Understanding LED Base Types: T10, 1156/1157, 3156/3157, 7440/7443, and Festoon Series
When upgrading automotive lighting to LED, understanding the different bulb base types and their pin configurations is crucial. The base type determines the bulb’s compatibility, functionality, and light output. This article will provide an overview of T10, 1156/1157, 3156/3157, 7440/7443, and Festoon series LED bulbs, discussing their pin configurations and uses, helping you better understand how to choose the right bulb.
T10 LED Bulb Pin Configuration
T10 LED bulbs are commonly used for interior lights, instrument lights, side markers, and license plate lights. They have a simple base with two symmetrical pins.
The pin configuration of a T10 bulb is 180°, with the two pins directly opposite each other. T10 bulbs are used for low-power lighting needs, typically ranging from 1W to 5W, and operate at 12V DC. They are mainly used for parking lights, license plate lights, and other auxiliary lighting. In terms of electrical principle, current flows through the two pins to the LED chip, which generates light. This design is ideal for small lights, providing a stable and low-power light source.
1156 and 1157 LED Bulb Pin Configuration
The 1156 and 1157 bulbs are commonly used for brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals. They differ in the number of pins and the functionality they support.
1156 (BA15S)
The 1156 bulb has a single contact design. Its pins are arranged symmetrically, with a 180° angle. It is commonly used for brake lights, reverse lights, or turn signals. The power range of 1156 bulbs is 18W to 27W, and they operate at 12V DC. They support a single function, typically working at a single brightness level, such as for brake lights or turn signals.
1157 (BAY15D)
The 1157 bulb has a dual contact design. Compared to the 1156, the 1157 has two pins, allowing it to support more complex functions. The pin configuration is 180°, but the two pins are vertically offset. 1157 bulbs range from 20W to 30W in power and operate at 12V DC. The dual-contact design allows the 1157 bulb to provide different brightness levels in different modes. For example, in tail light mode, it operates at a lower brightness, and in brake light mode, it increases in brightness. In terms of electrical principle, the 1157’s dual-contact design allows one pin to supply a lower current for tail lights, while the second pin provides a higher current for brake lights, ensuring both functions work correctly.
3156 and 3157 LED Bulb Pin Configuration
3156 and 3157 bulbs are similar to 1156 and 1157 and are commonly used for brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals. The pin configurations of 3156 and 3157 bulbs are very similar to those of 1156 and 1157.
3156
The 3156 bulb has a single contact design, ideal for reverse lights or turn signals. Its pin configuration is a single contact with a 180° angle and symmetrical pins. 3156 bulbs have a power range of 18W to 27W and operate at 12V DC. Like the 1156 bulb, the 3156 only supports a single brightness level.
3157
The 3157 bulb features a dual contact design, making it suitable for multi-function lights like tail lights and brake lights. Its pin configuration is 180°, with the pins vertically offset. 3157 bulbs have a power range of 20W to 30W and operate at 12V DC. Compared to the 1156 and 3156, the 3157’s dual contact design allows it to provide two brightness levels, making it suitable for dual-function use, such as tail and brake lights.
7440 and 7443 LED Bulb Pin Configuration
7440 and 7443 bulbs are typically used for signal lights, turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights.
7440
The 7440 bulb has a single contact design, suitable for single-function applications like turn signals or reverse lights. Its pin configuration is 180°, with the pins directly opposite each other. 7440 bulbs have a power range of 18W to 27W and operate at 12V DC. Like the 3156 and 1156 bulbs, the 7440 bulb only supports a single function.
7443
The 7443 bulb has a dual contact design, making it suitable for multi-function applications like tail lights and brake lights. Its pin configuration is 180°, with the pins vertically offset. 7443 bulbs have a power range of 20W to 30W and operate at 12V DC. The dual contact design allows it to support multi-function usage, such as serving as both a tail light and a brake light.
Festoon LED Bulb Pin Configuration
Festoon series LED bulbs are commonly used for interior lighting, such as dome lights and license plate lights. They have a distinctive cylindrical design with two end pins, typically using a spring-loaded contact. The pin configuration for Festoon bulbs is usually 180°, which suits installation in confined spaces. They are mainly used for small, interior lighting applications like license plate lights. Festoon bulbs typically range from 1W to 10W and operate at 12V DC.
If you're looking to upgrade your vehicle's lighting system with high-quality LED bulbs, explore a wide range of automotive lighting options at https://cn360led.com/ for premium off-road and professional lighting.
Explore our products today and enhance your driving experience!