E27 is the international version of the US E26 screw base, and the two are close in size. E26 is used mainly on 120 volt systems and E27 mainly on 220-240 volts, so choose the base and voltage made for your country: in the US and Canada, an E26 bulb rated for 120 volts.
Close in size, different voltage
LEDVANCE calls E27 similar in size to E26, and says anyone using these bases across countries must confirm the voltage. E26 is used mainly in 120 volt countries such as the US, Canada and Japan. E27 is used mainly on 220-240 volt systems in Europe, Asia and other regions.
Fit isn’t the only check. A bulb is made for a voltage, so read the voltage printed on it as well as the base.
Where the voltage is written
Look on the bulb’s box or its maker’s page. GE’s product pages list “Voltage (V) 120”, and Feit’s listings carry a voltage too, such as 120 on its GU10 bulbs. GE says its bulbs are intended for use only in the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.
A bulb sold for a European home is typically an E27 made for 220-240 volts. For a lamp or fixture in the US, choose an E26 bulb rated for 120 volts instead.
Other look-alikes
- B22 is a bayonet base, the main household base in the UK.
- A19 is a bulb shape, not a base. A19 bulbs usually come on E26 in North America and on E27 in Europe: see bulb codes.
- E14, often called the international version of E12, pairs with the small US candelabra base: see E12 bulbs.
Switch off and let the old bulb cool before you unscrew it.
Another base?
Bases and shapes