Lamp Socket Mounting Thread Sizes
Lamp sockets are manufactured with four standard female mounting thread sizes, commonly found on the socket base or hickey. These female threads are designed to accept corresponding male lamp pipe threads (IPS).
Common Lamp Socket Thread Sizes
The following male thread sizes will fit standard lamp socket bases:
- 1/8-27 IPS — 3/8" outside diameter
- 1/4-18 IPS — 1/2" outside diameter
- 3/8-18 IPS — 5/8" outside diameter
- 1/2-18 IPS — 3/4" outside diameter
For detailed lamp thread sizing information, view our Thread Size Chart .
Adapting Thread Sizes with Nozzles
If a lamp socket is not available in the required thread size, a nozzle can be used as an adapter. Nozzles function as female-to-male thread adapters, allowing you to connect mismatched thread sizes.
Example
If you have a male 1/4-18 IPS lamp pipe and a socket with a female 1/8-27 IPS base, you can use the NO325 Nozzle to adapt between the two sizes.
Adapting Threads Using Couplings and Nipples
Another method for adapting different male and female thread sizes is by using a reducing coupling together with a threaded nipple. This approach is especially useful when transitioning between NPT pipe threads and IPS lamp threads.
Example
If you have a male 1/2 NPT pipe and a socket with a female 1/4-18 IPS base, you can use the NE457 Reducing Coupling along with a 1/4-18 IPS Nipple .
For a complete overview of lamp thread sizes and compatibility, refer to our Thread Size Chart .