Electric cartridge types, device, connection and repair. Light bulbs and lampholders 2-lamp holder

07.03.2020

You have to replace the bulb holder with a new one, but you don’t know how to do it correctly so as not to damage important wires and assemblies? For such a simple job, you don’t want to call an electrician, whose services will cost quite a lot, right? Or do you need to upgrade your home electrical network with the replacement of individual elements?

We will help you deal with the features of connecting various cartridges - the article discusses the main varieties and markings of factory electric cartridges.

Instructions are also given for connecting a cartridge with threaded terminals and the existing options for mounting it in lighting installations are considered. Illustrative photos have been selected with a step-by-step process of connection and installation, and videos demonstrating the replacement of the cartridge, the correct connection of wires to it.

An industrial or domestic electrical network consists not only of wires and lamps, but also of many electrical installations that serve to control or connect individual parts of the circuit.

The cartridge connects the lamp base to the electrical cable and at the same time fixes it in the lamp, chandelier or simply keeps it in a suspended state.

The problem of quick replacement of lamps arose as soon as electric lighting was invented, that is, at the end of the 19th century. The first lamps had bases, but the ways they were connected to the wires were different and had no classification.

In 1881, Edison patented the first threaded base and cartridge for it. Thus, the most popular types of socles and cartridges have remained relevant for more than 130 years.

Of course, they were originally invented. Then gas-discharge and LED appeared, their installation required both already familiar and structurally different types of cartridges.

The same sizes make it easy to replace: instead of an incandescent lamp, a more economical alternative can be screwed into the same socket - an LED with a threaded base or a filament "pear"

For the manufacture of modern cartridges, various materials are used, among which one can find traditional metal and ceramics, as well as heat-resistant polymers and even silicone.

The latter option is most often used to create design compositions. Silicone products are equipped with a 1 m electric cord and are painted in all colors of the rainbow.

Image Gallery

For example, threaded lamps are equipped with incandescent lamps and stylized for them.

But some products can interact with only one option. Let us consider in more detail their design features and technical characteristics, which you need to rely on when choosing.

No. 1 - popular threaded options

Sockets with internal thread are designed for lamps with threaded base. It is customary to designate dimensions in the same way: for example, for a lamp with an E14 base, an appropriate E14 cartridge is required, although an option with an adapter from E27 to E14 is possible.

The numbers 14 and 27 indicate the diameter, with 27 often considered the classic size and 14 called the minion.

Bulb holder - an intermediate element used for convenient and reliable connection of electrical wiring and lamp. Often, various decorative elements of modern chandeliers and lamps are attached to it.

Device

The design of electric cartridges depends on the series. The most common products of the E-series model with Edison thread. There are three main elements - an outer case in the form of a cylinder, where a metal sleeve with Edison threads is attached, a bottom and a ceramic insert.

Brass contacts and special strips are used to transfer electrical current from the cable to the lamp base. To increase safety during operation, a phase is applied to the central contact of the base, which reduces the likelihood of contact with the phase.

G-series chucks feature the same principle of operation, but are simpler in design and use a different method of transmitting current to the base.

Marking

In accordance with GOST, products with Edison threads are divided into three main types - E14, E27 and E40. The former are called "minions" and are used in microwave ovens, freezers, the latter - in lamps, the latter - in the organization of street lighting. The principle of operation is the same everywhere, and the differences are related to design and dimensions.

There is a marking on the body of the cartridges. When decoding, you can find out the characteristics of the product. E14 is installed in devices with a current consumption of not more than 2 A and a power of up to 440 W, E27 - up to 4 A (880 W), E40 - up to 16 A (3500 W). Each model is rated for 250 V AC.

Varieties by installation method

In fact, the installation method is how the product is attached to the lamp in the lamp or other electrical equipment. If a few years ago there was no alternative to a threaded connection, now pin-type cartridges are used. The latter involve fastening with pins located on the base.

Threaded connection - a classic scheme with twisting a light bulb. The phase from it to the light bulb is transferred when the latter is completely twisted and contact of the base sleeve with the contacts of the cartridge is ensured.

There is a third option - combined appliances with a GU10 base used in modern chandeliers. First, the light bulb is inserted into the cartridge, then twisted in the lock until it stops. Elements with a turn-and-thread connection are characterized by a complex design, but are indispensable where lighting fixtures are subjected to periodic/constant mechanical stress, including vibration.

