How to Read Light Bulb Ordering Codes

Ordering codes are designed to indicate lamp specifications such as wattage, technology, shape and finish. Use the examples below to understand how to read light bulb ordering codes.

Incandescent

40G25CL3

  • 40 = Wattage
  • G25 = Globe (25 eighths of an inch or 31.8" diameter)
  • CL = Clear
  • 3 = Voltage (130V)

65BR30FL2/2P

  • 65 = Wattage
  • BR30 = Bulbous Reflector (30 eighths of an inch, or 33.4" diameter)
  • FL = Flood
  • 2 = Voltage (120V)
  • 2P = 2-Pack

40EFC/3

  • 40 = Wattage
  • E = E26 Base (Medium / Standard Base)
  • F = Flame
  • C = Clear
  • 3 = Voltage (130V)

Krypton/Xenon

JC5XE/12

  • JC = JC Bi-Pin
  • 5 = Wattage
  • XE = Xenon
  • 12 = Voltage (12V)

KX40CL/E12

  • KX = Krypton Xenon
  • 40 = Wattage
  • CL = Clear
  • E12 = E12 Base (Candelabra)

Fluorescent

F32T8/835/HL

  • F = Fluorescent
  • 32 = Wattage
  • T8 = Diameter of tube (8 eighths of an inch or 1")
  • 8 = >= 80 CRI
  • 35 = Color Temperature (3500K)
  • HL = High Lumen

Halogen

EXN/L

  • EXN = ANSI code for 50W MR16 40° Flood
  • L = Lensed

Q35CL/MC

  • Q = Quartz Glass Shell
  • 35 = Wattage
  • CL = Clear
  • MC = Mini Candelabra Base

H75PAR30NF3

  • H = Halogen
  • 75 = Wattage
  • PAR30 = Parabolic Aluminum Reflector (30 eighths of an inch, or 33.4" diameter)
  • NF = Narrow Flood
  • 3 = Voltage (130V)

Compact Fluorescent

CF13WW/GU24/DM

  • CF = Compact Fluorescent
  • 13 = Wattage
  • WW = Warm White (DL = Daylight, SD = Soft Daylight)
  • GU24 = GU24 Twist and Lock Base
  • DM = Dimmable

CF18T841/E

  • CF = Compact Fluorescent
  • 18 = Wattage
  • T = Triple Tube
  • 8 = >= 80 CRI
  • 41 = Color Temperature (4100K)
  • E = Electronic 4-Pin

HID

MH24PAR38NFL/SB

  • MH = Metal Halide
  • 24 = Wattage
  • PAR38 = Parabolic Aluminum Reflector (38 eighths of a inch)
  • NFL = Narrow Flood
  • SB = Self Ballasted

M70/U/MED/O

  • M = Metal Halide
  • 70 = Wattage
  • U = Universal Burn Position (V = Vertical, H = Horizontal)
  • MED = E26 Base (Medium / Standard Base)
  • O = Open Fixtures (or E = Enclosed)