E26 and A19 are two key features of light bulbs commonly used in North America. E26 refers to the 26-millimeter threaded base that connects the bulb to the socket, while A19 describes the classic pear-shaped bulb, typically 2.375 inches (60 mm) wide at its widest point.
While all A19 bulbs use E26 bases, not all E26 bulbs are A19-shaped. Understanding this distinction helps ensure you choose the right bulb for your fixtures and lighting needs.
This article explains the difference between E26 bases and A19 bulb shapes, offering tips for selecting bulbs for pendant lights or decorative fixtures, such as rattan or bamboo chandeliers. Knowing how these features work together can help you create both functional and stylish lighting in your home.
What is an E26 bulb?
An E26 bulb refers to a light bulb with a 26-millimeter Edison screw base, the most common type used in North America. The "E" stands for Edison Screw, named after Thomas Edison’s original design, and "26" indicates the base’s diameter (about 1 inch). This design ensures a secure connection between the bulb and fixture, providing both electrical and mechanical stability.
E26 bases use right-hand screw threads that twist clockwise into sockets. The base delivers electrical current via a dual-contact system: the threaded metal carries the neutral current, and a contact at the bottom provides the live current. This reliable design has been in use for decades.
E26 bases are compatible with a variety of bulb types, including incandescent, LED, CFL, and halogen, and are found in bulbs like A19, BR flood lights, PAR spot lights, and candelabras. They’re standard in North American homes, matching the region’s 120-volt electrical system. This is different from Europe’s E27 base, which is designed for 240-volt systems and isn’t interchangeable with the E26.
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Specification
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Detail
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Base designation
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E26 (Edison Screw)
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Diameter
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26 mm (approximately 1 inch)
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Thread type
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Right-hand screw
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Voltage system
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120V AC (North America)
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Regional standard
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United States, Canada, Japan
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Compatible bulb types
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Incandescent, LED, CFL, halogen
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E26 is the bulb base with a 26mm diameterAdvantages of the E26 Bulb Base
The E26 bulb base offers 5 practical benefits, making it a top choice for residential lighting.
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1. Fixture Compatibility: E26 sockets are common in most American homes, making it easy to find replacement bulbs for lamps, ceiling fixtures, and wall sconces.
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2. Easy Installation: No tools or expertise required – just screw in clockwise to install and anticlockwise to remove.
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3. Secure Mounting: The threaded design ensures a tight connection that resists vibration, making it ideal for ceiling fans and outdoor fixtures.
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4. Weather Resistance: A tight seal between the base and socket prevents moisture and dust, extending the bulb’s lifespan.
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5. Versatility: E26 bases work with multiple lighting technologies, so you can easily switch from incandescent to LED bulbs without needing socket modifications.
5 key advantages of the E26 bulb baseDisadvantages of the E26 Bulb Base
The E26 base has 2 main limitations to consider:
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1. Voltage Specificity: E26 bases are designed for 120-volt systems. Using them in 240-volt countries can cause failures or safety hazards. The E27 base, used in Europe, isn’t interchangeable despite similar dimensions.
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2. Shape Ambiguity: E26 only refers to the base, not the bulb's shape or light pattern. Always confirm both the base and bulb shape before purchasing.
These issues are typically minor but become relevant when traveling internationally with portable lamps, buying bulbs online without clear shape details, or replacing bulbs in fixtures requiring specific beam patterns. Always check your fixture requirements to avoid complications.
2 main disadvantages of the E26 bulb baseWhat is an A19 bulb?
The A19 bulb is a standard household light bulb shape widely used in North America. Its classic pear shape has remained largely unchanged for over a century, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The "A" stands for "arbitrary", a historical term for this shape, while "19" refers to its diameter of 19 eighths of an inch (about 2.375 inches or 60 millimeters). In metric countries, it's often labeled A60.
Typically, A19 bulbs are 3.9 to 4.3 inches (100-110 mm) long and fit into standard E26 medium-based sockets, making them compatible with many fixtures without causing protrusion or shading issues.
