{"title":"R7S LED bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst measure the length of the bulb in place, pins included: 78 mm or 118 mm, and these two formats are not interchangeable. Next comes the flux in lumens compared to that of the original halogen, then the dimmable mention if the fixture is on a dimmer. Three checks, and the rest is just a matter of light rendering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"reconnaitre\"\u003eWhat is an R7S LED bulb used for and how to recognize the R7S base?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn R7S bulb is a linear two-pin bulb, called pencil or linolite, which equips fixtures where the tube is visible and held by its ends. The R7S base refers to this pin holding, without screw thread: it is found on floor lamps, wall lights and halogen ceiling lights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eR7S pencil bulb: a two-pin socket\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLook at the ends: two metal pins come out of the glass, one on each side. They clip into spring sockets, which explains the thinness of the line and the absence of a visible socket in the middle of the fixture. This is what distinguishes an R7S LED bulb from a classic screw bulb, and it is also why replacement is done by sliding laterally, never by pulling. To locate the other families, compare with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/ampoules\"\u003ethe bulbs section\u003c\/a\u003e where screw and bayonet bases coexist with linear ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eR7S halogen bulb: why switch to LED\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLinear halogen heats up strongly and consumes a lot for the light produced. The LED version uses the same format, so the same fixture, but stays warm to the touch and withstands repeated switching in a hallway or bathroom. The R7S LED bulb thus replaces without work, on a floor lamp as on a wall light. If you are also changing the fixture, the starting point remains \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eall Designix fixtures\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"longueur\"\u003eWhat is the size of an R7S bulb: 78 mm or 118 mm?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe R7S bulb comes in two standard lengths, 78 mm and 118 mm, measured pins included. The two are not interchangeable: a support designed for 78 mm will not accommodate a 118 mm. The right method is to measure the bulb in place or the distance between the two sockets of the fixture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eR7S LED bulbs 118 mm: the fixtures concerned\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the format of large linear fixtures: arm floor lamps, halogen living room ceiling lights, bathroom mirror strips, some outdoor floodlights. The 118 mm length gives more material to house the diodes, so often a brighter tube. Before ordering, check that the bulb will not hit the diffuser or the fixture grille.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eR7S LED bulbs 78 mm: compact fixtures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 78 mm equips short wall lights, small pencil lamps and small-section ceiling lights. A 78 mm in a 118 mm support will not hold: the pins will not reach the sockets. A \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-led-220v\"\u003e220 V LED bulb\u003c\/a\u003e of this format is therefore chosen based on the actual measurement, not on the photo of the fixture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eR7S bulb 78 mm or 118 mm: what changes\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLength\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere you find it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to measure\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMistake to avoid\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e78 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompact wall lights, pencil lamps, small ceiling lights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe length of the original bulb, pins included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrdering a 118 mm for a short support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e118 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFloor lamps, halogen ceiling lights, strips and mirrors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe gap between the two sockets of the fixture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRelying only on the fixture name without measuring\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"puissance\"\u003ePowerful R7S LED bulb: what power and brightness to choose?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe power of an R7S LED cannot be compared watt for watt to that of the halogen it replaces: for equivalent lighting, an LED consumes much less. The reliable reference remains the luminous flux in lumens, indicated on the product sheet, which is compared to that of the original bulb before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eR7S LED bulb 118 mm 300 W or 500 W: what are we really replacing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese values of 300 W and 500 W describe the original halogen, not the LED that takes its place. A powerful R7S LED bulb displays an equivalence in lumens and a much lower consumption on its sheet: it is the equivalence that is read, never the wattage of the old bulb transposed as is. If a figure seems inconsistent on a sheet, trust the announced power and ignore the dubious flux.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRead the lumens on the sheet rather than the watts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA living room ceiling light and an accent wall light do not require the same amount of light. Compare the flux of the new bulb to that of the removed halogen: with a close flux, the lighting level is maintained. For a first overview of the range, browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-led-1\"\u003eall LED bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e and read the sheets line by line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eR7S halogen and R7S LED: what changes in use\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCriterion\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eR7S halogen bulb\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eR7S LED bulb\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat emitted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh, the bulb burns on touch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow, the bulb stays warm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConsumption at comparable flux\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSignificantly lower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShort, frequent replacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLonger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimmer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWorks with classic dimmers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOnly if the sheet indicates dimmable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"variateur\"\u003eDimmable R7S LED bulb: how to check compatibility with a dimmer?