Lamp holder: device principle, types and connection rules

You have to replace the bulb holder with a new one, but you don’t know how to do it correctly so as not to damage important wires and components? For such a simple job, I do not want to call an electrician, whose services will cost quite expensive, right? Or do you need to upgrade your home electrical system with the replacement of individual elements?

We will help to deal with the features of connecting various cartridges - the article discusses the main varieties and marking of factory electrons.

Also given are instructions for connecting a cartridge with threaded terminals and reviewed existing options for mounting it in lighting installations. Visual photos with a step-by-step process of connecting and installing, and videos showing the replacement of the cartridge, the correct connection of wires to it were selected.

Purpose and features of the cartridge

A production or home electrical network consists not only of wires and fixtures, but also of many electrical installations that serve to control or connect individual parts of the circuit.

The lampholder connects the lamp base to the electric cable and at the same time fixes it in the lamp, chandelier or simply holds it in suspension.

The problem of quick replacement of lamps arose immediately, as electric lighting was invented, that is, at the end of the 19th century. The first lamps had socles, but the methods for connecting them to the wires were different and did not have a classification.

In 1881, Edison patented the first threaded-type cap and cartridge for it. Thus, the most popular types of socles and cartridges remain relevant for more than 130 years.

Of course were originally invented incandescent lamps. Then gas-discharge and LED appeared; for their installation, both familiar and structurally different varieties of cartridges were required.

Identical sizes facilitate replacement: instead of an incandescent lamp, a more economical alternative can be screwed into the same cartridge - LED with a threaded base or filament "bulb"

For the manufacture of modern cartridges, various materials are used, among which you can find traditional metal and ceramics, as well as heat-resistant polymers and even silicone.

The latter option is most often used to create designer compositions. Silicone products are equipped with a 1 m power cord and are painted in all colors of the rainbow.

When buying a sconce, chandelier or other lamp, you need to carefully pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations: if you install too powerful lamps, lampholders can fail, and the ceiling can be deformed.

Types of electric cartridges by type of cap

As already mentioned above, two large categories of cartridges remain in demand - under the threaded base and under the pins. They are often universal, i.e. suitable for different types of lamps.

For example, incandescent lamps and stylized ones are equipped with threaded LED fixtures.

But some products can interact with only one option. Let us consider in more detail their design features and technical characteristics that you need to rely on when choosing.

No. 1 - popular threaded options

Cartridges with internal thread are designed for lamps with a threaded base. It is customary to designate the dimensions in the same way: for example, for a lamp with an E14 socket, an appropriate E14 socket is needed, although a variant with an adapter from E27 to E14 is possible.

The numbers 14 and 27 indicate the diameter, with 27 often considered as the classic size, and 14 are called the minion.

LED bulbs have replaced incandescent lamps: in stores you can come across a large assortment of LED lamps for threaded lampholders E14 and E27 from different manufacturers

Only 8 sizes of socles, therefore, the same number of cartridges for them: E5, E10, E12, E14, E17, E26, E27, E40.

Scheme of a threaded plastic cartridge. The "phase" and "zero" conductors are inserted into the cartridge through the upper hole and are fixed inside the housing with screws. If there is a "ground", then it is brought to the metal parts of the lamp

The most popular are plastic products. They have a limited service life and are subject to the requirements set forth in GOST 2746.1-88. The method of attachment of the cartridge may differ and be suspended, with a straight or inclined flange.

The first is used for mounting on the ceiling or mounting hardware, and flanged - for installation on the surface.

A popular example of a lamp with a flange socket is a table lamp-night lamp. The type of flange is straight, therefore, the screw-in bulb is located strictly vertically

The table of characteristics of the most common threaded lampholders for connecting lamps to the electric network, which differ in size. The larger the diameter of the cartridge, the higher the power and load current.

The case is made of various types of plastic, so before using the lamp, you must study the marking - find out the permissible power of the lighting device.

If you screw in a light bulb of increased power, then the plastic will melt or gradually break up due to regular heating.

No. 2 - variety of pin varieties

Requirements and standards for pin cartridges are available in GOST R 60400-99. They operate from a 220 V network. The letter G denotes the type of cartridge (pin), and the next digit is the distance between the two holes for the pins.

If the contacts are not 2, but 4, then the diagonal distance between the opposite holes (grooves) is indicated. Special types are marked with additional Latin letters or numbers.

Cartridges with the marking “G” are used, among other things, for the installation of spotlights in suspended structures. For stretch ceilings, mortgages to a concrete base are mounted for this purpose.

Chucks for pins are used for domestic and industrial premises, as well as for fixtures that are installed on the street - along park paths, carriageways, to illuminate areas or adjoining areas.

To install U-shaped and cylindrical lamps, lampholders GX23, G24, 2G7 are used. They differ in the number of contacts - 2 or 4, have a load current of 2 A. Recommended lamp power - up to 75 W (for 2G7 - 50 W).

Schematic representations of the sockets and lampholders of some types of pin and pin lamps. Usually, adapters are not used with the pin connection, as is possible with threaded analogues E14-E27

Thus, pin cartridges can differ in the following characteristics:

• case material;
• material of the inner liner;
• type of attachment of the cartridge to the base and wires;
• number of contacts;
• distance between contacts.