A19 bulbs come in various technologies, including incandescent, CFL, and energy-efficient LED, making them a popular choice for everyday lighting needs. They emit light in all directions (360 degrees), ideal for table lamps, pendant lights, and open fixtures.
Manufactured to meet ANSI C79.1 standards, A19 bulbs ensure consistency in size and compatibility with fixtures. However, with the rise of LED technology, some of the traditional size guidelines have become less relevant.
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Specification
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Detail
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Base designation
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E26 (North American standard)
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Diameter
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2.375 inches (60 mm)
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Thread type
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Standard right-hand screw threads
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Voltage system
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120-volt (North American)
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Regional standard
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ANSI C79.1 (North America)
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Compatible bulb types
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Incandescent, CFL, LED
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The A19 is a bulb with a pear-like shape
Advantages of the A19 bulb
A19 bulbs offer 7 practical benefits that make them ideal for most household lighting needs:
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1. Versatility: Their classic shape and size fit almost all standard fixtures—table lamps, ceiling lights, pendant lights, and wall sconces—making replacements easy.
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2. Wide Availability: A19 bulbs are widely available at hardware stores, supermarkets, and online retailers with quick delivery options.
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3. Variety of Outputs: A19 LEDs range from 600 to 2,000+ lumens (40W to 100W equivalent) and color temperatures from warm 2,200K to cool 6,000K, allowing for room-by-room customization.
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4. Energy Efficiency: LED A19 bulbs consume up to 90% less energy than incandescent versions, with a 10W LED matching a 60W incandescent bulb's brightness.
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5. Longevity: A19 LEDs last between 15,000 to 25,000 hours (13–22 years with 3 hours of use per day), compared to just 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs.
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6. Durability: LED A19s are more resistant to shock and vibration, thanks to their solid-state components, unlike fragile incandescent filaments.
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7. Environmental Benefits: LED A19 bulbs are mercury-free, have 90% lower carbon footprints, and produce minimal heat, making them more eco-friendly.
These benefits make A19 LEDs especially suited for decorative lighting, such as pendant lights made from delicate materials like rattan and bamboo.
7 key advantages of the A19 bulbDisadvantages of the A19 bulb
A19 bulbs have 3 limitations that may impact certain lighting needs:
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1. Size: The 2.4-inch diameter is too large for compact fixtures like candelabra sockets, mini pendants, and decorative sconces that require smaller bulbs (B10 or G16.5).
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2. Shape: A19 bulbs emit light in all directions, making them unsuitable for directional lighting. Track lighting, recessed cans, and accent fixtures require PAR or BR bulbs with reflectors for focused beams.
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3. Socket Compatibility: A19 bulbs only fit E26 bases in North America, making them incompatible with other socket types like E12, GU10, or bayonet mounts.
These limitations are typically minor for general household use but become more relevant when:
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Installing bulbs in vintage fixtures with non-standard sockets
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Designing accent lighting for artwork or architectural features
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Using compact pendant shades that require smaller bulbs
For specialized applications, consider alternative bulb shapes, while relying on A19 bulbs for standard lighting needs.
3 main disadvantages of the A19 bulbWhat are the differences between E26 and A19 bulbs?
A19 refers to the shape and size of the bulb, while E26 specifies the type of screw-in base. An A19 bulb has a classic pear shape, about 2.4 inches in diameter. The E26 base is a 26mm Edison screw connector designed for standard medium-sized sockets commonly used in North America.
Most household bulbs combine both: an A19 shape on an E26 base. The confusion arises because these terms often appear together, but they're not interchangeable.
