What Is an A19 Bulb? Everything You Need to Know

The most common pear-shaped A19 bulbs have illuminated homes and offices for decades. When going to replace a light bulb, it’s difficult to choose between different shapes, sizes, and dimensions.

This guide will simplify what an A19 bulb is, its dimensions, types, and applications, and how you can choose the right one for your needs.

What Is an A19 Bulb?

When you think of a light bulb, a simple pear-shaped bulb comes to mind. It is an A19, a standard and traditional light bulb commonly used in homes and businesses.

In A19, the term “A” refers to “arbitrary,” which represents the common upside-down pear shape of the light bulb, and 19 refers to its size in 1/8 inch, 19/8 or 2.375 inches at its widest point.

In the beginning, A19 was available in incandescent light bulbs. But now it is available in fluorescent, Halogens, and LED bulbs. These sizes and shapes are mostly used as a staple in table lamps, living room ceiling fixtures, and wall sconces.

A19 Bulb Dimensions Explained

The dimensions of A19 light bulbs indicate their compatibility with the fixture. The standard A19 bulb’s diameter is 2.375 inches (60 mm), and its length is 4.13 inches (105 mm). In countries using the metric system, it’s often referred to as an A60 bulb, where “60” refers to the 60 mm diameter.

According to the NEMA ANSI C79.1 standard, the A19 is defined by its shape and size. It specifies that the standard A19 bulb shape should be “A,” an upside-down pear, and the diameter should be 2.4 inches with the E26 base.

A19 LED Bulbs vs. Incandescent Bulbs

A19 LED bulbs use the most advanced LED technology. Although CFLs are more efficient than incandescents, LEDs now surpass them in performance and safety. Most people are transitioning from the old A19 incandescent bulbs to A19 LEDs.

Most A19 LED bulbs operate on standard household voltage (120V in the U.S.). A 9W A19 LED bulb produces the same brightness as a 60W incandescent bulb and saves on the electricity bill. Their lifespan is 25 times longer than that of incandescent bulbs, which reduces replacement costs.

LED lights stay cool and emit less heat. These all add up to LEDs’ lower life cycle costs (LCC) with energy efficiency and durability.

A19 Bulb Base Types: What Is E26?

The socket base of a bulb determines which fixture it will fit. Mainly, A19 comes with an E26 base in North America. “E” stands for Edison screw, and “26” indicates the base’s diameter in 26 millimeters. In Europe and Asia, E27 is equivalent to E26, which is 27mm in diameter.

E26 and A19 are completely different types of bulbs. One common thing is that A19 uses an E26 base, but E26 is not equivalent to A19 because it comes in different shapes and sizes. A19 refers to shape, and E26 indicates a bulb with a 26-millimeter diameter.

When selecting a bulb, match the shape and base type to your fixture for proper fitting and function.

Brightness & Wattage Guide for A19 Bulbs

To get the desired ambience and functionality in a space, brightness matters most. Light output is measured in lumens, which is more accurate than watts for judging brightness.

The lumens of the bulb indicate its actual brightness, and the wattage shows the energy used to produce light. You can check this A19 lumens chart for proper brightness in different spaces.

Choosing the Right Color Temperature for A19 Bulbs

The color temperature of a light bulb defines the tone and feel of light. It can be warm white or cool daylight. You can choose white light modes from soft warm tones to crisp cool whites according to your needs. It is measured in Kelvin and affects the mode and functionality of a space.

The warm white glow of an incandescent bulb is equal to 2700K color temperature. So, if you want an A19 LED bulb with warm white light color, look for an A19 LED bulb with a 2700K color temperature.

Unlike incandescent and CFL A19, LED A19 emits different color temperatures suitable for different spaces.

• 2700K(Warm White): It indicates a soft, cozy glow, the best color light to create an amazing atmosphere in the bedroom and living room.
• 3000K(Soft White): It is a slightly brighter light suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
• 4000K(Cool White): A19 LED with 4000K produces a neutral, bright daylight. It is good for workspaces and offices.
• 6000K(Daylight): Emits a bluish, energizing, cool white light. It is suitable for large areas for task lighting and garage lighting.

