A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right LED Globe for Your Home or Business in South Africa
Why LED Globes Are the Standard in South Africa
Whether upgrading your home lighting or planning a commercial installation, LED globes are now the clear choice. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in a wide range of styles to suit any fitting.
At Lite-Glo, we stock one of South Africa’s most comprehensive ranges of LED globes online. You will find multiple base types, colour temperatures, and wattage options from trusted brands, all at competitive prices.
This guide explains the basics of LED globes, South African regulations, and how to choose the right option for your space.
Why Choose LED Over Traditional Bulbs?
LED technology has rapidly replaced incandescent, halogen, and CFL lighting. The reasons are clear:
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Energy efficient – Uses up to 80% less electricity than older bulbs
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Long lifespan – Can last 15,000–50,000 hours depending on brand
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Instant light – Switches on at full brightness with no warm-up
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Low heat output – Safer and more efficient, especially in enclosed fittings
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Eco-friendly – Contains no mercury or hazardous materials
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Cost-effective – Lowers your electricity bill and reduces replacement frequency
South African Lighting Regulations
Since May 2024, South Africa officially banned the sale of low-efficiency incandescent and fluorescent globes for general use. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) now requires all household lighting products to meet a minimum efficacy of 90 lumens per watt (lm/W).
By 2026, this standard will increase further to 105 lm/W, pushing even higher efficiency.
What this means for you:
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Traditional incandescent and CFL globes no longer meet legal standards
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Only LED globes are compliant for household and commercial lighting
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LED is no longer just the better option – it is the required standard for legal, future-proof lighting in South Africa
Understanding LED Globe Base Types
Choosing the correct base type ensures your globe fits your fixture. These are the most common options available from Lite-Glo:
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B22 – Bayonet Cap: Push-and-twist fitting, common in ceiling fittings, wall lights, and lamps
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E27 – Edison Screw: 27mm screw-in fitting, widely used in homes and commercial spaces
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E14 – Small Edison Screw: 14mm screw-in fitting, often used in chandeliers, bedside lamps, and decorative fixtures
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GU10 – Twist-and-Lock Spotlight: Two-pin twist-lock base, common in ceiling spotlights and downlights, runs directly on 230V
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MR16 – Two-Pin Low Voltage: Push-fit pin base, requires a 12V transformer, often found in older downlights and display lighting
Choosing the Right Colour Temperature
Colour temperature affects the mood and appearance of a space. LED globes are available in three main ranges, measured in Kelvin (K):
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Warm White (2700K – 3000K): Soft yellow glow, ideal for bedrooms, lounges, and restaurants
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Cool White (4000K – 4500K): Neutral, crisp light, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and offices
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Daylight (6000K – 6500K): Bright white-blue light, best for workshops, garages, and retail spaces
Tip: Warm white is relaxing, cool white is energising, and daylight is clinical with high visibility.
Which Globe Works Best Where?
Not sure which LED globe to choose? Here is a quick reference:
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Bedrooms and lounges – B22 or E27 in Warm White
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Kitchens and offices – E27 or GU10 in Cool White
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Bathrooms and studies – GU10 or MR16 in Cool White or Daylight
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Retail and commercial spaces – GU10 or E27 in Daylight
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Decorative fixtures – E14 in Warm White
Common Questions About LED Globes
Are LED globes dimmable?
Yes, but only if marked as dimmable. Always match with a compatible dimmer switch.
Do LED globes save money?
Yes. They use up to 80% less electricity and last much longer than incandescent or CFL globes.
Can I replace halogen spotlights with LED?
Yes. GU10 LED globes are direct replacements for halogen spotlights.
Do LED globes work in all fittings?
Yes, as long as you choose the correct base type (B22, E27, E14, GU10, or MR16).
Are LED globes safe for enclosed fittings?
Yes. They produce less heat, making them safer and more efficient in enclosed fixtures.
Will LEDs comply with South African standards in 2026?
Yes. Quality LED globes already meet or exceed the 2026 requirement of 105 lm/W.
Shop LED Globes Online at Lite-Glo
Lite-Glo stocks a wide range of LED globes from leading local and international brands. Options include:
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Bayonet (B22), Edison Screw (E27), Small Edison (E14), GU10, and MR16
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Warm White, Cool White, and Daylight
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Dimmable and non-dimmable models
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Long-lasting, energy-efficient designs
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Fully compliant with South Africa’s 2024 lighting standards
[Carousel Placeholder: LED Globes | Downlights | Decorative Lighting]
Why Buy Your LED Globes from Lite-Glo?
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Exclusive online-only prices
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Fast nationwide delivery or in-store pickup
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Trusted by homeowners, electricians, and resellers
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Easy browsing by fitting, colour, and wattage
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Expert support if you need help choosing the right globe
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⚠️ Safety & Compliance Notice
All electrical installations in South Africa must comply with SANS 10142-1 (Wiring Code) and the Occupational Health & Safety Act. Work must be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician.
This article is for general educational purposes only. It does not replace professional advice, and Lite-Glo accepts no liability for how this information is used. Always obtain a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for any electrical work.
Need Assistance?
📧 onlinesales@liteglo.co.za
📞 011 781 3100
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