Bulb Type & Fitting

The bulb type tells you what kind of fitting a bulb uses. This is one of the first things to check, especially if you’re replacing an existing light, matching existing fittings, or planning flexibility for the future.

  • E27 / XXL E27 – Standard screw bulbs used in many pendants, ceiling lights, and lamps. XXL versions are larger and often decorative, where the bulb itself becomes part of the design.
  • E14 – Smaller screw bulbs, commonly found in compact decorative fittings, wall lights, and table lamps.
  • GU10 – Very common in recessed ceiling lights and track lighting, offering flexibility and easy replacement.
  • G9 – Small capsule bulbs typically used in decorative wall lights and compact fittings where space is limited.
  • GX53 – Flat, disc-style bulbs often used in under-cabinet lighting, furniture lighting, and low-profile ceiling fittings.
  • AR111 (GU10 base) – Larger spotlight bulbs mainly used in commercial and retail environments where strong, focused light is required.
  • LED Tubes – Linear lighting commonly used in commercial, industrial, and utility spaces for bright, even illumination.
  • LED Strips – Flexible lighting solutions often used for accent lighting, under-cabinet illumination, shelving, and feature highlights.

Colour Temperature (Kelvin – K)

Colour temperature describes how warm or cool the light appears. It’s measured in Kelvin (K) and plays a big role in how a space feels.

  • 2700K–3000K (Warm White) – Soft and cosy, ideal for living areas, decorative lighting, and hospitality spaces.
  • 4000K (Neutral White) – Clean and balanced, commonly used in kitchens, offices, and retail environments.
  • 5000K–6500K (Cool White / Daylight) – Bright and crisp, mainly used in commercial or task-focused areas.
Comparison of different lighting colour temperatures in a residential interior.

Lumens (Brightness)

Lumens measure how bright a light actually is. This is the most important number to look at when comparing light output.

Lower lumens are suitable for accent or mood lighting, while higher lumens work better for general room lighting or commercial spaces.

Visual comparison showing low, medium, and high lighting brightness levels measured in lumens.

Wattage (Energy Consumption)

Wattage shows how much electricity a light uses, not how bright it is. With modern lighting, especially LEDs, wattage is mainly an indicator of energy consumption rather than light output.

For example, an LED light using only a few watts can produce the same brightness as an older halogen or incandescent lamp using much more power. This makes LED lighting more energy-efficient, cooler to run, and cheaper to operate over time.

When comparing products, it’s best to look at lumens for brightness and wattage for efficiency, rather than relying on wattage alone.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection)

IP ratings indicate how well a light is protected against dust and moisture. This is especially important for bathrooms, balconies, and outdoor lighting exposed to the elements.

  • IP20 – Suitable for dry indoor areas.
  • IP44 – Protected against splashes of water, suitable for bathrooms and covered outdoor spaces.
  • IP65 – Fully weather-resistant, ideal for outdoor lighting.
Lighting IP rating comparison showing indoor, bathroom, and outdoor lighting protection levels.

Voltage (230V vs 12V)

Voltage refers to how a light is powered and determines how it connects to your electrical system.

  • 230V – Standard EU mains voltage used by most indoor and outdoor lighting. These fittings connect directly to the electrical supply and are the most common choice for homes and commercial spaces.
  • 12V – Low-voltage lighting that requires a transformer or driver. This is often used for specific applications such as accent lighting, display lighting, or LED strips.

If a light operates on 12V, correct installation and compatible power supplies are essential to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Dimmable

Dimmable lighting allows you to adjust brightness levels to suit different moods, activities, or times of day.

For standard lighting such as ceiling lights, lamps, and downlights, both the bulb or fitting and the wall dimmer switch must be compatible. Not all LED lights support dimming, and using the wrong dimmer can cause flickering or reduced lifespan.

For LED strips, dimming is usually controlled using dedicated accessories such as LED controllers. These allow you to adjust brightness and, in some cases, colour or lighting effects, depending on the type of strip used.

Lifespan

Lifespan indicates how long a light is expected to last and is measured in hours.

Many LED lights offer lifespans between 20,000 and 50,000 hours, meaning fewer replacements and lower maintenance over time.

Beam Angle

Beam angle describes how wide the light spreads from a fitting.

  • Narrow beam – Focused light for highlighting features or products.
  • Medium beam – Balanced spread for general lighting.
  • Wide beam – Broad coverage for ambient and open-area lighting.
Comparison between narrow and wide beam angle lighting in a living room setting.

Bringing It All Together

Lighting specifications might seem technical at first, but once you understand the basics, choosing the right lighting becomes much easier. By paying attention to brightness, colour temperature, bulb type, voltage, and safety ratings, you can confidently select lighting that suits your space and its purpose.

Whether you’re choosing lighting for your indoor lighting, bathroom, or outdoor areas, understanding these basics makes it easier to pick the right product with confidence.