSCustom T30 Tube BulbsExplore long vertical bulb formats for pendants, counters, shelving and grouped installations.
PROJECT CHECKLIST
Information to Send for Base Compatibility Review
Share the information already available. Product-specific feasibility, voltage, dimming and documentation still require confirmation before sampling or production.
Fixture
Socket code, fixture photo or drawing, open or enclosed construction, available dimensions and installation orientation.
Market
Destination country, nominal voltage, frequency, label language and agreed compliance requirements.
Bulb
Preferred shape, glass finish, filament direction, wattage target, base code and dimming requirement.
Commercial Plan
Estimated quantity, sample schedule, packaging, private-label information and expected delivery window.
RELATED BUYER GUIDES
Continue the Specification
FAQ
Bulb Base Compatibility Questions
Are E12 and E14 bulb bases interchangeable?
No. Their nominal screw diameters are different. Specify the exact base marked for the holder and verify the fixture voltage and product approval.
Are E26 and E27 the same?
They are mechanically similar in many situations, but they are different designations associated with different electrical and market contexts. Do not approve a project from physical fit alone.
Does an E27 base mean the bulb is automatically 230V?
No. The base code is not a complete voltage specification. Confirm the rated input shown on the product and the destination-market requirement.
Can the same decorative glass shape use different bases?
Selected product families may support different base or voltage versions, subject to construction and project feasibility. Confirm the intended combination before requesting samples.
What should a B2B buyer approve before production?
Approve the base, voltage, frequency, dimming behavior, glass and filament appearance, fixture fit, label, packaging and written product specification.
B2B BASE & MARKET REVIEW
Need E12, E14, E26 or E27 Decorative Bulbs?
Send the fixture, socket code, destination country, voltage, preferred bulb shape, estimated quantity and dimming requirement. GLORILUM will use them to review a suitable product and sample direction.