If you are a noob when it comes to bulbs and light, then you’re probably confused with terminologies like two pins and prongs.
Today’s article is all about bi-pin bulb, also known as light bulb two pins.
What Is a Two-Pin Light Bulb?
A bi-pin or two-pin bulb is a variant of fitting for lamps. It is usually used in plug-in fluorescent bulbs, linear bulbs, and as well as in HID types. It has two pins sticking out of its base wherein you can connect the bulb to the power source or the voltage.
Most often than not, the distance between the pins can be determined through the pin’s base name. For instance, two-pin GU10 means the distance between the pins is 10 millimeters. Therefore GU5.3 means there is a 5.3 millimeter distance between the two pins.
This makes it easier for you to determine which light bulb with two pins to buy. Just make sure to check your voltage for the perfect fitting.
Different Light Bulb Two Pins Types
To add to people’s confusion, bi-pins also come in various bases. In this section, we will discuss the basic ones to make it a lot easier for you.
Medium bases are often used for T-type lamps such as T10, T8, and T12. The table below shows the differences between G4, GU4, G5, GU5.3, GX5.3, and GU10 two pins bulbs.
| Type | Reference Image | Pin Diameter | Uses and Features |
| G4 |
|
0.65 to 0.75 millimeter | Usually used in small halogen quartz and produces 5, 10, 20 watts light |
| GU4 |
|
0.95 to 1.05 millimeter | Commonly used in MR11 and MR8 bulbs. These are low-voltage bulbs at approximately 12 volts. |
| G5 |
|
16 millimeter (with 5 millimeter pitch) | G5 are perfect for T4 and T5 bulbs. These bulbs produce low pressure gas discharge and are energy efficient |
| GU5.3 |
|
1.45 to 1.6 millimeter | This is one of the two base types for MR16 light bulbs. It operates with 12 voltages and often requires a transformer to operate. |
| GX5.3 |
|
1.45 to 1.6 millimeter (round pins) | GX5.3 bulbs have the same pin distance with GU5.3, but GU bulbs have grooves across the base. |
| GU10 |
|
5 millimeter (10 millimeter pitch) | GU10 bulbs have square-ish pins which slightly protrude from the bulb’s base. These bulbs in LED types can produce brightness that is equivalent to 50 watts. |
How to Find the Right Light Bulb with Two Pins?
Now that you know some basic information about the LED bulb with two pins, we will now discuss the tips and tricks on how to choose the perfect bulb for your metal base.
- Know Your Fitting or the Cap Type
This is perhaps the most important advice we can give. Knowing the bulb’s fitting will make it easier for you to choose the bulb that fits. Caps are labelled using letters and numbers. The letter refers to the base type and the number indicates the diameter.
For bi-pin bulbs, it is often represented with the letter G. There are variations, of course like GU10, which refers to two-pins but with a twist and lock mechanism.
- Decide If You Go for Halogen of LED
Two-pin light bulbs also come in halogen and LED types. Basically, the main difference between the two is that halogen is a lot cheaper but LED is a bit more expensive and is energy-efficient. In fact, LED bulbs use 90 percent of the energy and can last up to 20 years or more.
If you want to check out the best LED work light tripod, we’ve got a quick review for that. Check it out!
- Choose Your Brightness Preference
The bulb’s brightness is also important and this can be determined through the bulb’s lumen count. The basic rule of thumb is that the higher the lumen count is the brighter the light is. However, it also depends on whether you are using the halogen or the LED type.
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