Fan light kits usually take either the small E12 candelabra base or the standard E26 base. Find yours below, then stay within the fan light’s wattage limit.
Which base does the old bulb have?
With the power off and the bulb cool, unscrew it and look at the metal end.
What does the base look like?
With the power off and the bulb cool, compare its base with a bulb you know.
What fits
E12 candelabra bulbs
The small screw base some fan light kits use. GE’s A15 ceiling fan LED has it.
On the package: E12 (candelabra)
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E26 medium base bulbs
The standard screw base, found in some fan light kits.
On the package: E26 (medium)
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E26 medium base
The standard US screw base. Europe’s E27 looks alike but is used mainly on 220-240 volt systems.
On the package: E26 (medium)
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E12 candelabra base
The small US screw base of chandeliers, nightlights and decorative fixtures.
On the package: E12 (candelabra)
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E17 intermediate base
Between E12 and E26 in size, used in microwaves, refrigerators and other appliances.
On the package: E17 (intermediate)
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GU10 or GU24
Both push in and twist. GU10 is mostly on spotlights; GU24 also comes on regular-shaped bulbs such as an A19.
On the package: GU10, or GU24
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Match the code on the two-pin bulb
Small two-pin bulbs come with different bases, such as G4, GU5.3 and G9, and the bulbs don’t swap.
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Before you change any bulb, turn the power off and let the old bulb cool.
The wattage limit
Don’t go over the fan light’s maximum wattage, on its label or in its manual. Kits made from 2009 to January 2020 with candelabra (E12) or other sockets that aren’t E26 or fluorescent pin types are built to run no more than 190 watts in total. If yours isn’t marked, use bulbs of 60 watts or less, or 25 watts where they’re miniature bulbs. The number to compare is the bulb’s actual watts, listed as Energy Used on its Lighting Facts label.
Flicker on a dimmer
LEDs dim differently from old bulbs, and a mismatch can show up as flicker, buzzing, or a light that cuts out partway down. Use LEDs marked dimmable, with a dimmer rated for LEDs; a minimum-level setting, if the dimmer has one, helps with flicker at the low end.
Flicker or buzz on a dimmer?
LEDs on a dimmer