Difference between 9003/H4 ?
01-21-2003, 05:59 PM
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Difference between 9003/H4 ?
As topic.
I know H4 will fit, but when I look up the replacement for Civic in Sylvania website, it listed with 9003.
What is the difference among the two ?
I know H4 will fit, but when I look up the replacement for Civic in Sylvania website, it listed with 9003.
What is the difference among the two ?
Off to local parts store to get bulb replacement.
01-21-2003, 06:07 PM
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Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ? (BAR-F1)
H4 is the designation for a bulb used in motorcycles.
9003 is the designation for an automotive headlight bulb, and thus, subject to regulation under the provisions of FMVSS108.
Physically, most are the same. A true H4 has one of the tabs a bit smaller than the other tab (talking about the bottom tabs). A 9003's tabs are the same size. A true H4 will fit in H4 or 9003 housings. A 9003 won't fit in a true H4 housing. Does it matter? Not really. The only thing different now is price. Go to an Autozone, etc., and the H4 may be a dollar more or less than the same brand 9003. Interestingly, a bulb may have both H4 and 9003 on the base.
Just by using an H4 (ie blue bulbs) you are already breaking the law. It's no big deal as there are many people running PIAA H4s. Technically, it's against the law. Realistically, I wouldn't worry about it.
The other designation for this bulb is HB2.
9003 is the designation for an automotive headlight bulb, and thus, subject to regulation under the provisions of FMVSS108.
Physically, most are the same. A true H4 has one of the tabs a bit smaller than the other tab (talking about the bottom tabs). A 9003's tabs are the same size. A true H4 will fit in H4 or 9003 housings. A 9003 won't fit in a true H4 housing. Does it matter? Not really. The only thing different now is price. Go to an Autozone, etc., and the H4 may be a dollar more or less than the same brand 9003. Interestingly, a bulb may have both H4 and 9003 on the base.
Just by using an H4 (ie blue bulbs) you are already breaking the law. It's no big deal as there are many people running PIAA H4s. Technically, it's against the law. Realistically, I wouldn't worry about it.
The other designation for this bulb is HB2.
01-21-2003, 06:08 PM
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Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ? (BAR-F1)
Also, an H4 is technically a higher tolerance version of 9003...due to the more rigorous environment of a motorcycle. (vibration, etc). But now, bulbs are built so much better that most manufacturers probably build just one bulb and label it as 9003 or H4 or both!
Confusing, isn't it?
Confusing, isn't it?
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03-22-2010, 05:06 PM
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Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
sorry to bring back an old post, but I have a question.
My headlight housing has "HB2 DOT APPROVED". I am using 9003's in it instead. I read on a website that the HB2 is BRIGHTER then the 9003, but because of certain regulations, 9003 became the standard. It said if you have a HB2 headlight, use HB2, if you have a 9003 approved headlight, use 9003.
My question is, if the HB2 is brighter, would that be the reason why 9003's seem so god damn low bright in my car? I hate not being able to see the road very well. If its pitch black, It lights up very little, if I am on a main stretch of road, the lights from business and their signs and such, light up the road more.
I was thinking maybe the HB2 housing has less intense reflectors, made for the HB2 but same brightness as a 9003 in a 9003 housing. But putting a less bright 9003 would drop brightness......
Either HB2 is my solution, or I'm snagging an HID kit and retrofitting it......
Don't say "just go HID" because I want a real answer. Thank you for your time.
My headlight housing has "HB2 DOT APPROVED". I am using 9003's in it instead. I read on a website that the HB2 is BRIGHTER then the 9003, but because of certain regulations, 9003 became the standard. It said if you have a HB2 headlight, use HB2, if you have a 9003 approved headlight, use 9003.
My question is, if the HB2 is brighter, would that be the reason why 9003's seem so god damn low bright in my car? I hate not being able to see the road very well. If its pitch black, It lights up very little, if I am on a main stretch of road, the lights from business and their signs and such, light up the road more.
I was thinking maybe the HB2 housing has less intense reflectors, made for the HB2 but same brightness as a 9003 in a 9003 housing. But putting a less bright 9003 would drop brightness......
Either HB2 is my solution, or I'm snagging an HID kit and retrofitting it......
Don't say "just go HID" because I want a real answer. Thank you for your time.
03-22-2010, 05:37 PM
#10
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
sorry to bring back an old post, but I have a question.
My headlight housing has "HB2 DOT APPROVED". I am using 9003's in it instead. I read on a website that the HB2 is BRIGHTER then the 9003, but because of certain regulations, 9003 became the standard. It said if you have a HB2 headlight, use HB2, if you have a 9003 approved headlight, use 9003.
My question is, if the HB2 is brighter, would that be the reason why 9003's seem so god damn low bright in my car? I hate not being able to see the road very well. If its pitch black, It lights up very little, if I am on a main stretch of road, the lights from business and their signs and such, light up the road more.
