For today’s blog I have decided to combine a few of our most frequently asked questions about lamp holders and so have structured this on a Q and A layout.
- Q.1 This is a question, though not asked outright, is one that is skirted around – why are your lamp holders a bit more expensive?
- A.1. The majority of our lamp holders are manufactured in the UK with a small amount being manufactured in Italy, Italy is renowned for their expertise in the lighting industry, allowing us direct contact with our manufacturers We do not import our lamp holders from China or the Far East. All products stocked by ourselves are products we are happy to use on our own restorations
- Q. 2. What are the 2 sizes of Edison Screw lamp holder you stock?
- A.2. We stock both E14 and E27 lamp holders, the E14 also being known as SES E14, small Edison Screw. The number refers to the size of the base in mm. https://www.kingschandeliers.co.uk/small-edison-screw-e14-lamp-holders/ https://www.kingschandeliers.co.uk/large-edison-screw-e27-lamp-holders/
- Q.3. What size bayonet cap lamp holders do you stock?
- A.3. We stock both B15 and B22 lamp holders, these may also be known as BC B15 and BC B22. Again the number refers to the base in mm. https://www.kingschandeliers.co.uk/large-bayonet-cap-b22-lamp-holders/ https://www.kingschandeliers.co.uk/small-bayonet-cap-b15-lamp-holders/
- Q.4. What is the difference between a threaded skirt lamp holder and plain skirt lamp holder?
- A.4. Plain skirt lamp holders speak for themselves, the body of the lamp holder is plain without ridges, this lamp holder cannot be used with a lamp shade. A threaded skirt lamp holder is suitable for pairing with a lamp shade, the body of the lamp holder (skirt) has a thread running around the entire body length. Dependant on the style of the lamp holder there will either be one fixed shade ring and one removable shade ring or two removable shade rings. Please note when purchasing threaded skirt lamp holders from ourselves you will receive the number of shade rings required with the lamp holder, not all companies supply the shade rings or may supply one only expecting you to purchase shade rings separately. If you do need extra shade rings we do sell these separate to the lamp holder.
- Q.5. Why do I need shade rings with my lamp holder?
- A.5. You would use the threaded skirt lamp holder with shade rings if you are using a lamp shade, a lamp shade gallery or lamp shade clip. The shade rings clamp the gallery/lamp shade in place, one ring above the gallery opening and one below (ensure you purchase the correct lamp holder for your gallery/shade opening)
- Q.6. What does it mean when it says the lamp holder has a 10mm, 13mm or half inch thread?
- A.6. The lamp holder generally has a female thread to allow it to screw onto a receiving thread (known as the male thread as it is inserted into the lamp holder) e.g. on a lamp or a chandelier arm. You need to know the thread size of the male thread to determine which lamp holder to purchase. You can use what we call the “nut test”, get a nut that you know the size of and try fastening this to your male thread, if it fits great, if not you will know whether you need to test with a larger or smaller nut to determine the size. If your thread is an imperial or unusual thread you may wish to consider changing the receiving thread to M10, the most common size used, we stock this in various length sizes https://www.kingschandeliers.co.uk/threaded-rod-nuts-washers-and-metal-components/4/0/
- Q.7. Are your lamp holders earthed?
- A.7. The majority of our lamp holders are earthed and both the product description and photos should detail the position of the earth, either internal or external. Unearthed lamp holders will specify they are unearthed and if they specify 2 core electric cable use only they will be unearthed. If using unearthed lamp holders please check with your electrician if you need to earth at an alternative place on your light fitting.
- Q.8. Screw in or push in terminals?
- A.8. This is how your electrical cable is connected within the lamp holder and is down to personal preference although many lamp holders only come with the one option choice
- Q.9. What are the safety features?
- A.9. Lamp holders are now designed to reduce the risk of electrocution for the young and vulnerable. If you assemble your lamp holder before wiring in the electrics you will find it is locked to stop someone reaching the electrical elements when the lightbulb has been removed. We have a video on our website showing how to unlock your lamp holders, whilst the video features an E27 lamp holder the principle is the same for other lamp holders https://www.kingschandeliers.co.uk/video-tutorials.html The earthing of lamp holders has been covered in answer 7.
- Q10. Should I use 2 core or 3 core electric cable?
- A10. If you are using metal lamp holders you should use 3 core electrical cable, if you are using plastic lamp holders then 2 core electrical cable. If you are in doubt check with your electrician or contact us before placing your order 01206332938.
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