Candelabra & Intermediate Base Incandescent Lamps

The Product:

General service candelabra base lamps use a screw base commonly designated as E11 or E12 according to ANSI designation. The designation refers to the diameter of the base, in millimeters. Candelabra bases are smaller than conventional A-lamps which use a medium base (E26 or E27). Candelabra base lamps are frequently used in chandeliers, ceiling fans, and small table lamps. Intermediate base lamps, E17, are far less common than candelabra and can be found in small table lamps, novelty fixtures, and ceiling fans.

The Standard:

Current DOE standards, set by Congress in 2007, establish different baselines for the two lamp types with different standard levels for each.  Each candelabra base incandescent lamp shall not exceed 60 rated watts.  Each intermediate base incandescent lamp shall not exceed 40 rated watts.

A 45 lumens per watt standard was due to go into effect on January 1, 2020, but in 2019, the DOE published a determination blocking the standards for candelabra base lamps and other general service lamps. 

Key Facts:

Annual shipments are 280 million for candelabra and 29 million for intermediate base lamps.


Timeline

Federal Date States
1st Federal Standard Effective 2012
1st Federal Standard Adopted (Congress) 2007

Timeline reflects state standards from 2001 to present; federal standards from inception to present.