Lamp Bulb Types: E26, E12, G9 and 5V Explained
What E26, E12, G9, integrated LED, and 5V bulbs mean on a table lamp, plus wattage limits and dimmable bulbs.
By Ethan Cole
Updated November 5, 2026
Before you replace a lamp bulb, you need to know the base type and the limits the maker sets. This guide explains the types you will see in table lamp listings. For lamps that include a bulb, see our bedside lamps and best LED table lamps guides.
The Short Version
Most plug-in table lamps in our guides use an E26 socket, which is the standard medium screw base in the United States. Some use E12, a smaller candelabra screw base, or G9, a two-pin base. Others use an integrated LED with no bulb to replace, and battery lamps often take only a low-voltage 5V bulb. Always use the type and maximum wattage the listing states.
Common Bases
| Type | What it is | Where we saw it |
|---|---|---|
| E26 | Standard medium screw base | Most plug-in lamps, such as Komothala, Seealle, and GOEBLESON |
| E12 | Smaller candelabra screw base | O’Bright Seraph (5V E12 bulb) |
| G9 | Small two-pin base | Dawnwake glass mushroom lamp |
| Integrated LED | No replaceable bulb | Litluzecozy plug-in lamp, Unicozin, LSTVZSNRX |
Wattage Limits
Plug-in lamps list a maximum bulb wattage, often 40W or 60W, as shown on several listings. LED bulbs draw far less than the limit, so a 6W or 9W LED is well within it. Never exceed the printed maximum, and do not fit a bulb larger than the shade allows.
Low-Voltage and Battery Bulbs
Some cordless lamps use a special 5V bulb. The listings for O’Bright Seraph and Dune say that only compatible 5V bulbs work and that a standard 120V bulb is not supported. Fitting the wrong bulb can damage the lamp.
Dimmable Bulbs
A dimmable lamp may need a dimmable bulb. Listings such as Hong-in and GOEBLESON say the included bulb is dimmable, and Kakanuo warns against fitting any other bulb. If a lamp ships with a bulb, keep to that type.
Reading a Bulb Label
Look for the base type, the lumen output, the color temperature in kelvin, and whether the bulb is dimmable. In our listings, 5W to 9W LED bulbs are common and are listed from about 600 lm to 805 lm.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Anyone replacing a bulb in a fixture that is hard-wired or has a built-in LED. Check the maker’s instructions.
- Anyone using a dimmer switch on the wall. Check the compatibility of both the bulb and the dimmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any LED bulb in my lamp?
Use the base type and maximum wattage the lamp states. Touch and dimmable lamps may need a specific bulb.
What does E26 mean?
It is the standard medium screw base used in most US lamps.
Can I put a regular bulb in a battery lamp?
No. Several cordless lamps accept only compatible 5V bulbs.
Are LED bulbs cooler than old bulbs?
Some listings, such as the Brightech Celia, describe their LEDs as low heat. Still follow the lamp’s shade clearance and wattage limits.
Safety note: table lamps plug into household power, a USB adapter, or a lithium-ion battery. Look for a UL or ETL mark on the lamp or its adapter, and use only the bulb type the maker lists: plug-in lamps have a maximum bulb wattage, and some battery lamps take only a low-voltage 5V bulb, never a standard 120V one. Keep cords away from heat and walkways, do not cover a lit lamp with fabric, and do not exceed the rating printed on any built-in outlet. Charge battery lamps as the maker instructs and stop using one if the case swells or gets hot. We repeat certifications only as the seller lists them, so confirm the mark on the product itself.
Check current pricing and availability for the Komothala 11.8 in Ceramic Bedside Lamp.
About the author
Ethan Cole leads research and editing at WikiHomeLED, comparing LED lighting for the home through manufacturer specs, manuals, safety listings and owner feedback. Every product is scored against the criteria on our How We Review page, and picks are updated when models change.