Are A19 and A60 Bulbs the Same?

Yes, A19 and A60 are the same bulbs in shape and size. They are interchangeable; the difference lies in the measurement used for each term.

• A19 is measured with the imperial system. It indicates a diameter of 19/8 inches (approximately 2.375 inches).
• A60 is measured with the metric system. It indicates a diameter of 60 millimeters.

A19 and A60 refer to the same bulb, but the base cannot always be the same. A19 is commonly used in North America, and A60 is in Europe and Asia.

Where Can You Use A19 Bulbs?

A19 lamps are versatile and create the best ambience in different spaces:

• Ceiling Fixtures: A19 light bulbs easily fit into ceiling fixtures and provide general illumination in rooms.
• Table Lamps: Also suitable for task lighting for reading or working.
• Wall Scones: They create ambience and decorative appeal when fixed in wall scones.
• Bathroom Vanities: It can produce adequate lighting for grooming tasks.
• Outdoor Fixtures: When rated for outdoor use, they can light up porches and patios.

Always check bulb specifications before using them in any space. When using in enclosed fixtures, make sure proper ventilation and heat output are provided to increase lifespan and safety. Also, the manufacturer rated the bulb for outdoor use.

How to Choose the Right A19 LED Bulb

It’s important to choose the right A19 LED bulb for bright and even lighting. You can simply select the best A19 LED bulb with this buying guide:

Step 1: Know the Use

First of all, understand the bulb requirement for your space. Consider the right light bulb shape, size, and base type, which suits your fixture type and complements your space.

Step 2: Choose Brightness

Select a bulb with the appropriate lumens for the room’s function. For example, 450lm A19 LED for bedrooms, 800lm for living rooms and kitchens, 1100lm for workspaces, and 1600lm for large areas.

Step 3: Pick Color Temperature

Decide on the color temperature that suits your space’s ambience. 2700K for bedrooms, 3000K for kitchens and bathrooms, and 4000 K+ for workspaces and offices.

Step 4: Check for dimmability

If your fixture has a dimmer switch, select a bulb that is compatible with it. Usually labelled as “Dimmable” on the packaging.

Step 5: Check Certifications

Choose bulbs certified with Energy Star or UL product certifications for quality assurance and safety.

Step 6: Consider Special Features

If you need smart lighting, you can select bulbs with smart features. With wiz lights, you can take control of lights via voice or select scheduling features with the wiz app. These smart bulbs automate daily or weekly routines like dimming lights at bedtime and turning them on at sunrise

Conclusion

A19 bulbs remain a cornerstone in residential and commercial lighting due to their versatility, efficiency, and familiarity. After understanding its dimensions, base type, brightness, and color temperature, it’s time to take the next step.

Choose an LED A19 if you need energy efficiency or want to create ambience with advanced features. These bulbs offer a reliable and adaptable lighting solution.

Upgrade Your Lighting With High-Quality A19 Bulbs From Risun

At Risun Corp, we specialize in premium quality A19 bulbs and a full range of residential and commercial lighting solutions. With over 15 years of experience, we create lighting solutions that meet quality and safety standards.

Ready to upgrade a space with high-quality bulbs? Contact our lighting experts today for a free consultation or request a quick quote. We’re here to help you find the perfect A19 bulb for any application and improve your business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I replace an incandescent with an A19 LED?

Yes, if the LED bulb is designed with the same base, E26, and standard “A” shape that fits into the fixture.

Q2: Is A19 the same as E26?

No, A19 refers to the standard “A” shape and size of the bulb, but E26 denotes the base type. They are not the same, but related. A19 light bulbs are designed with an E26 base size, but not all E26 bulbs have the A19 shape.

Q3: Can A19 bulbs go in enclosed fixtures?

Yes, if the bulb is rated for enclosed fixtures. Check the manufacturer’s specifications because not all bulbs can withstand the heat buildup that occurs in enclosed fixtures.

Q4: Are A19 bulbs suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, A19 bulbs are suitable for outdoor use if they are designed and labelled as outdoor-rated. Most of the manufacturers designed outdoor bulbs with features that are damp-rated and wet-rated for different environments.