The 10 Best Lamp Sockets
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in April of 2020. Lamp sockets can be a great purchase to make when trying to fix an old light that's out of shape, or if you are looking to create a project of your own from scratch. It's good to know what design and model you are looking for, as well as the bulb you plan on using. Some of our options are keyless, meaning they lack switches on the socket body, while others offer multiple brightness settings. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. ICC Lite Pigtail
2. Innoccy Solid Antique Pack
3. Leviton Lampholder
Editor's Notes
May 27, 2020:
Perhaps you have purchased a smart light bulb and you would like to wire up a socket and make yourself a fixture, or you have a ground lamp that needs to be fixed. In either case you can purchase a relatively cheap socket that will meet your needs. It is important to note that when you are dealing with electricity you should be extremely careful. Make sure everything is turned off and disconnected while attaching wires or replacing your sockets.
The technology that once helped illuminate Edison's first bulb has not changed that much over time. What has changed is the different types of bulbs that are available, and thus with these different bulbs there are different sockets. For instance, there are fluorescent bulbs which use mercury and other gases to produce light more efficiently, while sacrificing the quality of the light spectrum that they can produce. There are also discharge metal-halide bulbs which can withstand more inert gases than fluorescent lights, and can thus burn brighter and use less electricity. These bulbs are better for indoor grow lights because of their ability to mimic the light spectrum better than fluorescent lights. There is also of course the traditional light bulb.
There are two main measurement standards when it comes to the traditional light bulb. While the United States, Canada, Taiwan, and Japan all use the E26 measurement, meaning 26 mm, Australia, Europe, and the United Kingdom use E27, which is 27 mm. These are in fact interchangeable, meaning you can put an E26 bulb into an E27 socket and vice versa. However, always be sure to check that your bulb is designed to work with your country's standard outlet voltage.
If you are trying to make a lamp at home, a good choices are the ICC Lite Pigtail Socket, which fits a standard 1 and 1/4-inch coupling and can create an interesting steam-punk aesthetic. Another option is the Simple Deluxe Lamp Cord because of its keyless socket, and the fact that it comes with an insulated cord and plug.
If you want a mixture of modern and antique, check out the Innoccy Solid Antique Pack, as these sockets look great hanging with large Edison bulbs.
Finally, for those that want a light to be mounted to their ceiling the Pass & Seymour Lampholder is a great choice. It is easy to install and fits most standard ceiling boxes.
4. Cable Matters Light Cord
5. ACbungji Vintage Lamp Socket
6. MT CDM Socket
7. Simple Deluxe Lamp Cord
8. Pass & Seymour Lampholder
9. Jackyled UL socket
10. ESC 3-Way Socket
Jack McLennan is a writer residing somewhere in the greater Los Angeles area. He is a recent graduate of UC Santa Cruz, where he obtained a bachelor’s in Literature and Creative Writing with an emphasis in poetry. He is currently pursuing standup comedy and working on sketch writing, among other things. Jack has worked myriad jobs throughout the years from house painter to gravedigger, which has given him insight into varied fields such as woodworking, furniture, gardening, animal care, handiwork, camping supplies, and more.