For generations, if a light globe blew in an Aussie home, the replacement was almost always the classic 'push-and-twist' bayonet bulb. It was the undisputed king of light fittings Down Under.

But these days, as you browse the lighting aisle or unscrew a globe from a new designer lamp, you're just as likely to come across its main rival: the screw-in E27 light bulb. So, what's the go with this fitting, and why is it becoming so popular?

What's the Go with an E27 Light Bulb?

It's actually pretty simple. The 'E' in E27 stands for Edison Screw, named after Thomas Edison, and the '27' refers to the 27mm diameter of the threaded metal base.

It’s the standard, large screw-in fitting that you install just like screwing the lid on a jar—you just twist it in until it's firm. This design is the most common light fitting in the world, especially across Europe and North America.

Spot the Difference: E27 Screw vs. B22 Bayonet

The main point of confusion for many Aussies is telling it apart from our classic bayonet fitting. It’s easy when you know what to look for:

• The E27 Edison Screw (ES): This is the international favourite. It has a threaded metal base that you screw into the light socket.
• The B22 Bayonet Cap (BC): This is the classic Aussie fitting. It has a smooth metal base with two small pins on the side that you use to 'push and twist' it into place.

The reason you’re seeing more E27 light bulb fittings in Australia is due to the huge popularity of light fixtures and lamps from international designers and brands, particularly from Europe.

Know Your Screws: E27 vs. E14

Just to keep you on your toes, there is another smaller screw-in globe you should know about.

The E27: The New Standard Screw-In

This is the big one, the workhorse of the screw-in family. With its 27mm base, you'll find it in everything from stylish pendant lights and table lamps to outdoor fixtures and floor lamps.

The E14: The Small Edison Screw (SES)

This is the E27's skinny little brother. The E14 base is only 14mm in diameter and is commonly used in more decorative fittings where a chunky E27 base won't fit. Think of slender chandeliers, wall sconces, and small, ornamental lamps.

When the Fitting Itself Needs an Upgrade

While changing a globe is a simple DIY task that anyone can do, it’s vital to know your limits.

If your light fitting is old and damaged, the wiring looks brittle, or you want to change out an old bayonet fitting for a modern E27 pendant light, this is not a job to tackle yourself. Changing the actual hardwired light fitting must be done by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional can safely and legally swap over the fitting, ensuring all wiring is correct and compliant with Australian standards.

Whether your home uses the classic bayonet or the modern screw-in, the most important thing is to use a high-quality, long-lasting LED globe. For a complete range of modern lighting solutions, 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 the common fitting types, including the popular E27 light bulb base. Furthermore, they are a leading supplier of the trade-quality light fittings, switches, and components that professional installers use to create safe, stylish, and energy-efficient lighting systems. For everything from a simple globe replacement to a full-scale lighting upgrade, a quality supplier like Schnap Electric has you covered.