Standard (A)

Standard bulbs are the most widely used in household lighting and often are accompanied by the code (A) for Arbitrary. They’re used for a variety of fixtures like lamps, ceiling lights and vanity lights.

Candle (B&C)

Candle bulbs (B&C) are pretty self-explanatory and are generally shaped like a candle flame where they’re more rounded at the base and taper smaller toward the end. This type of bulb is often used in instances where it isn’t the main source of light in a room, like for chandeliers, night lights or string lights, for example. Numbers you’ll find for candle bulb codes: B10 (1 ¼ “ diameter); CA10 (1 ¼” diameter); C7 (⅞” diameter); C9 (1 ⅛” diameter); and C15 (1 ⅞” diameter).

Globe (G)

Globe (G) bulbs are rounded and spherical in shape, and are often used for household fixtures like foyer and kitchen lights or chandeliers. The most common type is the G30, which has a 3 ¾” diameter, but you will also find: G11: 1 ⅜”; G14: 1 ¾”; G16/G50: 2”; G60 2 ⅜”; and G25/G80: 3 9/64”.

Bulged Reflector (BR)

Bulged Reflector (BR) bulbs have wide beamed angles which work to provide a lot of light to an area. They’re most often used for track lights, recessed lights, display lights and can lights to provide the primary lighting to a room. Numbers you’ll find for Bulged Reflector bulb codes: BR20: (2 ½”); BR30 (3 ¾”); and BR40 (5”).