All of the above parameters can be indicated when marking the product.

Linear elongated gas discharge lamps have a slightly different type of mount. In addition to the fact that the cartridges are paired (the lamp is inserted from both sides), they are designed to operate on 220 V and 380 V networks, while the rated current is 1 A or 2 A.

By design, the cartridges are end, suspension and rack-mount - it also depends on the type of lamp used. The number of contacts can be different: for example, with a conductive strip, three instead of the usual two.

Over time, the cartridges wear out. This can happen for completely different reasons: due to a crack in the housing, burnout of electrical contacts or mechanical damage during operation

In order for the cartridge to work out the warranty period, it is necessary to follow the installation rules, select the product according to the technical characteristics of the lamp, choose the right one degree of protection (moisture- or dustproof).

In addition to cartridges for pin and threaded plinths, there are products for other types: focusing, pin, with recessed contact, spotlights.

They are used to install and connect LED and gas-discharge lighting devices.

Additional information on the types of cap is described in the articles:

1. LED lamp bases: types, marking, technical parameters + how to choose the right one
2. Types of lamp caps: standard marking and varieties of lamp caps

Factory marking

Professional electricians are not satisfied with one size and a quick visual inspection of the product, they carefully read the markings applied with indelible ink or embossed on the visible part of the cartridge.

Typically, the marking includes technical specifications or conditions of use that are of fundamental importance when choosing light sources

The most responsible manufacturers and markers affix and attach to the product brief manuals listing important characteristics.

The list of parameters that can be found on the cartridge is not always complete.

Usually any of the listed characteristics are reflected:

• type, for example, threaded, pin;
• the size;
• temperature;
• load current;
• power;
• voltage;
• manufacturer’s trademark;
• level of protection;
• the presence of a grounding contact.

Before purchasing cartridges, study the manufacturer’s website, where detailed technical information and a diagram with dimensions are usually posted.

In addition to a review of the technical characteristics and conditions of use of the product, it is necessary to clarify exactly how the cartridge is mounted and which holes / latches are provided for fixing

When choosing, it is also worth considering that ceramics are stronger than plastic and can withstand higher temperatures. If the cost of the product is doubtfully low, it is likely that it is a fake.

It is better to play it safe and buy a more expensive, but high-quality electro-cartridge of the well-known brand.

How to connect the cartridge?

Of household products, it is most difficult to connect the wires to the old type of cartridge - “Soviet”, since it must be disassembled beforehand.

These devices are easily recognizable by the black polymer case. To get to the terminals, the carbolite body must be unscrewed.

Dismantling is carried out by rotating parts of the body in opposite directions. As a result, the cartridge is divided into 3 parts: holder (the largest element), the rear part and the central part - a contact ceramic insert

To fix the wires, they must be cleaned and decorated with “loops”, so that it is more convenient to fix on the contacts. The phase is fixed to the central screw-contact, zero to the second terminal.

When tightening a threaded connection, you must apply force and remember that it simultaneously transfers voltage to the contact. When the wires are connected, it remains to connect the two parts of the housing.

Mounting methods in lighting fixtures

The difficulty of installing a cartridge can be caused by the design of a chandelier or lamp. To quickly deal with the replacement of a broken product, we recommend that in advance, before the initial installation of the lighting device, get acquainted with its device and position.

Lamp manufacturers most often choose the following ways of attaching cartridges:

• for the electric wire;
• on a metal tube;
• using a sleeve;
• snaps.

Option number 1. When attaching to an electric drive, it is necessary to further strengthen the wire; for this, a sleeve with a fixing screw is used, which is screwed into the bottom of the cartridge.

Option number 2. A metal tube is used more often, since it allows you to install heavy chandeliers with a large number of decorative elements.

Often, instead of a tube, a metal chain is used, which also reduces the load on the electric wire and allows you to adjust the height of the suspension of the lighting device

Option number 3. Cartridges with bushings are subjected to heating, as a result of which the elements are deformed. Therefore, it is recommended that plastic bushings be replaced with metal ones.

Option number 4. The last mounting method is suitable for devices with screwless terminals. The cartridge is installed in parts. First fix the bottom, then insert the wires, and only then mount the rest of the cartridge using latches.

Connection option with threaded terminals

Cartridges of a more modern type do not need to be disassembled - the terminals are on the outside. The wires are fixed with screw clamps, the connection process takes only a few minutes.

The only negative of such a cartridge is the impossibility of repair. If the terminals are burned or the product is deformed, you will have to completely change it.

The connection option with clamps is relevant for fixtures designed for E14 and E27 lamps. When installing a new cartridge and replacing it, be sure to check it for integrity and compliance.

Suppose the number of turns should be at least three, and the crack and chips should not be on the case.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The installation of various lighting fixtures may differ, therefore, we present several video instructions for connecting.

Connection of ceramic and carbolite cartridge:

Option for attaching wires to a plastic cartridge:

Cartridge replacement G4:

The cartridges are arranged quite simply, so you can do it yourself, disassemble, replace or repair home electrical installations.

The most important thing in this case is to turn off the mains voltage, if you are working with a lighting device, strictly follow the recommendations of experienced electricians. When installing a new model, you must adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.

Is there anything to supplement, or have questions about choosing and replacing a bulb holder? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience. The contact form is located in the lower block.