Varieties by type of base

The choice of base depends on the bulbs used:

For almost all housekeepers, fluorescent and conventional lamps, type E27 is used with a traditional threaded connection. The cartridge is suitable for LED household appliances and a number of halogen lamps.
Small bulbs can be operated with E14 sockets (minions). The number in the marking indicates the diameter - in this case 14 mm.
G-chucks - products using a pin mount. Suitable for housekeepers and halogens with the same design.

How to connect a light bulb holder

Connecting the lamp socket to the house wiring is carried out by one of two methods - detachable or one-piece. In the first case (the method is called "screw"), fastening is carried out using a threaded screw or a special terminal.

One-piece fastening is associated with self-made soldering or pressing at the factory of the product. The last procedure is relevant for elements of the G4-G10 series. Two insulated cables are pre-outputed from them, the length of which does not exceed 100 mm. The elements are attached to the electrical wiring using a terminal block.

Ordinary electric

First you need to understand the assembly procedure for a conventional electric cartridge. A ceramic insert is made, to which a brass plate is pressed, which is used as the main contact. On the other side of the insert there is a steel plate - a screw is screwed to it, which ensures reliable fastening of the plate to the insert. The same screw performs another function - current flows through it to the main contact.

When tightening the screw, apply a lot of force, which is associated with its participation in the transfer of electric current from the cable to the light bulb. The same sequence of actions is used to attach the second brass plate, after which the main contact is bent so as to be level with the side ones.

Next, form rings on the conductors, thread them through the bottom and fix them on steel plates. In the case of using a cartridge in an electrical circuit with a fixed switch, the wire that transmits the phase must be connected to the central contact. To check the reliability of contact, you need to install the light bulb in the base and make sure that when it rests on the side contacts, the main one bends by at least 2 mm. In the case of a smaller deflection, the main contact is bent upwards.

A cylindrical body is attached to this design, then the cartridge can be used. Select light bulbs by matching the markings on both products.

Cartridge with terminals

When connecting electrical wiring to modern cartridges, screw clamps are used on the terminal blocks. The approach significantly speeds up the process of connecting and installing an electrical device.

The case is made of plastic, monolithic. With the help of a special rivet, the wires supplying the base are attached to the body.

Note! The main disadvantage of a product with terminals is the impossibility of repair, therefore, in case of failure, you need to completely change the cartridge to a new one. Among the sizes, the most popular are the E14 and E27 series, which are also used in conventional electrical products.

Screwless electric

The most modern design implies the presence of special holes on the cartridge body - usually four (grouped in pairs). Wires are pulled through the holes, fixed with brass contacts using a spring mechanism. The pairing of contacts simplifies the parallel connection of light bulbs in chandeliers or fixtures. Electric current is supplied to the first cartridge, and subsequent ones are connected to it using jumpers.

Important! In this way, you can connect many housekeepers that consume a minimum of electricity.

The products are characterized by simple and quick connection - strip the end of the wire and insert it into the correct hole on the clamp-on chuck body.

Many chandeliers and lighting fixtures use stranded thin wires. It is unrealistic to ensure their reliable fastening in the body of a screwless cartridge. Choose chandeliers with serviced wire ends or solder an alloy onto a stranded cable yourself to make the wire single-core. Tinned ends are easier to insert into the contact of a screwless product.

If you do not know how to use a soldering iron, there is another way. Before inserting the stripped end of the cable into the hole, place a metal rod there, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the wire itself. A nail, a screwdriver will do. Move the spring contact aside and insert the stranded wire into the hole without problems. Remove the nail (rod) so that the contact pinches the wire strands. The same method is used for dismantling. Pull lightly on the cable to check if the connection is secure.

How to connect an outlet to an electrical cartridge

At first glance, connecting an outlet to an electric cartridge is a completely pointless process. Imagine if you urgently needed an outlet next to the mirror in the bathroom, and the junction box is too far away. The bathroom must have a lighting fixture with a cartridge, to which two cables are connected in parallel, necessary for the operation of the outlet.

