The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Light Globes (Sizes, Materials, Fits)

Q: How do I measure a globe accurately?

Use the floor and wall method: place the globe on the floor with its opening sideways, slide it until it touches a wall, hold a flat board on the opposite side, then measure from the wall to the board at mid-height. That distance is the outside diameter. Do not measure inside the neck.

Q: What’s the difference between pole/tenon size and globe fitter size?

On post-tops, "3 inch" usually refers to the pole/tenon outside diameter the fixture slips over. Replacement globes use a globe neck/fitter size (common: 3", 4", 5.25"+). Match the globe neck OD to the holder/fitter ID and measure both.

Q: How do I identify my neck type (neckless vs. fitter vs. threaded)?

Neckless globes have a wide open bottom that sits on a ring or band with set screws. Fitter necks slide into a holder (many are 3 inches ID). Threaded necks screw onto a threaded collar. Match the globe to the existing connection.

Q: What size globe should I buy?

Match the measured outside diameter using the floor and wall method. As a guide, 14–20 inch suits walkways and small posts; 22–24 inch for parks and HOAs; 27–36 inch for boulevards and tall posts. Confirm internal space, socket type, and maximum wattage.

Q: How do I stop sidewalk glare?

Use opal or prismatic globes, select an appropriate lumen level, and consider warmer CCT (2700–3000K) in residential areas. Aim fixtures downward where possible.

Q: My globe rattles or squeaks in wind—how do I fix it?

Install or replace the gasket, confirm ring or band sizing, and tighten set screws evenly just past hand-tight. Do not over-torque to avoid cracking the neck.

Q: There’s condensation/water inside—what should I do?

Check the gasket and fasteners, ensure any designed weep or vent path is clear, and avoid sealing neckless globes fully airtight. Replace cracked globes promptly.

Q: Can I switch to LED in older post-top fixtures?

Yes. Use outdoor-rated LEDs that fit the socket and available thermal space. Opal or prismatic globes improve uniformity and help hide the lamp. Verify clearance for drivers or corn lamps.

Q: How should I clean and maintain plastic globes?

Clean with mild soap and water using a microfiber cloth; avoid solvents and abrasives. In coastal or high-sun areas, choose UV-stable materials and stainless hardware, and replace gaskets as needed.

The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Light Globes (Sizes, Materials, Fits)

Outdoor post-tops and wall fixtures depend on plastic (acrylic or polycarbonate) globes to protect the lamp and shape the beam. When it’s time for a replacement light globe, getting size, material, and neck type right is everything—otherwise you’ll fight rattles, leaks, and glare.

1) How to measure a globe (the accurate “floor + wall” method)

Pro Tip: Don’t hook a tape inside the neck opening. On neckless globes that reads small—the hole size makes the diameter look off.

Steps (2 minutes):

Place a soft cloth against a wall. Set the globe on the floor with its opening facing sideways.
Gently slide the globe until it just touches the wall.
Hold a flat board or hardcover book upright against the opposite side of the globe so it barely touches.
Measure from the wall to the inside face of the board at mid-height. That distance is the true outside diameter (e.g., 18", 20", 22").

Now confirm the connection:

Neckless (open-bottom): Measure the inside diameter of the globe opening and the outside diameter of your fixture ring/band. Check for gasket and set screws.
Fitter neck (e.g., 3" fitter): Measure the outside diameter of the globe neck and the inside diameter of the fitter. Ensure screws/retaining ring match.
Threaded neck: Measure across the threads (OD). No calipers? Wrap paper around, mark, measure the paper length (circumference), then OD = circumference ÷ 3.1416.

2) Materials: Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate

Acrylic (PMMA)

Superior clarity and gloss; strong UV stability (great long-term appearance)
Rigid; can crack if hit hard
Best for: neighborhoods/HOAs, campuses, general commercial sites where looks and UV performance matter.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Impact-resistant (vandal/hail/wind-borne debris)
More scratch-prone; clean gently; UV-stabilized versions recommended outdoors
Best for: vandal-prone or high-traffic areas, parks, transit, coastal/windy sites.

