Norman Lamps, Inc.

A23 light bulbs represent the largest commonly available size in the A-Type family, with a generous 2.875-inch diameter (23/8 inches) that provides the envelope space necessary for very high wattage operations and maximum light output from standard medium-base sockets. These substantial bulbs are designed for applications where brightness is paramount and fixture size can accommodate their larger profile. The increased surface area compared to A19 and A21 bulbs allows for better heat dissipation, enabling wattages that would cause smaller bulbs to run excessively hot or fail prematurely. When you need the absolute maximum light output from a single bulb with a standard E26 base, A23 incandescent bulbs deliver the lumens and reliability to illuminate larger spaces or provide bright task lighting from individual fixtures.

Common wattage options for A23 bulbs include 100, 150, and 200 watts in single-brightness configurations, plus three-way versions offering combinations like 50/150/250 watts, 100/200/300 watts, and similar high-output options. These substantial wattages produce thousands of lumens, creating bright illumination suitable for large living spaces, workshops, garages, commercial applications, and anywhere significant light levels are required. The three-way A23 configurations are particularly popular in living rooms and dens where a single floor lamp or table lamp needs to provide everything from subtle background lighting to bright illumination for reading, hobbies, or entertaining. Being able to adjust light levels without installing multiple fixtures or using dimmer switches makes three-way A23 bulbs a convenient, cost-effective lighting solution.

The physical size of A23 bulbs requires careful consideration of fixture compatibility. At nearly 2.9 inches in diameter and typically 4.5 to 5 inches in overall length, these bulbs need substantial clearance in lamp shades, fixtures, and housings. They work best in floor lamps, large table lamps, torchiere fixtures, and pendant lights specifically designed to accommodate larger bulbs. Attempting to use an A23 bulb in a fixture sized for standard A19 bulbs will likely result in poor fit, potential contact with the shade or housing, and possibly unsafe operation. Always verify your fixture can physically accommodate the A23 size and confirm the fixture's wattage rating supports the high wattages these bulbs typically operate at – many fixtures specify 150W or 250W maximum ratings, but some decorative lamps have lower limits.

For facilities requiring high light levels from simple, reliable fixtures, A23 incandescent bulbs offer proven technology without the complexity of specialty high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting or the color quality compromises sometimes associated with high-output fluorescent options. Workshops, maintenance areas, loading docks with simple lamp fixtures, temporary lighting setups, and similar applications benefit from the straightforward operation and immediate full brightness that high-wattage A23 bulbs provide. The warm, pleasant color temperature and perfect color rendering make them equally suitable for residential applications where both brightness and ambiance matter. Despite their high wattages, A23 incandescent bulbs work with standard dimmer switches (single-brightness versions), allowing users to adjust light levels when full output isn't needed.

At Norman Lamps, we stock A23 bulbs in the most common wattage configurations, including both single-brightness high-output options and versatile three-way versions. Whether you're replacing a burned-out bulb in a favorite reading lamp, equipping fixtures in a commercial space, or stocking maintenance inventory for facilities with high-output lighting needs, our A23 selection provides the brightness and reliability required for demanding applications. The standard medium (E26) base ensures compatibility with the most common socket type in North America, while the incandescent technology delivers the warm, inviting light quality that makes spaces comfortable and welcoming even at high brightness levels. Browse our A23 options to find the wattage configuration that matches your fixture capabilities and lighting requirements.