Lamps, Wall Sconces and Light Fixtures

Fixture type and placement: wall, ceiling, desk or outdoor

This aisle is organized by where the light goes. Desk, tabletop and floor lamps plug in and need no wiring, sconces and wall-mount fixtures wire into a junction box, and wall-pack and downlight fixtures suit exterior walls and ceilings. Check the placement label: indoor-only fixtures lack the sealing needed outdoors, where a damp or wet rating matters, and IP65 is a common rating for exposed walls. Bracket and panel mounts depend on the surface, so confirm the box or cutout size first.

Socket base, wattage limit and bulb type

Every fixture has a socket, and the bulb must match it. E26 (North America) and E27 (Europe) are the common screw bases, B15d is a small bayonet cap, and wedge bases push straight in. Each fixture also states a maximum wattage, a limit set by heat that you must not exceed; an LED bulb draws far less than the incandescent equivalent printed on its pack, so it stays safely inside the limit. A dimmer circuit needs dimmable bulbs, and a fixture with built-in LEDs has no replaceable bulb at all.

Questions about Lamps, Wall Sconces and Light Fixtures

Is E26 the same as E27?

They are nearly the same size, 26 mm and 27 mm across, and often fit each other physically. The bigger difference is mains voltage: North American E26 bulbs are rated for about 120 V and European E27 bulbs for about 230 V, so use the one rated for your supply.

Can I put a higher-wattage bulb in a fixture?

Not above the maximum wattage on the fixture label, because heat builds up in the socket and wiring and can damage them. An LED bulb marked as equivalent to a high-wattage lamp is fine if its actual wattage is below the limit.

Can I change the light source in an LED fixture?

Only if the fixture takes a standard bulb or a replaceable module. Many LED fixtures have built-in LEDs that last for years but cannot be swapped, so check the description for the bulb base, such as E26, before you count on changing it.