By understanding the different types of light bulbs available, you could also save yourself time and money.

However, they do have their benefits.

Though these bulbs are energy efficient, they can become damaged by being turned on and off too often.

Types of Light Bulbs

They look like a white tube, which has been bent or twisted to meet a specific shape.

Sodium Light Bulb

Sodium vapor lamps work by discharging gas.

They are available in two types; high pressure and low pressure.

Incandescent Light Bulbs

They are predominantly used in street lamps and for other outdoor lighting.

Halogen bulbs are slightly more energy-efficient than regular incandescent bulbs, estimated to use around 25% less energy.

They have a typical lifespan of around three years, which is also superior to traditional incandescent light bulbs.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

In spite of their drawbacks, halogen bulbs do have some positive aspects.

LED Light Bulbs

LED is an abbreviation for light-emitting diode.

These light bulbs work as semiconductors, producing light when electricity is supplied to a negatively charged diode.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Several diodes might make up one light bulb, depending on the strength of light you want to achieve.

Unlike other types of light bulbs, LED lights produce colors without the use of colored filters.

The only drawback of LED light bulbs is that sometimes the light they produce can be quite dim.

Metal-halide Light Bulb

To overcome this issue, ensure you buy an LED light bulb with a higher light output.

They work by using a push and twist-action to secure them in place.

The size of this cap is 15mm, and it goes by the other names SBC or B15d.

Sodium Light Bulb

This smaller version of the Edison screw cap is also known as SES-E14.

Also known as E12, these screw caps have a diameter of 12mm.

They are most commonly used in the UK and Europe, predominantly in candelabras and childrens night lights.

Halogen Light Bulbs

This is a very small bang out of lightbulb, which is also known as LES.

These bulbs are used in various applications, such as in panel lighting, or in model buildings.

Measuring just 10mm in diameter, these miniature screw light bulbs are best for flashlights and outdoor lanterns.

LED Light Bulbs

Despite their tiny stature, they tend to be quite robust and rarely need replacing.

Also known as GES, these light bulb caps have a diameter measurement of 40mm.

They are most commonly found integrated into appliances, such as in cabinet lighting and cooker hoods.

Spotlight Bulbs

These caps have two protruding pins, which are varying widths apart.

Popular types of capsule lamp caps are the G4 and G9.

The G9 has 9mm between each pin, which is rounded and U shaped.

Bayonet Cap

These bulbs are solely used for 240v lights.

They come in different sizes, which can be identified based on the measurement between each pin.

It works with a twist and lock mechanism.

Edison Screw Cap

It has a measurement of 5.3mm from pin to pin and works by push-fit.

The bulbs have a long and narrow shape, and come in two sizes; 78mm and 118mm.

Each end of the bulb has a 7mm cap that pushes against the springs to keep it secure.

Types of Light Bulbs and Cap Fittings