Side-by-Side Comparison
Indoor Climate & Fixtures
Air Filters vs. Light Bulb Bases
Comparing 2 standards across 18 specifications. 18 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Air Filters
Light Bulb Bases
Residential HVAC furnace air filters standardize nominal dimensions (16×20×1", 16×25×1", 20×20×1", 20×25×1", 20×25×4") that measure 0.5 inches smaller in actual size, rated on the ASHRAE 52.2 MERV scale from MERV 1 to 16.
Domestic light bulb bases standardize screw (Edison) and pin configurations. The E26 (26 mm) base serves as the standard medium screw in 120V North America, E27 (27 mm) in 230V Europe, E12 (12 mm) for candelabras, and GU10 for 120V/230V twist-lock track spotlights.
Specification Comparison Table
18 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
ASHRAE 52.2 / AHRI Standard 680 (Air Filter Sizing & Rating) | IEC 60061 / ANSI C81.61 (Electric Lamp Bases) |
|
Actual vs Nominal Sizing
|
Actual dimensions are typically 0.50" (12.7 mm) smaller than nominal label | — |
|
16 × 20 × 1" Nominal
|
Actual: 15.5 × 19.5 × 0.75 inches (39.4 × 49.5 × 1.9 cm) | — |
|
16 × 25 × 1" Nominal
|
Actual: 15.5 × 24.5 × 0.75 inches (39.4 × 62.2 × 1.9 cm) | Common home size | — |
|
20 × 20 × 1" Nominal
|
Actual: 19.5 × 19.5 × 0.75 inches (49.5 × 49.5 × 1.9 cm) | Return air grilles | — |
|
20 × 25 × 1" Nominal
|
Actual: 19.5 × 24.5 × 0.75 inches (49.5 × 62.2 × 1.9 cm) | Universal residential | — |
|
20 × 25 × 4" Media Filter
|
Actual: 19.75 × 24.25 × 4.38 inches | Deep pleated cabinet filter (6–12 mo life) | — |
|
MERV 8 (Residential Standard)
|
Captures 70–85% of particles 3.0–10 µm (Dust mites, pollen, mold spores) | — |
|
MERV 11 (Pet & Allergy)
|
Captures 65–79% of 1.0–3.0 µm + 85% of 3–10 µm (Pet dander, auto emissions) | — |
|
MERV 13 (High-Efficiency)
|
Captures >50% of 0.3–1.0 µm + >85% of 1.0–3.0 µm (Bacteria, virus carriers, smoke) | — |
|
E26 Medium Edison Screw
|
— | 26 mm (1.02") diameter | Standard North American residential lamp base (120V) |
|
E27 Medium Edison Screw
|
— | 27 mm (1.06") diameter | Standard European/International residential base (230V) |
|
E12 Candelabra Screw
|
— | 12 mm (0.47") diameter | US chandeliers, nightlights, sconces, holiday bulbs |
|
E14 Small Edison Screw (SES)
|
— | 14 mm (0.55") diameter | European candelabra and small accent fixture standard |
|
E39 / E40 Mogul Screw
|
— | 39 mm (US) / 40 mm (EU) | High-wattage commercial & industrial fixtures |
|
GU10 Bi-Pin Twist-Lock
|
— | 10 mm pin spacing with mushroom feet | 120V/230V mains voltage spotlights |
|
G9 Looped Bi-Pin
|
— | 9 mm looped pin spacing | 120V/230V compact halogen/LED capsules |
|
MR16 (GU5.3)
|
— | 5.3 mm pin spacing | 12V low-voltage directional spotlight base |