Base
The type of base for which the table lamp socket is designed, and the number of such sockets — for example, marking 3xE14 means that the lamp has 3 sockets for the E14 base.
The number of "seats" for light bulbs is a fairly obvious parameter, we note only a few nuances. So, a larger number of light bulbs (ceteris paribus) allows you to achieve greater brightness and/or lighting area, and also gives a guarantee in case one of them burns out — the power of the lamp will decrease, but it will remain operational. At the same time, one light source is often enough for table lamps, and such models are simpler and more compact.
The most popular types of socles are as follows:
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E27. The classic, most common type of round ("Edison") base — and in general the most popular version of the base in household lamps and light bulbs for them. If you do not have specific requirements for the form and functionality of a table lamp, it makes sense to pay attention primarily to models with such a cartridge. Firstly, the variety of light bulbs under E27 is very large, they can have a different type, power, brightness and colour of light; secondly, such bulbs are sold almost everywhere, and it is not difficult to find them.
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E14. He's a minion. Reduced, compared to the E27 described above, a version of the round "Edison" base, has half the diameter (14 mm instead of 27 mm). Accordin
...gly, light bulbs for such a cartridge are also smaller and less powerful than light sources for E27. Among table lamps, the E14 base is used mainly in small-sized models where it is not possible to install a full-size E27.
— G4. Two-pin base with pin diameters from 0.65 to 1.05 mm and a spacing of 4 mm. It is mainly used for round or oblong halogen bulbs. In size, such bulbs are similar to those that use the E14 base (see above), but for a number of reasons they are much less common, like table lamps for the G4 base.
— G6. 2-pin base with approx. 6 mm spacing between pins. It is found mainly in halogen lamps, similar to G4.
— GY6.35. Another variation of the "6mm" two-pin base, with slightly thicker pins than the G6. Equipped with such bases are mainly halogen lamps, including with switchable power.
— G9. 2-pin base with 9 mm contact spacing. Mainly used for conventional halogen lamps; while the size of the base allows it to be used in larger and more powerful lamps than in the case of G4. However, this type of contact is considered quite specific and is relatively rare.
— G23. 2-pin base with 23 mm contact spacing and 2 mm pin diameter. Unlike the type G contacts described above, it is mainly used in fluorescent lamps with an elongated U-shaped bulb.
— GU10. 2-pin base with standard 10 mm contact spacing. It has bulges at the ends of the pins, designed to be fixed in the chuck by turning.
— G10q. A specific type of base used in fluorescent lamps that look like a ring. Not compatible with original G10.
— GU5.3. Two-pin base with a standard contact diameter of 1.4-1.6 mm and a distance between them of 5.33 mm. It is found mainly in LED lamps with a characteristic “dome” reflector.
— 2G7. Four-pin base, used in the same way as G23 described above — in compact fluorescent lamps with U-shaped bulbs. The difference between such lamps and models with G23, in addition to the number and shape of contacts, also lies in some features of the work.
— R7S. The R7s bases have a paired design: the lamp itself is made elongated, and at its ends there are two contacts recessed into the insulation. Accordingly, in the cartridges, where such a lamp is installed at both ends, there are metal pins that, when installed, reach the contacts. A rather specific type of base, most lamps under R7S are halogen quartz light sources of fairly high power. Therefore, among table lamps, this variant of distribution has not received.
— T5. A miniature two-pin base used primarily for small but bright LEDs. A cartridge for such a base is extremely rare, mainly among rather specific models — in particular, laboratory devices that combine a magnifying glass and a backlight on a movable leg.Maximum power
The maximum power of the light source allowed for a given lamp.
This parameter has different meanings depending on the light source (see the corresponding paragraph). It is most critical for models with sockets for replaceable light bulbs: the power of the light bulbs used should not exceed the maximum power of the lamp. Otherwise, it will overheat, and the consequences can be very unpleasant - even a fire. In this case, for models with several cartridges, the total power of all installed light sources is indicated. In order to determine the maximum permissible power of an individual light bulb, you need to divide the total limitation by the number of sockets. For example, in a model with 7 “seats” and a limit of 140 W, you can install bulbs of no more than 140/7 = 20 W.
