Types of Light Bulbs: A South African Guide to Fittings, Colour and Brightness
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In South Africa, most people call a light bulb a globe. Whichever word you use, three things decide whether a replacement will fit and look right: the fitting on the base, the colour of the light, and how bright it is.
1. Identify the fitting
| Fitting | Also called | How to spot it | Where you'll find it |
|---|---|---|---|
| B22 | Bayonet, BC | Smooth base with two side pins; push in and twist | Ceiling roses and older pendants |
| E27 | Edison screw, ES | Screw thread, 27mm across | Pendants, table and floor lamps |
| E14 | Small Edison screw, SES | Screw thread, 14mm across | Chandeliers, candle bulbs, small lamps |
| GU10 | – | Two short, thick pins; push in and twist | Mains downlights and spotlights |
| MR16 | GU5.3 | Two thin pins; 12V, needs a transformer or driver | Older low-voltage downlights |
| T8 tube | G13 | 26mm tube with two pins at each end | Battens in garages, offices and workshops |
Not sure? Switch off the power, remove the old bulb once it has cooled, and WhatsApp a photo of its base to 081 696 3851. Showroom visits are by appointment.
2. Choose a shape
Classic GLS (A60) globes suit most lamps and ceiling fittings. Candle and golf ball bulbs fit chandeliers and small shades. Filament bulbs show a visible glowing filament for open pendants. Reflector and PAR lamps focus light in one direction.
Shop LED GLS globes, golf ball lamps, filament bulbs and decorative bulbs.
3. Pick the colour temperature
- Warm white, 3000K: soft, yellowish light for lounges, bedrooms and restaurants
- Cool white, 4000K: neutral light for kitchens, bathrooms and offices
- Daylight, 6000K: crisp, bluish light for garages, workshops and security lighting
4. Compare lumens, not watts
Watts measure the power a bulb uses; lumens measure the light it gives. An LED bulb gives the same light as an old incandescent for far fewer watts. For example, an old 60W incandescent gave roughly 800 lumens, which many LED bulbs now match at under 10W.
5. Dimming
To dim a light, you need a bulb marked "dimmable" and a dimmer switch that's compatible with LED. A non-dimmable bulb on a dimmer, or a mismatched dimmer, can flicker or buzz. See our GU10 lamps and dimmers and DECO switches and dimmers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a globe the same as a bulb?
Yes. "Globe" is the common South African word for a light bulb.
Can I put an LED bulb in my existing fitting?
Yes, if the base matches and the bulb is within the fitting's maximum wattage.
Which bulb goes in a downlight?
Most mains downlights take a GU10 lamp; older low-voltage ones take MR16. Check the product page of the fitting, or browse our downlights and LED bulbs.