Twist & lock base guide

GU10

Twist-and-lock

GU10 uses two short pins with widened ends. Insert the bulb and rotate it to lock; the 10 refers to the nominal spacing between pin centers.

Reviewed August 12, 2026
10 mm pin spacingNominal measurement · drawing not to scale
Connection
Twist & lock
Electrical context
Often line-voltage; confirm the fixture label
Also called
Twist lock base, Mains-voltage spotlight base

How to identify GU10

  1. Look for two stout pins with mushroom-shaped ends.
  2. Measure from the center of one pin to the center of the other.
  3. A GU10 locks with a short push-and-turn motion.

Where it is commonly used

Track lightingSpotlightsRange hoodsRecessed accent lights

Common use is a clue, not proof. The fixture label and model documentation take priority over a visual match.

Bulb shapes sold with this base

You may see these shapes with a GU10 base. The base code does not guarantee the bulb width, length, beam angle, or clearance.

PAR16MR16

Before you buy a replacement

  • Do not confuse GU10 with straight-pin GU5.3 lamps.
  • Check beam angle and bulb length before replacing a spotlight.
  • Range-hood installations may have specific heat requirements.