Outdoor - Light Bulbs - The Home Depot

Question 1

What are twist & lock and bayonet bases, and how are they different from screw-in bases?

Accepted Answer

Twist & lock bases, often seen in recessed lighting and some outdoor fixtures, don't screw in but instead lock into place by inserting and turning. bayonet bases, recognized by their cylindrical shape and side pins, are commonly used in older fixtures and some specialty appliances. They don't use the traditional threaded screw-in design, so check the fixture before purchase.

Question 2

What's the difference between BR and PAR bulbs, like a BR30 versus a PAR38?

Accepted Answer

BR bulbs are bulged reflector bulbs that produce a wider, more diffused pool of light. They are ideal for general room lighting and are often used in recessed cans. PAR bulbs, or parabolic aluminized reflector bulbs, create a more focused, intense beam of light, making them great for spotlights, task lighting, and outdoor applications.

Question 3

I love the vintage look. Are Edison bulbs a good choice for general lighting?

Accepted Answer

Edison bulbs are fantastic for adding a warm, decorative touch to your home with their visible filament design and amber glow. Still, they're generally not the most efficient choice for primary lighting due to their lower lumen output. Consider using them in fixtures where the aesthetic is as important as the illumination.

Question 4

What's the difference between "Daylight" and "Soft White" bulbs?

Accepted Answer

"Daylight" bulbs offer a crisp, energizing, blue-toned light that's perfect for task lighting in areas like kitchens or offices, while "Soft White" provides a warm, cozy, yellow-toned light ideal for relaxing spaces like living rooms and bedrooms. To learn more about which is right for you, check out our Daylight Bulbs vs Soft White Bulbs guide to help you decide.

Question 5

What does the enclosed fixture rate mean for my light bulbs, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Enclosed fixture rated light bulbs are designed to handle the heat buildup inside enclosed fixtures, preventing premature failure and ensuring safe operation. This is crucial for fixtures like globes or recessed lighting where airflow is limited, allowing you to choose the correct bulb for your light.

Question 6

I want to upgrade to LED bulbs, but I'm unsure if the base will fit. What common base types might I encounter, and what should I consider?

Accepted Answer

Common bases for LED upgrades include the screw-in E26 (standard medium base), smaller E12 (candelabra), and bi-pin bases like GU10 or G4. When upgrading, always match your existing base code; however, some LEDs, such as the E26, are offered in other base types, such as the GU10, for use in many common fixtures. Be sure to double-check to ensure you select the correct base.

Outdoor Light Bulbs

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Department

Review Rating

Brand

KICHLER

Feit Electric

BEYOND LED TECHNOLOGY

Simply Conserve

Viribright

3NLED

Bulbrite

Cync

HALCO LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES

Hinkley Lighting

SANSI

Vrbgify

Westinghouse

Yichuhaoxi

Price

$0 - $10

$10 - $20

$20 - $30

$30 - $40

$40 - $50

$50 - $100

$100 - $150

$150 - $200

$200 - $250

Special Values

Lighting Technology

LED

Metal Halide

High Pressure Sodium

Incandescent

Mercury Vapor

Bulb Shape

Light Bulb Features

No additional features

Enclosed Fixture Rated

Energy Saving

Dusk to Dawn

3-way

Light Bulb Shape Code

MR16

ED17

ST19

ED28

T5

T3

PAR36

A19

PAR38

Specialty Code

BA10

G40

MR8

PAR30

S8

MR11

T8

Light Bulb Base Type

Medium

Bi-Pin

Wedge

Mogul

Twist & Lock

Candelabra

Bayonet

Medium Side Prong

Number of Bulbs Included

1

2

3

4

8

12