Finishes (diffusion):

Opal/white: hides the lamp, soft even glow (most popular)
Prismatic: cuts glare and evens distribution
Clear: maximum output/visibility (watch for glare)

3) Sizes & typical applications

Globe Ø	Common Uses	Lamp Ideas (guidance)
8"–12"	Path lights, porches, small posts	3–7W A19 LED (2700–3000K warm; 4000K crisp)
14"–16"	Walkways, small parking islands	A19/A21 LED; prismatic to reduce glare
18"–20"	Streetscapes, courtyards	A21 or compact “corn” LED; opal for uniformity
22"–24"	Parks/HOAs, campus	Higher-lumen A21/corn LED; opal/prismatic
27"–36"	Boulevards, plazas, tall posts	High-output LED; often neckless mounts

Always check socket type, max wattage, and internal space for heat/airflow.

4) Neckless vs. Fitter vs. Threaded: which fit is right?

Neckless (open-bottom)
- Common on larger diameters (18"–36").
- Sits on a ring/band with set screws and gasket.
- Clean, uninterrupted look; easy service.
Fitter neck (most often a 3" fitter)
- Most common post-top connection.
- Neck slides into the fitter; secured by screws/ring.
- Measure both neck OD and fitter ID.
Threaded neck
- Globe screws onto a threaded collar; fast maintenance.
- Match thread OD/style to your collar.

5) Choose in 3 steps

Match the neck type (neckless / 3"/4"/6"/8" fitter etc / threaded).
Pick material (acrylic for UV clarity; polycarbonate for impact).
Select size & diffusion (opal/prismatic to tame glare near pedestrians).

Nice add-ons: fresh gasket, correct retaining ring/band, and an outdoor-rated LED at the right lumens/CCT.

6) Installation & care tips

Seat the globe on a good gasket; snug set screws just past hand-tight—don’t crack the neck.
For neckless, confirm the ring OD fits the globe opening ID before tightening.
Clean with mild soap + water and microfiber; avoid harsh solvents/abrasives.
In coastal sun/wind, prefer UV-stable materials and stainless hardware.
If you see condensation, add/clear a tiny weep path per fixture design.

Shop the way pros do

By Size: All Outdoor Light Globes (6"–36")
By Material: Acrylic | Polycarbonate
By Color: White | Smoke | Clear | Frost | Amber etc

Outdoor Light Globes — Frequently Asked Questions

Sizing, materials, fits, glare control, and retrofit tips.

How do I measure a globe accurately?

Use the floor + wall method: place the globe on the floor with its opening sideways, slide it until it touches a wall, hold a flat board on the opposite side, then measure from the wall to the board at mid-height. That distance is the outside diameter. Don’t measure inside the neck—neck size can mislead.

What’s the difference between pole/tenon size and globe fitter size?

On post-tops, “3 inch” usually refers to the pole/tenon outside diameter the fixture slips over. Replacement globes use a globe neck/fitter size (common: 3", 4", 5.25"+). Match the globe neck OD to your holder/fitter ID—always measure both.

Which material lasts better outside: acrylic or polycarbonate?

Acrylic (PMMA) keeps clarity and gloss longer in sun; polycarbonate (PC) wins for impact resistance (vandal/hail). Choose acrylic for appearance/UV stability, polycarbonate for high-impact sites.

How do I identify my neck type (neckless vs. fitter vs. threaded)?

Neckless has a wide open bottom that sits on a ring/band with set screws. Fitter necks slide into a holder (many are 3" ID). Threaded necks screw onto a threaded collar. Match your globe to the existing connection.

What size globe should I buy?

Match the measured outside diameter (using the floor + wall method). Visually, 14"–20" suits walkways and small posts; 22"–24" for parks/HOAs; 27"–36" for boulevards/tall posts. Confirm internal space, socket type, and max wattage.

How do I stop sidewalk glare?

Pick opal or prismatic globes, choose appropriate lumens, and consider warmer CCT (2700–3000K) in residential areas. Aim fixtures downward where possible.

My globe rattles or squeaks in wind—how do I fix it?

Replace or add a gasket, confirm ring/band sizing, and snug set screws evenly (hand-tight plus a small turn). Do not over-torque—necks can crack.

There’s condensation/water inside—what should I do?

Check the gasket and fasteners, ensure any designed weep/vent path is clear, and avoid fully sealing neckless globes airtight. Replace cracked globes promptly.

Can I switch to LED in older post-top fixtures?

Yes—use outdoor-rated LEDs that fit the socket and thermal space. Opal/prismatic globes improve uniformity and hide the lamp. Verify driver/corn-lamp clearance.

How should I clean and maintain plastic globes?

Wash with mild soap and water using a microfiber cloth; avoid solvents/abrasives. In coastal/high-sun areas, choose UV-stable material and stainless hardware; re-gasket as needed.