This American National Standard gives guidance and information to designers and testing personnel on the use of ANSI_IEC C81.61, ANSI_IEC C81.62 and ANSI_IEC C81.63 and their supplements. It includes the designation system and general information regarding bases (caps), lampholders and gauges. Many parts of this standard reference the adopted parts of IEC 60061-4 Lamp Caps and Holders Together with Gauges for Control of Interchangeability and Safety- Part 4: Guidelines and General Information.

This standard is intended for use by standards engineers. In those cases where new proposals have to be prepared, so as to achieve uniformity in base/lampholder/gauge standards and testing procedures. It contains information from ANSI and the IEC in regard to bases (caps) and holders in general use today, together with their relevant gauges. The gauges illustrated, although generally accepted in principle, are not necessarily the only form in which they can be made.

This standard is applicable to bases, lampholders and gauges with the object of securing international interchangeability and safety.