Base family, nominal size, common names, likely fixtures, and the right reference page to open next.
Replacement checker
Identify the connection, then read the fixture.
Set the old bulb beside you with the fixture label and a ruler. The checker identifies the likely base, then records the details a visual match cannot settle.
Start the check ↓
Step 1 · identify the connection
Start with the code, if you can read it.
The letters on the metal or plastic base are more reliable than the bulb's overall shape.
Optional photo check
Photograph the printed label
A clear close-up may reveal a base code, voltage, watts, lumens, or color temperature. The image stays in this browser and is not sent to BulbMatch.
- Show the complete bulb.
- Take a second close-up of the base and contacts.
- Keep printed ratings sharp and evenly lit.
or compare the connection
Switch off power and remove the bulb before measuring. Never put a metal ruler into a live socket.
Unknown fields stay visible in the final brief; the checker will not fill them by assumption.
What this result means
The result identifies a base, not a complete replacement.
Electrical safety, transformer behavior, appliance approval, dimmer performance, or a manufacturer-specific part.
Common questions
Where replacement checks usually go wrong
The base is visible, so it gets all the attention. Most failed replacements come from the less visible specifications: voltage, heat, controls, or space.
See the standards and guidance we use →Can a bulb fit the socket and still be wrong?
Yes. A shared base does not confirm voltage, physical clearance, dimmer compatibility, enclosed-fixture approval, heat resistance, or location rating.
Where is the bulb base code printed?
Check the metal or plastic base, the neck of the bulb, and the original package. Appliance manuals may list the lamp type under lighting or replacement parts.
Should I match watts or lumens?
Match brightness in lumens. Watts measure input power. Also remain within the fixture's maximum wattage and follow any model-specific instructions.
What if the fixture uses an LED module instead of a bulb?
Stop at the model number. Integrated LED boards and proprietary lamp assemblies usually require a manufacturer part rather than a generic screw-in or pin-base bulb.