How it connects
Push the lamp's two stubby headed pins into the wide ends of the keyhole slots, then twist about a quarter turn clockwise so the pin heads slide under spring contacts that hold and power the lamp. No seal.
Male and female halves
The socket/lampholder is the female half; the lamp base with two headed pins is the male. This connection is the female socket.
Usually connects to
- GU10 halogen or LED mains-voltage lamp, including PAR16/MR16-size reflector bulbs
Common sizes
- 10 mm pin spacing; enlarged pin heads about 5 mm across.
- Socket body roughly 25–35 mm across, commonly ceramic; typical rating 250 V, 2 A for 120 V or 230 V mains lamps.
Where it is used
recessed downlightsrange hood lightsspotlightsresidential and commercial lightingtrack and spot lighting
Variations
- GU10 with flying leads or screw terminals
- Ceramic or plastic body
- Threaded hickey/bracket mount, including 1/8 IPS
- GZ10 keyed dichroic-reflector variant, same pin pitch
How to recognise it
A small round socket, usually white ceramic, with two curved keyhole-shaped slots (wider at one end) about 10 mm apart and often two mounting holes. It is often marked 'GU10 250V 2A'.
Often confused with
| Confused with | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| GU5.3 / MR16 bi-pin socket | GU5.3 is for 12 V lamps with thin straight pins 5.3 mm apart that push straight in; GU10 has thick headed pins 10 mm apart and keyhole slots that need a twist. |
| GZ10 | Same 10 mm pitch and twist lock, but the pins differ slightly so a GU10 lamp won't fit a GZ10 holder; markings on the holder tell them apart. |
| GU24 | GU24 has 24 mm pin spacing and a larger socket. |
| GX53 / G9 | GX53 is a wide 53 mm flat puck twist base; G9 has looped wire pins pushed straight in. |
Also called
GU10 lampholderGU10 lamp holderGU10 base socketGU10 twist-and-lock socketGU10 bi-pin socket
Good to know
The part (a range hood light) uses GU10 lamps, so its lamp sockets are GU10 female holders. The images agree with this.
Related connections
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