It’s like describing a car: "sedan" refers to the body style, and "five-bolt pattern" refers to the wheel mounting system – both describe the same vehicle, but they reference different components
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Aspect
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E26
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A19
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What It Refers To
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Base type (connection point)
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Bulb shape and size
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Shape
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Cylindrical threaded metal base
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Classic pear-shaped glass envelope
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Base Type
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Edison Screw, 26mm diameter
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Requires E26 base (North America)
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Compatibility
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Fits any fixture with E26 socket
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Fits fixtures accommodating 2.4-inch diameter
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Bulb Technology
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Supports all types (LED, incandescent, CFL)
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Available in all technologies
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Brightness and Performance
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Does not affect light output
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Shape influences light distribution (360°)
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Durability and Lifespan
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Provides secure mechanical connection
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Varies by technology (LED lasts 15,000–25,000 hours)
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Best Used For
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Identifying socket compatibility
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Selecting bulb size for fixture clearance
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Key differences between E26 base and A19 bulbWhich Bulb Should You Use for Pendant Lights?
For pendant lights, choose A19 bulbs with an E26 base, the standard for most North American fixtures. The A19 shape provides even, omnidirectional light, perfect for open pendant designs.
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Check your pendant’s socket type: While most use E26 bases, some decorative fixtures may require E12 or E17 bases. Verify the socket or fixture specs before buying.
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Consider bulb size: A19 bulbs, 2.4 inches in diameter and 4 inches in length, fit most pendant shades. For smaller pendants, try A15 bulbs, which are slightly smaller but have the same E26 base.
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Choose the right brightness: For dining pendants, aim for 800-1,100 lumens (60-75W equivalent). For ambient lighting, 450-800 lumens (40-60W equivalent) is ideal.
IndochinaLight’s handcrafted pendant fixtures pair perfectly with warm LED A19 bulbs (2,700K), enhancing the natural tones of rattan and bamboo while creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
3 elements to consider when choosing bulb and base for your pendant lights
Frequently Asked Questions about E26 and A19 bulbs
Are E26 and A19 bulbs interchangeable?
No, E26 refers to the type of base (26mm threaded connector), while A19 refers to the shape of the bulb (pear-shaped, about 2.4 inches wide).
An "A19 E26 bulb" is a pear-shaped bulb with an E26 base. All A19 bulbs use E26 bases, but E26 bases are also used for other bulb types like BR30, PAR38, and G25.
Is E26 a standard bulb?
E26 refers to the standard base size for most household bulbs in North America. It is not a complete bulb type.
The E26 base fits most fixtures like lamps and ceiling lights. The term "E26 bulb" can refer to different bulb shapes (such as A19, BR30, or vintage Edison), but the base is always E26. The most common "standard bulb" is the A19 shape with an E26 base.
Is A19 a standard bulb base?
No, A19 is not a bulb base; it refers to the shape and size of the bulb itself.
Specifically, A19 describes a pear-shaped bulb that is typically 2.375 inches (60mm) in diameter and 3.9 to 4.3 inches (100-110mm) in length.
Can I use an Incandescent A19 bulb in any fixture?
Yes, you can use an Incandescent A19 bulb in any fixture that is compatible with the A19 size and E26 base. But you should verify wattage limits, fixture design, and ventilation to ensure safety and optimal performance.
What happens if I use an A19 bulb with an E27 base?
If you use an A19 bulb with an E27 base in an E26 socket, it may fit physically, but it is not recommended due to the potential electrical compatibility issues.
The E27 bulb is designed for 220-240V systems, while E26 sockets are for 120V, which could cause electrical malfunctions or damage.
Conclusion
This article clarifies the difference between E26 bases and A19 shapes, helping you choose the right bulb for your needs. E26 refers to the threaded base, and A19 to the classic pear-shaped bulb, together forming the standard household bulb in North America.
Understanding these specs ensures proper fit and performance. For handcrafted pendant lights, A19 LED bulbs with E26 bases provide efficient lighting that highlights natural materials like rattan and bamboo.
IndochinaLight’s handwoven pendant fixtures, compatible with E26 bulbs, combine traditional craftsmanship with sustainable design, adding warmth and character to your home.
IndochinaLight – IndochinaHomeDecor LLC
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Address: 30 N Gould St Ste. N, Sheridan, WY 82801
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Phone: (+1) 307 249 0594
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Email: service@indochinalight.com