It is also worth recalling that the actual brightness of the light bulb will depend not only on its power, but also on its type. Thus, at the same brightness, “energy-saving” fluorescent lamps have a power 3 to 5 times less than incandescent lamps, and LED light sources - 10 times less. Thus, low permissible power does not interfere with achieving high brightness.
As for table lamps with built-in LEDs, the maximum power for them corresponds to the actual power of the LED unit. You can roughly estimate the capabilities of such a lamp using the above formula - the brightness of the LED corresponds to the brightness of an incandescent lamp with 10 times more power. For example..., if you previously made do with a 60-watt light bulb, an 8-watt LED lamp will most likely be enough for you.
Wattage also determines the energy consumption of the lamp. However, it is not particularly high in table lamps, and in models with a replaceable socket, it also depends not on the maximum power of the lamp itself, but on the characteristics of the actually installed light bulbs.
Body / dome material
The material from which the body and/or lampshade is made.
— Plastic. Inexpensive and at the same time quite practical, thanks to which it is a popular material. Plastic can have any colour and transparency, parts of even complex shapes are easily made from it, plus such products weigh a little. The disadvantage of this option is considered to be relatively low strength; however, in the case of table lamps, it is quite enough for normal use, and even in case of various household "troubles" such as falling from the table to the floor. Plastic as a whole poorly resists scratches — but this point is purely aesthetic, and besides, a lot depends on the specific type of plastic.
— Metal. A common name that combines several types of alloys. It is indicated when the manufacturer, for one reason or another, decided not to specify the composition of the metal used for the lamp. Anyway, such cases and shades are noticeably stronger and more reliable than plastic ones, but they are more expensive and, in most cases, weigh more.
— Steel. Steel can be used in both advanced and relatively inexpensive table lamps. In the first case, the product is often made of "stainless steel" and has a polished surface; in the second, simpler grades of steel with paint or other protective coating can be used. Anyway, this material is durable and cheaper than aluminium, but it also weighs noticeably more.
— Aluminium. This material can be attributed to the pr...emium class. Aluminium combines the strength of steel and the low weight of plastic; in addition, such cases and shades can have a rather stylish and rich appearance, they are great for high-tech lamps. The disadvantage of this material is traditional — a rather high price.
— Glass. A material used primarily in decorative lamps and candle lamps (see "Type"). Glass can be transparent or translucent, have different colours, be complemented by various relief decorations. A similar appearance can be achieved when using plastic, but the glass looks more "representative", and also retains its original appearance for a very long time — thanks to scratch resistance. Such lamps turn out to be heavy, but this can be both a disadvantage and an advantage — a massive body is more stable and creates an additional sense of solidity. But the unequivocal disadvantages of glass lamps can be called fragility and high cost.
— Wood. Another material used in decorative lamps. It is worth noting that the tree not only looks good, but is also quite practical: the strength of such a material is comparable to the characteristics of plastic (and sometimes even higher), and small scratches on it can be completely invisible. However, wooden cases are more difficult to manufacture and much more expensive — so much so that the described advantages do not justify the difference in price. And in style, they fit poorly into the equipment of a modern workplace. Therefore, wood in table lamps is used exclusively as a design material.
— Ceramics. Ceramic gives the luminaire a cozy “homely” look, making it well suited for table lamps and decorative models (see “Type”). The main disadvantage of this material is the fragility and sensitivity to shock. Indeed, many types of ceramics are capable of cracking from a fall or other strong impact, but there are also high-strength varieties; specific properties of the material, usually, are directly related to the price category of the lamp.
— Textile. Textiles are practically not used in cabinets, but are often found in plafonds and lampshades, especially among table floor lamps (see "Type"): the fabric gently scatters the light passing through it and can give it one shade or another.
