H1 bulbs

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Invented in 1962, H1 bulbs are used in various vehicles, usually for the headlights. They are also used on some vehicles as the fog lights.

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[edit] H1 bulbs

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The H1 bulbs in the pictures above are after-market 80W 5000K "HID" bulbs.

In some occasions, such as in BMW Euro Ellipsoids, and some fog lights, H1 bulbs are used for projectors.

[edit] Installed H1 Bulb in BMW fog light

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H1 bulbs are typically 55W, which is standard for most vehicle's high beams. Factory H1 bulbs are clear in color, while after-market (non-factory) bulbs which claim to be whiter and brighter usually have a blue tint on the glass part of the bulb.

In any case, it is essential to never touch the glass. It is likewise important to ensure the glass does not get scratched or dirty. If any of this occurs, the spot with dirt, oil, a scratch, or oil from fingers will eventually get hotter than the rest of the bulb and will blow out.

[edit] H.I.D. appearance H1 bulbs

They are available from various retailers for greater than 55W - up to 100W. These are typically referred to as H.I.D. bulbs, but it is important to note that this is only suggesting these brighter bulbs are intended to mimic H.I.D bulbs; 100W H1 "H.I.D." bulbs are not true or genuine H.I.D. bulbs. On the other hand, these brighter versions of bulbs are truly much brighter than original factory headlight bulbs.

True High-intensity discharge bulbs are made of a completely different material, are much brighter, and are far more powerful. They are also more expensive because of the much higher quality, performance, and lifespan. H.I.D. bulbs last up to ten years. "H.I.D." H1 bulbs last the typical lifespan of 1-2 years. H.I.D. bulbs require a special conversion box because of the extremely high voltage (25,000V as opposed to the traditional 12V vehicle voltage) they can ruin a car's electrical system. H.I.D.'s are safe as long as they have this special conversion box and proper installation.

However, with these bulbs it is important to note the wattage the vehicle emits through the lighting being used. For example, if a vehicle has a 55W output, putting in a bulb that draws 100W will melt wires, blow fuses, and/or cause even greater electrical damage to a car, which can be very costly to fix.

There is a way to get around this dilemma, however, because bulbs have been made with a 100W brightness but -important- 55W draw. In other words, these bulbs will not harm standard factory wiring, but will be much brighter than the original bulbs.

[edit] H1 bulbs in colors

Another visual benefit of having after-market (non-factory) headlights and/or fog lights, is that there are many different colors available. These colors are available in red, green, blue, purple, yellow, and white; and most colors are illegal to drive with. Certain traffic laws require in most states that while driving, the only color allowed for the headlights is white. A simple test to know whether headlights are too blue, is to hold a regular piece of white paper in front of the headlight (in the dark, while the light is on). If the light shines blue or any color other than white (unless it is your factory headlight), the driver poses a risk for receiving a traffic ticket for illegal color of headlights.

The color of an H1 bulb is measured by its temperature, that is, Kelvin. 3,300 Kelvin, or 3300K, is the standard yellowish color that factory headlights have. Generally, the higher the Kelvin, the whiter the bulb. Pure white sunlight is about 5500K. 6000K is slightly blue (except on true H.I.D.'s and Angel Eyes, where they are pure white to the naked eye). 8000K is very blue, and 10,000K is even more blue. 25,000K is purple in appearance. Colors such as red, and green are usually not measured in Kelvin. Very yellow is 3000K.

[edit] Safety of bright H1 bulbs

Although such bulbs that are so much brighter can enhance the look of a vehicle, and improve road visibility to make it safer to drive, it is important to be considerate to other drivers. If lights are too bright, or if lights are aimed too high in a way that they shine into oncoming driver's eyes, this is not only inconsiderate; it is also very dangerous. Extra bright lights are both a distraction to other drivers, which can cause a car accident, and there is also a potential for damaging the eyes of another driver.

[edit] Legality of after-market H1 bulbs

Another note is that some factory luxury vehicles' headlights tend to look purple, blue, or green in color, and would not pass the paper test; however since these lights were made like this from the factory, it is legal. The reason for this is because in order for the vehicle to legally be sold from the factory, it had to pass rigorous tests for safety, and if it was released and sold, then the headlights have been approved for safety. This is the only case in which colored headlights are legal. To check if headlights are legal, look for an engraving on the bulb that says "D.O.T.S." If this engraving is not present, then the headlights are not legal.

It is important for drivers to check with local authorities to see what their state's laws are for after-market headlight bulbs. In any case, after-market H1 bulbs are always legal for off-road or car show use. They are also legal for use on personal property.

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