Types, types and sizes of lamp caps. G4 (plinth)

The lamp base is used to mount it in the cartridge. This structural element is made of metal, sometimes of ceramics. It consists of filaments (inside) and contacts (located outside). It is he who provides the connection of the lamp itself with the source of electricity.

Types of socles

All the variety of products can be divided into the following groups:

• Screw (threaded). Used in conventional incandescent lamps, halogen, fluorescent, gas-discharge, LED. Most popular - with a diameter of 27 mm or 14 mm.
• Pin-type (pins). Installed on halogen lamps capsule type, luminescent, including linear, energy-saving diode. Light sources having the G4 cap type are the most popular.
• Special. Are made for specific use. Applied, for example, in automobile headlights.

The most common are screw and pin types of socles. By purchasing this or that lighting device for one of the types of products, the customer has the opportunity to choose any kind of light according to his needs. You can take into account the price, light temperature, power, light output.

Marking

The socles have different contacts, sizes. All this is indicated when marking the product itself. On it you can determine and type of the bulb. In each lamp there are certain cartridges. Mindfulness when choosing a bulb with the right parameters will help to avoid inappropriate spending.

A well-designed notation system will help you to orient yourself. The first capital letter indicates the type of product. Next, the numerical parameter, defined for each type, in millimeters is indicated. The subsequent lowercase letter defines the number of contacts (plates, pins). Providing more precise marking with an indication of an energy-saving light bulb (U) or its specialization (A - automotive). Can indicate a certain appearance of the socle (V-shaped, conical).

The marking with Latin letters and Arabic numerals is international. This will help you choose the right products as a domestic manufacturer, and, for example, Philips lamps.

Types of socles

There are several types of socles:

1. Rezbova - E. Invented in 1909 by Thomas Edison, in his honor and named. For many years nothing has been invented for a more convenient and quick connection of the lighting device to the power grid. Until now, this type of socle is very popular, it has been adapted for almost all types of modern lamps.

2. Pin - G. They put on both miniature halogen bulbs and large fluorescent ceilings. Popular uses G4 (socle). Most often it is used in lamps for point-to-point ceiling lighting and in flexible systems. The distance between contacts in 4 mm allows to use them in miniature lamps. They, in turn, are very in demand in decorative light design because of their bright dot light. The number, thickness and shape of the pins can be different. Halogen lamp (base G4) has a long period of use, over 2000 hours. Such a service life makes it attractive to the consumer. The first letter that indicates the type of socle G is followed by one more letter of the Latin alphabet U, X, Y or Z. These are design modification indexes, and they can not be interchanged:

- U - energy saving;

- X - most often used for lamps in spotlights with directional light (irreplaceable in gypsum plasterboard ceilings);

- Y and Z - very rarely used for narrow-purpose lamps.

In table lamps for compact lamps, plinths for 4 pins are made. To denote such a construction, a number 2 is written before G.

3. With one pin - F. The contact part of the pin must be isolated from the body made of conductive material. He is referred to a separate type, which, in turn, differs in the form of pins:

- cylindrical shape - a;

- corrugated - b;

- Special form - c. 4. With the recessed contact - R. They put such socles on lamps of high power and temperature. As a rule, these are quartz or halogen lamps. Small, light, operate from the mains voltage of 220 volts.

5. Pin (Bayonet) - B. A feature of this design is the presence of side contacts. Subdivided into the types of socles with a symmetrical and asymmetrical arrangement of the pins (BA marking). They give the lamp a strictly defined position in the cartridge, this ensures the focusing of the light flux. It is considered a variation of Edison's socle with the use of a pin design, which speeds up and facilitates the replacement of the light source.

6. Sofitovy - S. In such a socle contacts are located on opposite sides of the lamp. The numbers on the marking indicate the diameter of the housing. Such lamps illuminate the license plates of cars.

7. With cable connection - K. It is classified as a non-standard lamp base and is used in various projection products.

8. For xenon lamps - H. As well as a plinth with a cable connection, it is considered non-standard. Such lamps have high color rendition and are widely used in stage lighting, optical devices, installed in car headlights.

9. Focusing - P. It has a built-in lens that focuses the light flux in a given direction. Applied in film projectors, searchlights, flashlights, in the driving lights of cars. The numbers on the marking indicate the diameter of the focusing flange or part of the cap.

