Light Bulb Base Types in Singapore: How to Tell E27, B22, E14 and GU10 Apart
Last updated: 8 October 2026
Quick answer: A light bulb base is the end that connects a bulb to its holder, and the code on it names the type. “E” is an Edison screw cap and the number is its width in millimetres (E27 is 27 mm, E14 is 14 mm), “B” is a push-and-twist bayonet cap (B22), and “G” is a pin base where the number is the gap between the pins in millimetres (GU10, G9). A bulb fits only a holder with the same code, so read it off the old bulb or the fitting before you buy.
Light bulb base types at a glance
The table below covers seven of the bases that appear across our bulb, spotlight and pendant light listings (checked 8 October 2026), with how to recognise each one and what the listings say.
| Base | How to recognise it | What our listings say | Examples on our site |
|---|---|---|---|
| E27 | Round screw thread, 27 mm wide | E27 holder: “Standard E27 socket”. Pendant: “Bulb Base: E27 Γ 1 (bulb not included)” | SUNSHINE LED 12W (LGT) E27 BULB; Pendant Light Socket (E27) White/ Black |
| E14 | Smaller screw thread, 14 mm wide | “Slim E14 base, easy installation”; “Ideal for chandeliers, wall lights & decorative use” | Sunshine LED 4W (LCANTG) E14 Bulb; SUNSHINE Smart LED Candle Bulb β 5.5W (E14, Wi-Fi) |
| B22 | Smooth cap, two small pins on the sides, push in and twist; 22 mm wide | “Suitable for B22 holder (bayonet type)” | Philips LED Bulb B22 6W Daylight 6500K |
| GU10 | Two short pins; push in and twist to lock | “Lamp Holder: GU10” and “Voltage: AC 220V β 240V ~ 50/60Hz” (bulb); “Supports standard GU10 bulb” (fitting) | Philips GU10 LED Spotlight Bulb (4.7w); GU10 Surface Mounted Downlight Fitting β Single Head (White / Black) |
| GU5.3 (MR16 bulbs) | Two thin pins 5.3 mm apart; push straight in | “Lamp Type: MR16 (GU5.3)”; “Voltage: Low Voltage (MR16 type)” | Philips Essential LED Bulb 5W (50W) MR16 24D |
| G4 | Two thin pins 4 mm apart; tiny capsule | “Standard G4 bi-pin base”; “Voltage: AC12V / DC12V” | SUNSHINE LED Capsule Light Bulb G4 3W AC12V/DC12V |
| G9 | Two thin pins 9 mm apart; small capsule | “Lamp Base: G9”; “Product Size: D16mm X H51mm” | Sunshine LED 3W LG9B Bulb |
MR16 and A60 describe a bulb’s shape, not its base, so look for the base code beside them, as in “MR16 (GU5.3)”. If a listing names more than one base but shows no base option to select, confirm the base with the branch before ordering.
Two other bases also appear: G24d, a two-pin base (“SUNSHINE LED Pin Lamp β 12W (G24d)”), and GX53, a twist-lock base (“GX53-PION LED Light”). Go by the code, not the name: “SUNSHINE LED Pin Bulb β 7W (E14)” is a screw-in bulb (“Lamp Base: E14 (Screw-in)”).
How to read a base code
The first letter shows how the bulb attaches, and the number is a size in millimetres. E (Edison) screws in, and the number is the thread width. B (bayonet) pushes in and twists, locking two small side pins into slots in the holder. G (pin) has two pins that go into the holder, and the number is the gap between them: GU10 twist-locks, while GU5.3 pushes straight in.
How to find out which base your fitting uses
Read the code on the old bulb or the fitting first, and measure only if there is none.
- Switch off at the wall switch and let the bulb cool before touching it.
- Check the cap, the glass and the packaging for a code such as E27 or GU10.
- For a fitting from us, open its product page, which may state the base: the Modern Black Dome Pendant Light lists “Bulb Base: E27 Γ 1 (bulb not included)”.
- No code? A round screw thread means an E base, two small side pins mean B22, and two pins sticking out mean a G base.
