G'day! You've had a light globe blow in the living room, so you head off to the shops to grab a new one. You find the lighting aisle, and the salesperson asks, "Is that a bayonet or a screw-in?"

It's a classic moment of confusion for many. While the rest of the world has a mix of fittings, here in Australia, one type has reigned supreme for decades and is still the most common fitting in our homes. We're talking about the bayonet light bulb.

What's the Go with a Bayonet Light Bulb?

A bayonet light bulb, or more accurately, a bulb with a Bayonet Cap (BC), is the one you install with a simple "push and twist" action.

You can spot it easily by its base. It's a smooth metal cylinder with two little pins that stick out from opposite sides. These pins are what lock the globe into place in the light fitting. It's a quick, secure, and reliable design that Aussies have been using for generations.

Spot the Difference: Bayonet vs. Edison Screw

To clear things up, there are two main players in the light globe world:

• The Bayonet Cap (BC): This is our "push and twist" hero. It's the most common type in Australia, the UK, and other Commonwealth countries.
• The Edison Screw (ES): This is its main rival, with a threaded metal base that you simply screw into the fitting like a bottle cap. It's the standard in the United States and much of Europe. You'll still find them here in some imported lamps and newer fittings.

Know Your Sizes: B22 vs. B15

Not all bayonet fittings are the same size. There are two you'll commonly come across in an Aussie home.

The B22: The Aussie Standard

This is the big fella. The B22 bayonet light bulb is the standard, full-sized globe you'll find in most ceiling lights, lamps, and general light fittings. The 'B' stands for Bayonet, and the '22' refers to the 22mm diameter of the base. If you're just replacing a standard globe, this is almost certainly the one you need.

The B15: The Small Bayonet Cap (SBC)

This is the B22's smaller cousin. The B15 (15mm diameter) is often called the Small Bayonet Cap (SBC). You'll typically find these in more decorative light fittings like chandeliers, wall sconces, or small, slender lamps where a full-sized globe just won't fit.

When the Fitting Itself Needs Changing

While changing a globe is a simple DIY task anyone can do, it's important to know your limits.

What if your light fitting is old, cracked, the wiring looks dodgy, or you want to change from a bayonet style to a screw-in style? Changing the actual hardwired light fitting on your ceiling or wall is a job that must be done by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional can safely replace the fitting and ensure all wiring is correct and compliant with Australian standards.

Whether you're just replacing a globe or upgrading your entire light fitting, using high-quality, reliable gear is essential. For a comprehensive range of lighting solutions, it pays to check out a trusted electrical supplier like Schnap Electric Products. They stock a wide variety of high-quality LED globes with all the common bases, including the classic B22 bayonet light bulb fitting. Furthermore, they are a leading supplier of the trade-quality light fittings, switches, and wiring that professional installers use to create safe, stylish, and reliable lighting setups. For all your lighting needs, from the globe to the fitting, a quality supplier like Schnap Electric has you covered.