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn R7S LED bulb is said to be dimmable when its product sheet explicitly indicates that it accepts a dimmer. This mention is essential: a non-dimmable LED placed behind a dimmer flickers or turns off. The fixture's dimmer must also be designed to drive LED loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDimmable R7S LED bulbs: what must be written on the sheet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLook for the words dimmable or dimmer compatible, clearly, in the specifications. An R7S LED bulb without this mention cannot be dimmed, even if the fixture has a knob at the base. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-led-a-variateur\"\u003edimmer-compatible bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e section groups the references that carry this indication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAn old dimmer with an LED: the point to check\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMany dimmers installed fifteen years ago were calculated for resistive loads, therefore for halogen. Behind an LED, they can hum, flicker or refuse to start below a certain threshold. Test after assembly, starting from the minimum position then gradually increasing, and check that the dimmer accepts LED loads. Other dimmer models exist for small bases, see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-led-a-variateur-e14\"\u003eE14 dimmable bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"temperature\"\u003eWhat color temperature to choose for an R7S LED bulb?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eColor temperature is read in kelvins on the product sheet. A bulb around 2700 K gives a warm light, close to halogen; 3000 K remains warm but sharper. Beyond that, the light whitens and is better suited to a workshop or garage than to a living room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the tube remains visible in most of these fixtures, the rendering matters as much as the flux: an amber finish softens the light and dresses an open fixture. Compare \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-2700k\"\u003e2700 K warm white bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-3000k\"\u003e3000 K bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e, then look at \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-coloris-ambre\"\u003eamber glass bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-en-verre\"\u003eglass bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e if the aesthetics of the tube matter to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"luminaire\"\u003eIn which fixture to install an R7S bulb: ceiling light, wall light or floor lamp?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe R7S bulb equips linear fixtures: halogen ceiling lights, wall lights, floor lamps, pencil lamps and mirror strips. It is chosen first for its length, then for the light rendering it gives, because the tube often remains visible in these open fixtures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIn a living room ceiling light or a wall light\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a living room ceiling light, the light must be frank without dazzling: a 118 mm with a sharp rendering does the job. On a living room LED wall light, the size matters more: check that the bulb does not protrude from the frame and that it does not cast a hot spot on the wall. The \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-pour-salon\"\u003eliving room bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e give a good overview of the available renderings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIn a floor lamp, a pencil lamp or a mirror strip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA floor lamp with a foot dimmer requires a dimmable LED, without exception. An R7S LED bulb is chosen at the original length, often 78 mm. On a mirror strip, avoid direct reflection: a more neutral light and a slightly diffusing glass limit glare. For outdoor use, turn to \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-d-exterieur-led\"\u003eoutdoor bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e rather than an indoor R7S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"changer\"\u003eHow to change an R7S bulb and make it last?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCut the power and let cool before touching the bulb. An R7S is removed by sliding it laterally: its pins fit into spring sockets, never pull downwards. When reassembling, check that both pins are engaged before turning back on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRemove and replace an R7S bulb without forcing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA lateral pressure on one of the two sockets is enough to release the tube. If the bulb resists, it is often because a spring is seized: do not insist at the risk of breaking the glass. Note the mounting direction before removing the old one, then engage the new one pin by pin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat damages an R7S LED bulb\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA completely closed fixture traps heat and shortens the life of the bulb, even LED. An unsuitable dimmer, loose contacts or excessive tightening on the glass are also among the causes of failure. If the fixture is not R7S, you must change the base: see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-culot-e27\"\u003eE27 base bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-led-g9\"\u003eG9 bulbs for small fixtures\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"choisir\"\u003eHow to choose between several R7S LED bulbs: the three checks?