Replacing a candle lampholder on a chandelier, or trying to find a candle tube that fits an existing one?
Getting the right combination can be surprisingly tricky. Lampholders vary in diameter, height, bulb fitting and mounting arrangement. Even a small difference in size can mean a replacement candle tube won't fit.
At Lampfix, we supply a range of specialist chandelier lampholders, candle tubes and replacement components for lighting restoration, repair and manufacture. This guide explains the main options and what to check before ordering.
Understanding E14 and E10 Candle Lampholders
The first thing to establish is which bulb fitting your chandelier uses.
E14 (SES – Small Edison Screw) is a common fitting on chandeliers and decorative wall lights. These lampholders take bulbs with a 14mm screw cap and are available in several heights to suit different candle sleeves.
E10 (MES – Miniature Edison Screw) is a smaller screw fitting used on certain decorative chandeliers, including French candle-style fittings.
Some older chandeliers also use bayonet-cap fittings, such as SBC/B15, so it's worth checking the existing bulb before choosing a replacement.
One important distinction: the bulb fitting and the mounting thread are two different things. An E14 lampholder may have a 10mm threaded entry underneath for mounting onto a chandelier arm. That does not make it an E10 lampholder.
E14 Candle Lampholders – Standard and Adjustable Heights
Our Candle SES Lampholders are designed for chandeliers where the lampholder is concealed inside a decorative candle tube.
They feature an E14 bulb fitting, screw terminals and a 10mm threaded mounting entry.
The standard range includes four heights:
| Product code | Lampholder height |
|---|---|
| 05811 | 50mm |
| 05995 | 65mm |
| 05972 | 85mm |
| 05833 | 100mm |
The shorter version uses a compact base, while the taller versions incorporate a stand to achieve the required height.
We also offer individual tops, stands and bases, which can be useful when repairing an existing chandelier or adapting an arrangement without replacing every component.
For fittings where the exact height is difficult to achieve, our Adjustable Height Candle SES Lampholders provide some flexibility.
These are available in two adjustment ranges: 80–100mm and 100–120mm.
That adjustment can be particularly useful when the candle tube needs to sit at a specific height above the chandelier arm.
Browse chandelier lampholders and components
Choosing the Right Candle Tubes and Drips
A candle tube, sometimes called a candle sleeve or candle drip, fits over the lampholder to give the appearance of a traditional candle.
We offer several types, including:
Cream card candle tubes – a natural-looking finish suited to many traditional chandeliers.
Plain white plastic candle tubes – a clean, smooth finish, particularly suitable for decorative and crystal chandeliers.
Plastic candle tubes with wax-drip effects – designed to resemble a candle with wax running down the sides.
There are different internal diameters and heights available, so the appearance is only part of the decision.
The most important measurement is the internal diameter of the candle tube.
This must be large enough to fit over the widest part of the lampholder. There is no universal diameter for chandelier lampholders, and parts that look similar can have different dimensions.
Our standard E14 candle lampholders are designed to work with selected 24mm internal-diameter candle tubes, but the fit should always be checked against the actual parts.
For example, our 24mm Internal Diameter Cream Card Candle Tubes include heights commonly paired with our E14 range:
A 67mm candle tube with the 65mm lampholder (05995).
An 85mm candle tube with the 85mm lampholder (05972).
A 100mm candle tube with the 100mm lampholder (05833).
These are useful starting points. The correct height still depends on how the lampholder is mounted and the appearance you want to achieve.
A suitable O-ring may sometimes help secure a loose-fitting sleeve, but a tube that is too narrow should not be forced over the lampholder.
Five Things to Check Before Ordering
If you're replacing components on an existing chandelier, a few measurements can save considerable time.
Identify the bulb fitting. Is it E14, E10 or a bayonet fitting? Check the existing bulb or lampholder markings where possible.
Check the mounting arrangement. Many chandelier lampholders use a 10mm threaded entry, but the thread diameter and pitch must match the existing fixing.
Measure the lampholder diameter. Measure across its widest point, including any projections that the candle tube needs to pass over. Compare this with the internal diameter of your chosen sleeve.
Check the height. Measure the existing candle tube and establish how far the lampholder projects above the chandelier arm. Remember that the visible height can depend on the mounting arrangement.
Check the condition of the existing components. Damaged lampholders, deteriorated wiring or unsuitable fixings should be assessed before deciding which parts to reuse.
If you're restoring an older chandelier, it's also worth checking more than one arm. Previous repairs sometimes leave fittings with different components.
French Candle Lampholders – E10 Fittings
Some chandeliers use the more slender French candle style rather than a conventional E14 lampholder covered by a separate candle tube.
For these applications, Lampfix offers Prewired French Candle MES/E10 Lampholder Assemblies.
These combine the candle-style body with an E10 bulb fitting and are listed in 6-inch and 9-inch versions.
They can be useful when replacing damaged assemblies or restoring a chandelier where retaining the original slender candle appearance is important.
Because the construction differs from a standard E14 lampholder, it's important to check the mounting arrangement, overall dimensions and electrical requirements before ordering.
We also list E10 LED flame-tip bulbs, including clear and frosted options. Check the individual bulb specifications for voltage, dimensions, light output and dimming compatibility.
If you're trying to match an existing French candle assembly and cannot find the correct dimensions, contact us with a photograph and measurements. We can help you establish whether a suitable replacement or alternative is available.
A Note on Electrical Safety
Chandelier repairs often involve more than replacing the visible candle tube.
Some candle lampholders do not have a separate earth terminal. That does not remove the need to assess the earthing and electrical safety of the complete fitting.
Electrical work should be undertaken by a competent person, with the supply safely isolated and the completed fitting appropriately inspected and tested.
Decorative candle sleeves must not be treated as a substitute for proper electrical insulation or a safe installation.
Need Help Finding the Right Part?
If you're restoring a chandelier and aren't sure which lampholder or candle tube you need, we're happy to help.
Send us a photograph of the existing fitting, along with any measurements you have. Ideally, show the lampholder itself, how it mounts to the chandelier arm and the candle tube you're trying to replace.
We can help identify the relevant dimensions, find a suitable part from our range or suggest a practical alternative where appropriate.
It's often easier to establish the right replacement from a photograph and a few measurements than to order something that looks similar and hope it fits.
Email: sales@lampfix.co.uk
Telephone: 01462 731 173