- Still unsure? Bring the old bulb to one of our 5 showrooms in Singapore; call the branch first to check what is on display.
The base is only half the fit
A matching base does not make a bulb right for the fitting. Check these on the listing:
- Voltage. Our Philips GU10 listing states “AC 220V β 240V ~ 50/60Hz”, while the Philips Essential MR16 listing states “Low Voltage (MR16 type)” and the G4 capsule bulb lists “AC12V / DC12V”. The Philips MR16 LED Bulb listing adds: “Please confirm transformer compatibility before purchase.”
- Dimming. Several listings say “Non-dimmable”, and separate dimmable GU10 listings exist, such as “Philips GU10 LED Bulb Dimmable (4.9w | 6.2w)”. On a dimmer, choose a dimmable bulb.
- Size. The Philips B22 listing gives “Height: ~110 mm” and “Diameter: ~60 mm”; compare dimensions with the space inside your shade or housing.
- Driver or ballast. The G24d lamp listing says: “Ensure compatibility with fixture and ballast before installation.”
- Bulb included? The E27 pendant above says “bulb not included”, and the recessed GU10 spotlight (Modern Adjustable Recessed Spotlight (GU10)β 5651S) says “Bulbs are not included”.
Changing a bulb, a holder or using an adapter
Swapping a bulb for one with the same base is a simple job with the power off. Replacing a holder that is wired into a ceiling point, pendant or built-in fitting touches fixed wiring, so leave it to a licensed electrical worker. EMA has a page on engaging licensed electrical workers.
A base adapter sits between the bulb and the holder and adds length, so check that the bulb still fits inside the shade or housing, and check the adapter’s voltage and wattage rating. Where you can, change the bulb to match the holder instead.
Once the base matches, our guide to how many lumens you need helps you choose how bright a bulb to buy.
Holders and sockets on our site
If the holder is what you need, these listings state their base:
- E27 Bulb Holder: “Standard E27 socket”
- E27 Lamp Holder / Bulb Socket Adapter: “E27 Screw Socket β Compatible with standard E27 light bulbs”
- GU10 Lamp Holder: “GU10 standard socket”
- MR16 Lamp Holder: “Compatible with MR16 bulbs”
The GU10 and MR16 holders are described as pre-wired, but connecting any holder to a building’s fixed wiring is still a job for a licensed electrical worker. Browse bulbs in our light bulb category, spotlights and holders in the spotlight category, and E27, E14 and GU10 pendant fittings in the pendant light category.
Planning the lighting for a whole home or a renovation? Share your floor plan with our light specialist for an assessment; our lighting design service page explains how to get in touch.
FAQ
What is the difference between E27 and B22?
E27 is a screw cap, 27 mm wide, that twists into the holder. B22 is a bayonet cap, 22 mm wide: two small pins on its side push into slots in the holder and lock with a twist. The two do not fit each other’s holders, so match the code on the old bulb or the fitting.
Can I use a GU10 bulb in an MR16 (GU5.3) holder?
No. GU10 pins are 10 mm apart and twist-lock, while GU5.3 pins are 5.3 mm apart and push straight in. Voltage can differ as well: our Philips GU10 listing states AC 220V β 240V, while our Philips Essential MR16 (GU5.3) listing states Low Voltage. Always match the base code on the old bulb.
How do I know if my bulb holder is E27 or E14?
Look for the code on the old bulb or the fitting’s label. If there is none, switch the light off and measure across the screw thread of the old bulb with a ruler: about 27 mm is E27 and about 14 mm is E14. E14 is the smaller cap, used on candle-style and decorative bulbs in our listings.
Which bulb fits my holder?
A bulb fits when its base code matches the holder: E27 to E27, B22 to B22, GU10 to GU10. Then check the voltage, whether the bulb is dimmable if your light is on a dimmer, and that its height and diameter fit inside the shade or housing.
Can I change a bulb holder myself?
Changing the bulb is a simple swap with the power off. Replacing a holder that is wired into a ceiling point, pendant or built-in fitting touches fixed wiring, so leave it to a licensed electrical worker. If you only need a different bulb, matching the base to your existing holder avoids that job.