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThree checks are enough: the length measured on the original bulb, the flux in lumens compared to that of the replaced halogen, and the dimmable mention if the fixture is on a dimmer. Once these three points are validated, only the choice of light rendering remains, warm or more neutral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf your fixture operates at low voltage, the R7S is not the right track: look instead at \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules-led-12v\"\u003e12 V LED bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e. And if you are redoing the entire lighting rather than a simple replacement, start from \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/luminaire\"\u003eour selection of fixtures\u003c\/a\u003e to match the support to the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecure payment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracked delivery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReturns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesignix customer service\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou know your length and your flux: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ampoules\"\u003efind the available bulbs\u003c\/a\u003e and order the corresponding reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"faq\"\u003eFrequently asked questions about R7S LED bulbs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the size of the R7S bulb?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe R7S bulb is manufactured in two standard lengths: 78 mm and 118 mm, measured pins included. It has no screw thread, its two ends fit into spring sockets. To choose, measure the bulb in place or the gap between the fixture sockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between an LED bulb and a normal bulb?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn LED bulb produces light with diodes: at comparable flux, it consumes less and heats much less than a filament or halogen bulb, and it lasts longer. In R7S, the format remains identical, which allows replacing the halogen without changing the fixture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eR7S LED bulbs 118 mm: how to know if it will fit in my fixture?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure the bulb in place, pins included, or the gap between the two sockets of the fixture. If you read 118 mm, order 118 mm: a 78 mm would be too short to hold, and the reverse does not fit. Also check that the bulb will not touch the diffuser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDimmable R7S LED bulbs: how to recognize a dimmer-compatible model?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mention dimmable or dimmer compatible must be written in black and white on the product sheet. An R7S LED that does not carry this mention cannot be dimmed: behind a dimmer, it flickers or turns off. Also check that the fixture's dimmer accepts LED loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan I replace a 300 W or 500 W R7S halogen bulb with an LED?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, provided you compare luminous fluxes in lumens and not powers in watts. An R7S LED announces an equivalence on its sheet: it is this figure that indicates whether you recover the halogen's lighting. Also check the length and dimmer compatibility before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"CollectionPage\",\"name\":\"R7S LED bulbs: choose the length, power and the right light\",\"description\":\"R7S LED bulbs in 78 mm and 118 mm: understand the length, power, R7S base, dimmer compatibility and the light suited to each use.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/ampoules-led-r7s\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"name\":\"Designix\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\"},\"speakable\":{\"@type\":\"SpeakableSpecification\",\"cssSelector\":[\"h1\",\"h2\"]}},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Fixture\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/luminaire\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Bulbs\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/ampoules\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"R7S LED bulbs: choose the length, power and the right light\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/designix.fr\/collections\/ampoules-led-r7s\"}]},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the size of the R7s bulb?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The R7S bulb is manufactured in two standard lengths: 78 mm and 118 mm, measured pins included. It has no screw thread, its two ends fit into spring sockets. To choose, measure the bulb in place or the gap between the fixture sockets.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between an LED bulb and a normal bulb?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"An LED bulb produces light with diodes: at comparable flux, it consumes less and heats much less than a filament or halogen bulb, and it lasts longer. In R7S, the format remains identical, which allows replacing the halogen without changing the fixture.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"R7S LED bulbs 118 mm: how to know if it will fit in my fixture?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Measure the bulb in place, pins included, or the gap between the two sockets of the fixture. If you read 118 mm, order 118 mm: a 78 mm would be too short to hold, and the reverse does not fit. Also check that the bulb will not touch the diffuser.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Dimmable R7S LED bulbs: how to recognize a dimmer-compatible model?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The mention dimmable or dimmer compatible must be written in black and white on the product sheet. An R7S LED that does not carry this mention cannot be dimmed: behind a dimmer, it flickers or turns off. Also check that the fixture's dimmer accepts LED loads.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I replace a 300 W or 500 W R7S halogen bulb with an LED?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, provided you compare luminous fluxes in lumens and not powers in watts. An R7S LED announces an equivalence on its sheet: it is this figure that indicates whether you recover the halogen's lighting. Also check the length and dimmer compatibility before ordering.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Powerful R7S LED bulb 118 mm: how to choose without making a mistake?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Look at the luminous flux in lumens, the 118 mm length and the intended use: a ceiling light or floor lamp requires more light than an accent wall light. Color temperature matters as much as power for the rendering. If the fixture is on a dimmer, the dimmable mention becomes mandatory.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does an R7S LED bulb heat less than a halogen one?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, an R7S LED heats significantly less than the halogen it replaces, which matters in a closed fixture or a wall light close to a wall. It stays warm rather than burning and better withstands repeated switching in a bathroom or hallway.\"}}]}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/8598\/2228\/collections\/designix-entete-ampoules-led-r7s-v1.jpg?v=1793377820","url":"https:\/\/designix-lighting.com\/collections\/r7s-led-bulbs-1.oembed","provider":"Designix","version":"1.0","type":"link"}