But there is one caveat: the socket is de-energized every time the light in the bathroom is turned off, which cannot be called a disadvantage. Such a relationship increases electrical safety - in the event of water leakage and moisture entering the socket, a short circuit is excluded. For added security, choose sealed outlets designed for rooms with high humidity levels.

Mounting methods

In most cases, the cartridge is attached to the lighting fixture through the bottom. There is a hole in the bottom for the entry of an electric cable. The E27 series is available with M16, M10 or M13 threads, while the E14 is available with M10 threads.

For power wires

Direct connection of the cartridge with wires is unacceptable! First, you need to ensure that the product is securely fastened in the lighting device (lamp or chandelier), for which a plastic sleeve with a hole in the center necessary for the cable is installed on the bottom. A plastic screw is mounted to the sleeve for further fixation.

Connect the chuck, clamp the wires with the plastic screw. The bushing is intended for mounting decorative parts, and the screw ensures secure fixation of the ceiling and the suspension of the device.

On the tube

The cartridge is attached with a metal tube, which allows you to hang heavy ceiling lamps from the ceiling. The tube is equipped with additional nuts, with which the fittings for the chandelier, including caps, are installed. The entire load falls on a metal tube, and the wires needed to connect the power are pulled right through it.

Cartridges with a thread on the outer surface of the case can be decorated with lampshade rings and other decorative elements.

bushing

Tubular bushings are used for mounting sockets in table lamps, wall sconces. Products are made from sheet materials. It is enough to make a hole through which the cartridge should be attached using a sleeve.

Plastic bushings due to the heating of the light bulb can be deformed, due to which the cartridge begins to hang out. Replace plastic with metal.

Mounting threads are different, since there is no specific standard for cartridges with an E27 base. To replace the plastic sleeve with a metal one, use resistors. Before breaking, disassemble and compare the threads so as not to spoil the product in vain.

With screwless terminals

The body and bottom of the cartridge, using screwless clamp contacts, are connected to each other by means of two latches. The bottom of the product is screwed to the threaded tube, after which electrical wires are started. The body is made in the form of a cylinder and is attached to the bottom.

Items are subject to repair and maintenance. Use a screwdriver and remove the latches to the sides so as not to damage the cable when dismantling the product.

Repair of electric chucks

Electric chucks E and G series differ from each other in terms of maintenance. If the former are being repaired, in most cases, if the latter breaks, a replacement of the cartridge in the chandelier is required.

Repair of a collapsible electric cartridge E27

The reason for the frequent burnout of light bulbs, changes in brightness during the operation of lighting devices may be a breakdown of the electric cartridge. This is also indicated by extraneous sounds heard when the product is turned on.

Unscrew the light bulb from the base and inspect the internal cavity of the element. If blackened contacts are found, they need not only to be cleaned, but also to understand the root cause. Often the formation of blackening is preceded by poor contact at the point of contact between the cartridge and electrical wires.

Disassemble the cartridge, inspect the wire connections (pull lightly on the cable to make sure it is secure) and clean the contact plates. In some cases, for better contact, the plates need to be bent towards the bulb base.

There are frequent cases when, when trying to unscrew the light bulb from the cartridge, the bulb peels off the metal base and the latter remains inside. If this happens, disassemble the housing and bottom to pull out the bulb base. Another option is to take pliers with insulated handles in your hands, try to grab the edge of the base and turn it counterclockwise. Be careful not to damage the internal threads of the chuck.

Conclusion

When choosing electric sockets for lighting fixtures, be guided by the secure fastening of the light bulb and calculate the level of safety.

The product is an important part of the auxiliary fittings for lamps and chandeliers, an element of an electrical circuit. Slight failures can result in fire or serious injury. Avoid buying low-quality, cheap products!

The section presents light bulbs and lamp sockets, as well as base adapters for lighting fixtures - lamps, chandeliers and sconces. LED light sources are available, halogen and fluorescent: with all types of bases - from threaded E to pin (G), rotary and for recessed mounting. There are also specialized, cold- and heat-resistant, which are used for ovens and refrigeration equipment.

How to choose

. For the kitchen and bathroom, a cold spectrum is needed, for the rest of the rooms - a warm one.
. For daylight, tubular halogen models are suitable.
. For ease of control, pay attention to dimmers and remote controls.

Will help the buyer to choose the right electrical installation products for any premises. You can use it on the hypermarket website.

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