What Size Light Bulb Do I Need For A Refrigerator

If you’ve ever opened your refrigerator and found yourself in the dark, you know how frustrating it can be to replace a burned-out light bulb. You may wonder what size light bulb you need, where to find it, and how to install it. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about fridge light bulbs, from the different types and sizes to the best places to buy them and the easiest ways to change them.

The size of the light bulb you need for your refrigerator depends on the model and brand of your fridge, but most refrigerators use a standard appliance bulb between 25 and 40 watts, usually size A15. You can check the label inside your fridge or the owner’s manual for the specific size and wattage of your fridge light bulb.

Types Of Refrigerator Light Bulbs

Refrigerator light bulbs are not like regular light bulbs that you use in your lamps or ceiling fixtures. They are specially designed to withstand the cold and humid environment inside your fridge, as well as the frequent opening and closing of the door. They also have different shapes and bases that fit into specific sockets in your fridge.

There are four main types of refrigerator light bulbs:

• Incandescent: These are the most common and cheapest type of fridge light bulbs. They produce light by heating a thin filament inside a glass bulb. They have a warm and yellowish color and last for about 1,000 hours. However, they are also the least energy-efficient and generate a lot of heat, which can affect the temperature inside your fridge.
• Compact fluorescent (CFL): These are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than incandescent bulbs. They produce light by passing an electric current through a tube filled with mercury vapor and phosphor. They have a cool and white color and last for about 10,000 hours. However, they are also more expensive and contain mercury, which can be harmful if the bulb breaks.
• Light-emitting diode (LED): These are the most energy-efficient and durable type of fridge light bulbs. They produce light by passing an electric current through a semiconductor material that emits photons. They have a bright and white color and last for about 50,000 hours. However, they are also the most expensive and may not be compatible with some older fridges.
• Halogen: These are similar to incandescent bulbs, but they use halogen gas instead of inert gas inside the glass bulb. They produce a bright and white light that is ideal for displaying food colors. They last for about 2,000 hours. However, they are also very hot and can pose a fire hazard if they touch flammable materials.

Sizes Of Refrigerator Light Bulbs

Refrigerator light bulbs come in a range of sizes, from small (A15) to large (PAR20). The size of the light bulb you need will depend on the size of your refrigerator and the socket in which it will be placed.

The most common sizes are:

• A15: This is a small bulb that measures 15/16 inches in diameter at its widest point. It has an E26 medium base that fits into standard sockets. It is usually used for small or compact fridges or for door lights in larger fridges.
• T8: This is a tubular bulb that measures 1 inch in diameter. It has an E17 intermediate base that fits into smaller sockets. It is usually used for freezer lights or for interior lights in older fridges.
• T12: This is another tubular bulb that measures 1 1/2 inches in diameter. It has an E26 medium base that fits into standard sockets. It is usually used for interior lights in larger fridges or for specialty fridges like wine coolers or beverage centers.
• PAR20: This is a large bulb that measures 2 1/2 inches in diameter at its widest point. It has an E26 medium base that fits into standard sockets. It is usually used for interior lights in very large fridges or for showcase fridges with glass doors.

To find out what size light bulb you need for your refrigerator, you can check the label inside your fridge or the owner’s manual for the specific size and wattage of your fridge light bulb. You can also measure the diameter of your old bulb or socket with a ruler or caliper.

How To Replace A Refrigerator Light Bulb

Replacing a refrigerator light bulb is not difficult, but you need to follow some safety precautions to avoid injury or damage to your fridge.

Here are some steps to follow when replacing a refrigerator light bulb:

• Unplug your fridge or turn off the circuit breaker that powers it. This will prevent electric shock or short circuits.
• Locate the light bulb socket inside your fridge. It may be covered by a plastic shield or a metal bracket that you need to remove first. You may need a screwdriver or a pry tool to do this.
• Unscrew the old bulb by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful not to break the bulb or touch it with your bare hands if it’s hot. Dispose of the old bulb properly, especially if it’s a CFL or halogen bulb that contains mercury or halogen gas.
• Screw in the new bulb by turning it clockwise. Make sure it’s the same size and wattage as the old one and that it fits snugly into the socket. Don’t overtighten the bulb or force it into the socket, as this may damage the bulb or the socket.
• Replace the plastic shield or metal bracket if there was one. Make sure it’s securely attached and doesn’t interfere with the light.
• Plug in your fridge or turn on the circuit breaker that powers it. Test the light by opening and closing the door. If the light doesn’t work, check the bulb and the socket for any loose connections or defects.

Where To Buy Refrigerator Light Bulbs

Refrigerator light bulbs are widely available at most hardware stores, home improvement stores, appliance stores, or online retailers. You can also buy them directly from your fridge manufacturer or from authorized dealers.

Some of the best places to buy refrigerator light bulbs are:

• Amazon: Amazon offers a wide selection of fridge light bulbs from various brands and types. You can compare prices, ratings, reviews, and features of different bulbs and choose the best one for your fridge. You can also enjoy fast and free shipping, easy returns, and customer service.
• Home Depot: Home Depot is a leading home improvement retailer that sells fridge light bulbs from various brands and types. You can browse their online catalog or visit their physical stores to find the right bulb for your fridge. You can also benefit from their price match guarantee, free delivery, and installation services.
• Lowe’s: Lowe’s is another home improvement retailer that sells fridge light bulbs from various brands and types. You can browse their online catalog or visit their physical stores to find the right bulb for your fridge. You can also take advantage of their price match guarantee, free delivery, and installation services.
• GE Appliances: GE Appliances is a major appliance manufacturer that sells fridge light bulbs for their own fridges as well as for other brands. You can order their bulbs online or by phone and have them delivered to your door. You can also find their bulbs at authorized dealers or service centers.

Conclusion

Refrigerator light bulbs are essential for keeping your food visible and fresh inside your fridge. They come in different types and sizes to suit different fridges and preferences. To find out what size light bulb you need for your refrigerator, you can check the label inside your fridge or the owner’s manual for the specific size and wattage of your fridge light bulb. You can also measure the diameter of your old bulb or socket with a ruler or caliper.

To replace a refrigerator light bulb, you need to unplug your fridge or turn off the circuit breaker that powers it, locate the light bulb socket inside your fridge, unscrew the old bulb and screw in the new one, replace the plastic shield or metal bracket if there was one, and plug in your fridge or turn on the circuit breaker that powers it.

To buy refrigerator light bulbs, you can visit hardware stores, home improvement stores, appliance stores, online retailers, or authorized dealers. Some of the best places to buy refrigerator light bulbs are Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and GE Appliances.