10. Telephone - T. Such products are used in bulbs to illuminate the instrument panel of the car, on the control panels, as indicators. Digital marking suggests the outer width, measured by the contact plates in millimeters.

11. If the current inputs are located directly on the glass base of the lamp - W. In them, there is, in fact, a direct contact of the current inputs with the cartridge, such lamps are also called "beszokolnye." The total thickness of the glass part with one current input is measured and labeled first and then the width of the base base is indicated in mm after the multiplication sign.

The number following the letter designation indicates the size of the socle. This can be either its diameter, if it is of the threaded type, or the distance between the contacts.

Number of contacts

The number of contacts can be different, the small letter of the Latin alphabet indicates their number:

• One - s;
• Two - d;
• Three - t;
• Four - q;
• Five - p.

Additional Information

But that's not all the information. Additionally, marking may be applied with some clarification:

• Energy saving - U;
• Automotive - A;
• With a conical end at the socle - V.

Thus, the inscription E26U will mean that it is an energy-saving lamp with a 26 mm diameter threaded cap.

The lamps Philips - the leader of production of modern light sources, differing in quality and ecological purity are in great demand.

Universality of socles

At present, industry produces such types of lamps:

• incandescent lamps;
• Halogen;
• Luminescent;
• LED light.

It is incorrect to assume that a particular type of lamp is used for a particular type of bulb. Developed and implemented their new species, along with the development of the entire lighting area. Same models can be used in various lighting, according to the principle of operation, purpose and size.

Technical characteristics of the G4 socle

If we consider the model G4 in more detail, it can be noted that the distance between the pins is 4 mm, their length is 7.5 mm. The diameter of the pins can not be less than 0.65 mm and exceed the value of 0.75 mm.

Halogen lamps with G4 socket

Halogen lamps with a G4 socket, due to their small dimensions, are often used in products made of various types of glass, including crystal. The bright light from the lamps causes the suspension on the chandeliers to pour out and sparkle no worse than diamonds. The reliability of the work is provided by the lamp cap. G4 - always a quality connection of a light source with an electrical network.

Care should be taken when installing halogen bulbs. Do not touch the surface of the product with bare hands. Gloves will be required to avoid leaving fatty traces. Otherwise, under the influence of heat, handprints are baked on the surface of the lamp, which will reduce the quality of lighting.

Since 2013, LED lamps have been put on the market, on which G4 (socle) is installed. They are able to replace halogen lamps with a similar socket, especially where low-voltage voltage is applied.

A distinctive feature of LED lamps can be called their ability not to produce heat, in other words, they do not heat up. Compared with the "halogen" LED lamps consume less energy and last longer.

The development of the G4 socket for this kind of light source will help to ensure reliable and cheap operation of lighting devices for various purposes.

LED lamps with G4 socket

Marking G4 220V suggests that the lamp socket G4, 220 volts - operating voltage. Such LED miniature light bulbs are widely used for spot lighting equipment. A bright directional light is also used in the manufacture of furniture, whether it is a kitchen set or a built-in wardrobe.

The small size of LED lamps with G4 (socle) allows them to be used in flexible lighting systems. Another nuance: they can be of different colors. You can choose a combination of several shades to emphasize the style of design or draw attention to advertising.

The appearance of the lamps can be in the form of a thin plate (round or rectangular shape) with several LEDs.

Benefits of G4

G4 (socle) allows you to quickly and without much effort to change the light bulb. The reliability of the construction will not allow the plinth to fall off from it, as in a screw analog. Simplicity of design allows you to cope with the task of replacing any adult or teenager.

In hard-to-reach places of installation such a design of the socle provides a simple and reliable connection with the power source: the pins should simply be inserted into the cartridge, do not turn or somehow fix the base. The pins serve both as fasteners and current conductors.

Disadvantages of G4

This can be more attributed to the disadvantages of the cartridge under G4 (socle). The poor-quality material from which the contacts are made in the cartridge, or its poor assembly lead to a disruption in contact. Lamps in the lighting fixtures go out, and if they "move a little", light up again. This indicates that the light source itself is in order, but a poor, unstable contact between the cartridge and the cap.

This disadvantage is suffered by lighting devices of Chinese manufacture or small firms that do not have a name on the market.