LED Bulbs
LED bulbs are replaceable light sources with a standard base, used to replace incandescent, halogen or failed LED bulbs in existing fittings. The category holds 25 TK Lighting LED bulbs rated 1 to 14 W, with E27, E14, GU10, GU10 MINI MR11, G9, GX53 and ES111 bases and 3000K, 4000K or 6500K light. They suit pendants, table lamps, spotlights and floor lamps at home or in the office.
How to choose an LED bulb
An LED bulb is chosen on three points: a base that matches the fitting's socket, the colour temperature and the brightness. Everything else, such as shape and housing material, decides how the bulb looks in the fitting.
The base must match the fitting
The new bulb's base must be the same as the old one, or it will not screw in or fit the socket. This category includes E27, E14, GU10, GU10 MINI MR11, G9, GX53 and ES111 bulbs. The marking is usually printed on the base of the old bulb or on the fitting's label. E27 and E14 are screw bases of different diameters, GU10 locks in with a twist, and G9 has two looped pins. If you cannot find a marking, take out the old bulb and compare it with the photo on the product page.
| Base | Fixing | Usually found in |
|---|---|---|
| E27 | large screw | pendants, table lamps, floor lamps |
| E14 | small screw | candle bulbs, small fittings |
| GU10 | two pins, twist-lock | spotlights and recessed downlights |
| GU10 MINI MR11 | smaller-diameter reflector | compact spotlights |
| G9 | two looped pins | small wall lights, chandeliers |
| GX53 | flat, twist-lock | slim surface-mounted spotlights |
| ES111 | large reflector | spotlights with an ES111 socket |
Colour temperature by room
The most common colour temperature among these bulbs is 3000K, a warm white that suits living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. Neutral white 4000K is usually chosen for kitchens, bathrooms, study corners and offices, and cool white 6500K for storerooms, garages and plant rooms. Use bulbs of the same colour temperature in one fitting and one room, as different tones side by side are clearly visible. When replacing a single failed bulb, match the colour of the others.
Power and brightness
Bulbs in this category are rated 1 to 14 W. An LED bulb usually needs several times less power than an incandescent or halogen bulb for the same brightness, so wattage is no longer a reliable guide. Compare bulbs by their luminous flux in lumens, printed on the packaging. Also check the maximum bulb wattage the fitting allows, especially in enclosed shades where heat escapes more slowly. Work out how much light the whole room needs with the lighting calculator.
Dimming and housing
Some bulbs in this category are marked as non-dimmable, so do not connect them to a dimmer, as they may flicker or fail early. If you plan to dim, choose a bulb whose description says it is dimmable. Housings are made of plastic, ceramic, glass or aluminium, mostly white with some black. In an open fitting the bulb is on show and becomes part of the design, while in an enclosed shade it matters more that it fits and does not overheat.
Related categories
Find a fitting for your bulb in indoor luminaires and outdoor lighting, and spare parts in luminaire accessories.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which bulb base I need?
The base marking, such as E27, E14, GU10 or G9, is usually printed on the old bulb's base or on the fitting's label. E27 and E14 are screw bases of different diameters, GU10 has two pins and locks with a twist, and G9 has two looped pins. If there is no marking, compare the old bulb with the photo on the product page.
What is the difference between 3000K, 4000K and 6500K LED bulbs?
3000K is warm white, 4000K neutral white and 6500K cool white light. Warm white is usually chosen for living rooms and bedrooms, neutral white for kitchens, bathrooms and workspaces, and cool white for storerooms or garages. This category includes LED bulbs in all three colour temperatures.
Can an LED bulb be used with a dimmer?
Only an LED bulb described as dimmable should be connected to a dimmer. Some bulbs in this category are marked as non-dimmable, and on a dimmer they may flicker or fail early. Check the dimming information on the product page before buying.
What wattage LED bulb replaces a 50 W halogen?
An LED bulb usually needs several times less power than a halogen bulb for the same brightness, so a 50 W halogen is typically replaced by an LED bulb of a few watts with the same base. For an exact comparison, use the luminous flux in lumens printed on the packaging. Bulbs in this category are rated 1 to 14 W.
What is the difference between GU10 and G9 bulbs?
A GU10 bulb has two thick pins with a twist-lock and is mainly used in spotlights and recessed downlights. A G9 bulb is smaller, with two looped pins that push straight in, and is more common in small wall lights and chandeliers. The two bases are not interchangeable.