Lamp sockets or lamp holders are available in various types. Depending on the size, shape, and material they are made from, they are categorized into different categories. These sockets are manufactured in a way that they are compatible with LED and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
This article will help you understand the various material of lamp sockets which will aid you to choose the right socket for your lamp.
Material of Lamp Sockets
Lamp holders or lamp sockets are manufactured out of quite a few materials. The most commonly seen ones are brass lamp holders. However, some of the other ones are brass-plated, nickel-plated, bakelite or phenolic, and porcelain.
Lamp sockets contain two significant parts and each part is made out of different materials. For instance,
The Interior Screw Shells of a socket is made of aluminum or copper. While aluminum is the most common and cost-effective material for the interior of the socket, copper is often used as an alternative. Especially for those fixtures which are constantly exposed to the weather- such as porch fixtures that use copper screw shells and porcelain bodies.
Similarly, the Exterior Cap and Shells are usually made of brass or are brass-plated, nickel-plated, or are made out of bakelite and porcelain. As mentioned earlier, brass lamp holders are the most commonly used ones but the finishing of these differ- like polished, antique, and unfinished. The brass-plated ones are similar to the brass ones in appearance but are available at a much cheaper price. They come with a similar finish to that of the solid brass shell ones. The nickel-plated lamp holders come with a shiny silver finish. The socket shells made out of bakelite or phenolic are thick black plastic and hence are cheap in price. They are mostly used in cheaper forms of lighting where the sockets get hidden under the body of the lamp. Last but not the least, the sockets made out of porcelain provide maximum durability and are more heat and weather resistant compared to any other shell type. A porcelain socket is generally used when the lights are hung outside or is hung with the bulb facing down. This keeps the look of the lighting in place and makes it visually appealing.
While the material is one of the most important factors to be considered when choosing the lamp socket, the other determinants to be factored in are the size and the style of the sockets. Hence, to make the correct choice, it is not only necessary to count on the material but also the size and style as that will determine the light type it is compatible with.
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