B22 vs E27: Identifying the Right Batten Holder Base

You pull the dead globe out of an old batten holder on a callout, and the base staring back at you doesn't match what's sitting in the van — twist-lock pins instead of a threaded socket, or the other way round. Before you order a replacement, it pays to know exactly which base you're dealing with, because B22 and E27 fittings aren't interchangeable without swapping the whole holder.

B22 vs E27: What's Actually Different

B22 is the bayonet cap fitting — two small pins on opposite sides of the base that twist and lock into matching slots on the holder. It's been the dominant standard for residential and commercial batten holders across Australia for decades, which is why most electricians reach for it by default.

E27 is the Edison screw fitting — a 27mm threaded metal base that screws directly into the holder, similar to what you'll find on a lot of imported light fittings, some commercial pendant fixtures, and an increasing number of decorative LED fittings. It shows up less often on standard AU residential jobs, but it's common enough on replacement work — especially older commercial fitouts or imported fixtures — that assuming every fitting is B22 will catch you out eventually.

Why the Base Type Matters for a Straight Swap

A B22 globe won't seat in an E27 holder, and vice versa — there's no forcing it, and no adapter that belongs in a fixed wiring installation. If the existing holder has failed and the base type doesn't match anything on the van, the fix isn't a different globe, it's a different holder entirely.

It's also worth checking whether the original holder was fixed or adjustable before you grab a replacement. A fixed bayonet holder sits at a set depth against the ceiling rose or batten, while an adjustable version lets the lampholder slide up and down the pendant flex — useful when the shade or fitting needs a specific hang height. Swapping a fixed design in for an adjustable one (or the reverse) can leave the new fitting sitting at the wrong depth even if the base type is correct.

Common Mistakes on B22/E27 Replacement Jobs

• Assuming every Australian fitting is B22. It's the default, but plenty of imported and commercial pendant fixtures run E27 — a quick look at the base before you quote the job saves a second trip to grab stock.
• Forcing a globe into the wrong base. Trying to twist an E27 screw globe into a B22 holder (or the reverse) risks cracking the globe base or damaging the holder's contacts — neither base is designed to flex to fit the other.
• Matching the base but not the design. Grabbing a fixed holder to replace an adjustable one changes the hang height of the fitting, which matters more than it seems once the shade or diffuser goes back on.
• Not confirming the wattage rating before install. A replacement holder rated below the globe's wattage is a fire risk, not just a compliance issue — check the rating plate on the old holder if it's still legible.
• Skipping the terminal check when brands differ. Screw terminal depth and orientation can vary slightly between manufacturers — don't assume the new holder's terminals sit exactly where the old one's did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Identifying & Choosing the Right Base

How can I tell if an old lamp holder is B22 or E27 without removing the globe?

Look at the base of the fitting itself rather than the globe. B22 holders have two small slots or pins visible around the rim where the globe locks in; E27 holders show a smooth, slightly recessed threaded ring instead. If the fitting is still live and you're not confident from the outside, isolate the circuit before inspecting closer.

Can I swap a B22 batten holder for E27 in the same fixture?

Yes, but the holder itself needs to be replaced — there's no way to convert a bayonet base to a screw base within the same unit. An E27 batten holder will drop into most standard mounting points designed for the original B22 fitting, but check the fixing centres and depth before ordering.

Installation & Compliance

Do I need an electrical licence to replace a batten holder in NSW?

Yes. A batten holder connected to fixed wiring is part of the electrical installation, and replacing or rewiring it in NSW requires a licensed electrician under AS/NZS 3000. This applies whether you're swapping like-for-like or changing base types.

What's the difference between a fixed and adjustable B22 batten holder?

A fixed holder sits at a set distance from the ceiling rose, while an adjustable B22 holder lets you slide the lampholder along the flex to set a specific hang height — handy for pendant-style fittings where the shade needs to sit at a particular level.

For the full range of B22 and E27 batten holders, see the shop section below.

Shop B22 & E27 Batten Holders at Schnap

Trade pricing on both base types, dispatched same day from Kingsgrove NSW.

• B22 Bayonet Batten Holders
• Adjustable B22 Batten Holder, 240V, White — slides along the flex to set hang height
• B22 Bayonet Batten Holder, 68mm, Fixed Design — standard fixed-depth indoor holder
• B22 Bayonet Batten Holder, Separate Anchor Design — independent anchor plate for easier mounting

• E27 Batten Holders
• E27 Batten Holder — threaded Edison screw base for compatible fittings

Find the full B22 and E27 batten holder range at Schnap — trade pricing and same-day dispatch from Kingsgrove NSW.