Founder | BPI® Energy Auditor Certified Professional
You’re in the market for an A19 light bulb and want to use an E26 medium base. However, the compatibility question between the bulb and the base leaves you at crossroads. Will an A19 bulb fit into an E26 medium base?
An A19 bulb fits into an E26 medium base for sufficient mechanical and electrical connections. The base type is 26 mm (or 1.024 inches), and it’ll work. However, not all E26 bases have A19 heads.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss the differences between A19 and E26. I’ll also talk about LED A19 light bulbs and how they differ from their traditional incandescent counterparts to help you choose the best option. Let’s get started!
The Differences Between A19 and E26
You may have encountered the terms A19 and E26 while shopping for a light bulb. Unfortunately, these codes can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the light bulb market.
Luckily for you, this section will help in differentiating these terms!
A19 Light Bulb
The code “A19” denotes the shape and diameter of the light bulb measured at the widest point.
The letter “A” stands for “Arbitrary,” the common name for the bulb’s shape.
The numerical “19” refers to the bulb’s diameter, which measures 19/8 or 2 3/8 inches. It’s a standard light bulb size used in most residential and commercial fixtures.
A19 bulbs are also referred to as A60 in countries that use the metric system. In this case, 60 represents the diameter in millimeters.
E26 Medium Base
E26 is a code representing the bulb’s base, the part that goes into the lamp holder.
The code has two parts, the letter “E” and the numerical “26.”
The letter “E” stands for Edison Screw, the common standard for lamp bases.
The numerical “26” represents the base’s diameter in millimeters, approximately an inch.
The E26 medium base is the most popular option for homes and offices, making it an excellent choice for your residential lighting needs.
The term Medium Edison Screw (MES) also refers to the E26 medium base.
How to Identify an E26 Medium Base
Identifying an E26 medium base can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. The sad reality is that you may buy the wrong base due to incorrect identification!
A wrong base will hinder the electrical and mechanical connection between the bulb and the lamp holder.
There are two ways to identify an E26 medium base:
- Visual inspection
- Physical measurement
Let’s talk more about both.
Visual Inspections
This is the easiest and fastest way to identify an E26 medium base. All you have to do is look at the bulb’s bottom, the non-light-emitting side.
If the bulb uses an E26 medium base, you should see a metallic section with screw threads.
Alternatively, you can inspect for “E26” or “MES” printing on the bulb’s body. This confirms that the bulb uses an E26 medium base.
Physical Measurement
You can also physically measure the base’s diameter to determine if it’s an E26 medium base. A digital caliper or ruler will come in handy for this method.
Measure the outside diameter of the metallic section and confirm that it measures 26 millimeters. If not, you’re dealing with a different base.
LED A19 Light Bulbs
You’ll see LED A19 light bulbs while shopping for an A19 bulb.
Although these are not the traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs you may be used to, they offer several advantages.
LED (light emitting diode) A19 bulbs are the latest models in the series designed for efficiency and longevity.
These bulbs are 90 percent more energy efficient than halogen and incandescent bulbs. Therefore, using these bulbs means saving on your energy costs while enjoying superior performance.
Instead of heating a tungsten wire filament, as with incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs pass an electric current through a microchip.
In turn, the microchip illuminates the light source or LEDs. Eventually, the illuminated LEDs result in visible light.
Moreover, these bulbs have a longer lifespan than their traditional counterparts. They can last up to 25,000 hours or more. The longer lifespan makes them ideal for hard-to-reach areas like high ceilings.
Besides the printing, it can be challenging to tell if a bulb is energy-efficient.
If you’re in this dilemma, check out this article with four easy ways to tell.
The Difference Between an E26 Base and an E26 Bulb
An E26 bulb is any lighting bulb mounted using an E26 base or cap to facilitate electrical contact.
On the other hand, an E26 base or cap is the part of the bulb that screws into the lamp holder. It’s also known as a medium Edison screw (MES).
Regarding light bulbs, the base determines how secure and safe the bulb is. A fitting base keeps the bulb securely attached to the socket. You need such a base to prevent the bulb from shaking or falling off.
Advantages of an E26 Medium Base
The E26 medium base is common in households and offices. Most people prefer this base for the following reasons.
It’s Easy to Install
The E26 medium base features an Edison Screw mounting mechanism that makes installation and mounting effortless.
With an E26 medium base, you don’t have to worry about changing the bulb due to a complicated process. Instead, you have to twist and tighten the lamp holder.
It’s Widely Available
Availability is crucial when shopping for a bulb base. You want a base that will take you only a short time to replace.
Fortunately, the E26 medium base is widely available.
You can find it in physical stores or online shops. The wide availability means you can compare prices between different retailers before settling on a specific bulb base.
It’s Compatible With Many Bulbs
An E26 medium base is compatible with a wide range of bulbs, including:
● LED A19 light bulbs
● Incandescents
● Halogens
● Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)
Compatibility with a wide range of bulbs gives you the leeway to experiment with different bulbs and choose the one that meets your needs.
It Guarantees the Bulb’s Safety
Most bulbs have their outer covers made from glass, a fragile material. As a result, the bulbs are at a higher risk of breaking if they fall from the socket.
Therefore, you need a stable base to prevent the bulb from shaking or falling off.
E26 medium bases use the screw mounting mechanism that guarantees a tight fit with the lighting fixture. Therefore, the bulbs remain safe from shaking or falling off, which can lead to breakages.
If you’re looking to upgrade your lighting fixture, this article discusses the top energy-efficient ceiling light fixtures.
Final Thoughts
E26 medium bases are versatile with various bulb types, including A19. Besides its versatility, the E26 base guarantees the bulb’s safety by providing a tight fit with the socket.
Moreover, you won’t struggle with the installation process if you use the E26 base with an A19 bulb. The base has a user-friendly screw mounting mechanism that takes no time to set up.
Therefore, the E26 medium base has your back if you’re looking for a bulb base that will fit an A19 bulb.