Short answer: E26 (used in the US) and E27 (used in Europe and most other regions) are physically interchangeable — the bulb threads are the same diameter. The difference is in voltage and electrical certification, not in the socket itself.
E26 (US standard)
- Voltage: 120V
- Used in US, Canada, Mexico, Japan
- Maximum wattage typically 100W for incandescent, lower for LED
E27 (European standard)
- Voltage: 220–240V
- Used in Europe, UK, Australia, much of Asia and Africa
- Maximum wattage typically 100W for incandescent
Are they interchangeable?
Physically, yes. An E27 bulb screws into an E26 socket and vice versa.
Electrically, no. Putting a 120V-rated E26 bulb into a 240V socket burns the bulb out instantly. Putting a 240V E27 bulb into a 120V socket gives you dim light and shortened life.
What this means when buying lamps
- US buyers: look for fixtures rated for 110–120V with E26 bulbs.
- EU/UK buyers: look for fixtures rated for 220–240V with E27 bulbs.
- If you import a lamp from another region, check whether the included bulb matches your local voltage.
- Universal voltage lamps (100–240V) work anywhere — convenient for international travelers.
Many Maliben lamps note their voltage on the product page. The Wabi-Sabi Tripod Floor Lamp, for example, is universal-voltage 90–260V.
Related reading
LED pendant lights buying guide · Lighting & Lamps at Maliben