You've gone to change a globe in that fancy new chandelier or a slender bedside lamp, and you realise the standard screw-in or bayonet bulb you've got in the cupboard is way too chunky to fit. It's a common head-scratcher, but the solution is simple.

You've just had your first encounter with the E14 light bulb. It's the skinny little globe you're looking for, and it's used in more places than you might think.

What's the Go with an E14 Light Bulb?

It’s pretty straightforward when you break it down. The 'E' in E14 stands for Edison Screw (the screw-in type), and the '14' refers to the 14mm diameter of its threaded metal base.

It's most commonly known in Australia as the Small Edison Screw, or SES. It's the smaller, more slender version of the standard E27 screw-in globe, designed specifically for fittings where space is tight.

Spot the Difference: E14 vs. E27

If you're looking at screw-in globes, it's important to know the difference between the two main types.

• The E27: Think of this as the 'standard' or 'large' screw-in globe. With its 27mm base, it’s the workhorse found in many pendants and larger lamps.
• The E14: This is its 'little brother'. At only 14mm wide, its base is significantly smaller and narrower.

You can also often tell by the shape of the globe itself. E14 light bulb types are very commonly sold in a 'candle' or 'golf ball' shape, while E27 globes more often come in the classic larger pear shape.

Where You'll Find These Little Fellas

Because of their small size, you'll find E14 light bulb fittings in places where a standard globe would look out of place or simply wouldn't fit. Keep an eye out for them in:

• Chandeliers and Candelabras: This is their number one home, where multiple slender 'candle' bulbs are needed.
• Slender Table Lamps and Bedside Lights: Many modern, minimalist lamps use the smaller E14 fitting to maintain a sleek design.
• Wall Sconces: Often used in decorative wall lights where a compact globe is required.
• Some Appliance Lights: You'll sometimes find them in rangehoods, refrigerators, or even some ovens (always use a specific heat-rated globe for an oven!).

When the Fitting Itself is the Problem

While changing a globe is one of the easiest DIY jobs there is, it’s important to know when to stop.

If your whole light fitting is broken, the lamp holder is cracked, or you want to replace the fixture with a completely new style, this is not a job to tackle yourself. Swapping out any hardwired light fitting must be done by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional can safely and legally replace the fixture, ensuring the wiring is correct and compliant with Australian standards.

Whether you need a tiny E14 globe for a decorative lamp or a standard B22 for the living room, the key to great lighting is using a high-quality, long-lasting LED bulb. For a complete range of modern lighting solutions, from the everyday to the specialised, it pays to check out a trusted electrical supplier like Schnap Electric Products. They stock a huge variety of high-quality LED globes to suit all common fitting types, from the standard B22 bayonet to the decorative E14 light bulb. Furthermore, they are a leading supplier of the trade-quality light fittings, lamp holders, and components that professional installers use to create safe and stylish lighting systems. For all your lighting needs, big or small, a quality supplier like Schnap Electric has you covered.