Lamp Size Reference



Measuring Lamps


All lamps have a specific "bulb type" designation that describes the shape of the lamp and the size of the lamp (diameter). The designation is a two part code consisting of a letter and a number. The letter indicates the shape of the lamp and the number relates to the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch.


The reference ruler at left illustrates the most commonly used household lamp, an A19. The "A" indicates the shape (standard) and the diameter would be 2.38", which is "19" eights of an inch.


All lamp types are available in a variety of technologies and therefore may vary in appearance. Maximum overall length (MOL) will also vary.



Additional popular lamp designations are also indicated on the reference ruler. Here is a quick guide to shape abbreviations:

A Arbitrary (Standard)
PS Pear Shape
B/BA Bulged, Bulged with angular tip
C/CA Conical, Candel shape with bent tip
RP Reflector, Pear shape
S Straight-sided shape (compare with CA and BA)
ST Spherical Tubular
F Flame
R Reflector
MR Multi-Faceted Reflector
BR Bulbous Reflector
G Globe
T Tubular
BT Bulged Tubular
E/ED Elliptical, Elliptical with dimple in the crown
AR Aluminized Reflector
PAR Parabolic Aluminized Reflector



How to Read Ordering Codes


Ordering codes are designed to indicate lamp specifications such as wattage, technology, shape and finish. Use the examples below to understand how to read Bulbrite ordering codes.


Incandescent

40G25CL3

  • 40 = Wattage
  • G25 = Globe (25 eighths of an inch or 3.18” diameter)
  • CL = Clear
  • 3 = Voltage (130V)

65BR30FL2/2P

  • 65 = Wattage
  • BR30 = Bulbous Reflector (30 eighths of an inch, or 3.34" diameter)
  • FL = Flood
  • 2 = Voltage (120V)
  • 2P = 2-Pack

40EFC/3

  • 40 = Wattage
  • E = E26 Base (Medium / Standard Base)
  • F = Flame
  • C = Clear
  • 3 = Voltage (130V)

Krypton/Xenon

JC5XE/12

  • JC = JC Bi-Pin
  • 5 = Wattage
  • XE = Xenon
  • 12 = Voltage (12V)

KX40CL/E12

  • KX = Krypton Xenon
  • 40 = Wattage
  • CL = Clear
  • E12 = E12 Base (Candelabra)

Halogen

EXN/L

  • EXN = ANSI code for 50W MR16 40° Flood
  • L = Lensed

Q35CL/MC

  • Q = Quartz Glass Shell
  • 35 = Wattage
  • CL = Clear
  • MC = Mini Candelabra Base

H75PAR30NF3

  • H = Halogen
  • 75 = Wattage
  • PAR30 = Parabolic Aluminum Reflector (30 eighths of an inch, or 3.34" diameter)
  • NF = Narrow Flood
  • 3 = Voltage (130V)

Compact Fluorescent

CF13WW/GU24/DM

  • CF = Compact Fluorescent
  • 13 = Wattage
  • WW = Warm White (DL = Daylight, SD = Soft Daylight)
  • GU24 = GU24 Twist and Lock Base
  • DM = Dimmable

CF18T841/E

  • CF = Compact Fluorescent
  • 18 = Wattage
  • T = Triple Tube
  • 8 = >= 80 CRI
  • 41 = Color Temperature (4100K)
  • E = Electronic 4-Pin

Fluorescent

F32T8/835/HL

  • F = Fluorescent
  • 32 = Wattage
  • T8 = Diameter of tube (8 eighths of an inch or 1")
  • 8 = >= 80 CRI
  • 35 = Color Temperature (3500K)
  • HL = High Lumen

HID

MH24PAR38NFL/SB

  • MH = Metal Halide
  • 24 = Wattage
  • PAR38 = Parabolic Aluminum Reflector (38 eighths of a inch)
  • NFL = Narrow Flood
  • SB = Self Ballasted

M70/U/MED/O

  • M = Metal Halide
  • 70 = Wattage
  • U = Universal Burn Position (V = Vertical, H = Horizontal)
  • MED = E26 Base (Medium / Standard Base)
  • O = Open Fixtures (or E = Enclosed)