I was thinking maybe the HB2 housing has less intense reflectors, made for the HB2 but same brightness as a 9003 in a 9003 housing. But putting a less bright 9003 would drop brightness......
Either HB2 is my solution, or I'm snagging an HID kit and retrofitting it......
Don't say "just go HID" because I want a real answer. Thank you for your time.
My headlight housing has "HB2 DOT APPROVED". I am using 9003's in it instead. I read on a website that the HB2 is BRIGHTER then the 9003, but because of certain regulations, 9003 became the standard. It said if you have a HB2 headlight, use HB2, if you have a 9003 approved headlight, use 9003.
My question is, if the HB2 is brighter, would that be the reason why 9003's seem so god damn low bright in my car? I hate not being able to see the road very well. If its pitch black, It lights up very little, if I am on a main stretch of road, the lights from business and their signs and such, light up the road more.
I was thinking maybe the HB2 housing has less intense reflectors, made for the HB2 but same brightness as a 9003 in a 9003 housing. But putting a less bright 9003 would drop brightness......
Either HB2 is my solution, or I'm snagging an HID kit and retrofitting it......
Don't say "just go HID" because I want a real answer. Thank you for your time.
i plan on buying TYC eg housings and replacing the projector in that one since its sort of already molded for a projector
03-29-2010, 06:44 AM
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Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
okay so my questions still wasn't answered.....
IF my headlight says "HB2 DOT APPROVED" does that mean that I should use HB2?
or should I keep using 9003 and/or H4?
IF my headlight says "HB2 DOT APPROVED" does that mean that I should use HB2?
or should I keep using 9003 and/or H4?
03-29-2010, 12:54 PM
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Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
Use whatever is cheaper. This is one of those times it's really up to your own judgement. It says HB2 "approved", not "HB2 required".
03-29-2010, 01:32 PM
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Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
I've seen these and they look fraking awesome. Using real Projectors and real HID's and are Bi Xenon. Price: $234.99
03-29-2010, 02:55 PM
#14
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
http://www.retrosolutionsllc.com/ser...TOR-HID/Detail
I've seen these and they look fraking awesome. Using real Projectors and real HID's and are Bi Xenon. Price: $234.99
I've seen these and they look fraking awesome. Using real Projectors and real HID's and are Bi Xenon. Price: $234.99
03-29-2010, 03:25 PM
#15
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Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
H4, 9003 and HB2 bulbs can be the same OR different bulbs. Each designation has it's own specifications, but you can still have a light bulb that fullfils all of those specs.
H4, 9003 and HB2 are interchangeable.
http://www.ht-archive.com/showpost.p...94&postcount=3
Here's my post from the other thread though:
Technically they're different specifications for the same approximate bulb design. The difference is just where the filament is placed within the bulb and the brightness of the bulb. The specifications for the 9003/HB2 are more stringent than the H4.
For most people it's not going to really matter.
In case anyone might want to learn though, I'll include some tech info. I think it's pretty interesting myself.
http://candlepowerinc.com/pdfs/H4_9003.pdf
For those who don't wish to load (or can't load) the PDF:
H4, 9003 and HB2 are interchangeable.
http://www.ht-archive.com/showpost.p...94&postcount=3
Here's my post from the other thread though:
Technically they're different specifications for the same approximate bulb design. The difference is just where the filament is placed within the bulb and the brightness of the bulb. The specifications for the 9003/HB2 are more stringent than the H4.
For most people it's not going to really matter.
In case anyone might want to learn though, I'll include some tech info. I think it's pretty interesting myself.
http://candlepowerinc.com/pdfs/H4_9003.pdf
For those who don't wish to load (or can't load) the PDF:
Originally Posted by CandlePowerInc.com
H4, HB2, and 9003 bulbs
9003 and HB2 are different names for the same bulb, so these numbers apply to just two kinds of bulb: H4 and 9003/HB2.
9003 and H4 bulbs look alike, fit in all the same headlamps, have the same wattage rating and seem to be completely interchangeable, but in some places, the law says that only one or the other type must be used.
In 1971, the H4 bulb was introduced in Europe as the world's first halogen headlamp bulb that could produce both low and high beam from a single bulb. It quickly became the world's most popular headlight bulb except in the USA, where cars had to have sealed beam headlamps with non-replaceable bulbs. Motorcycles in the USA have never been required to use sealed beam headlamps, and so the H4 bulbs became popular for motorcycles in the US and worldwide. It is widely used to this day.
In 1983, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) first permitted cars in the US to use non-sealed-beam headlamps with replaceable bulbs, but DOT requirements differ from those in force outside the USA. On of the US requirement is that the beam aim must not change when the bulb is replaced. This can happen is a low quality replacement bulb is installed, because in a poorly made bulbs, the filament is often improperly positioned. Headlamps are optical instruments, and they depend on the filament being very precisely placed. If the filament is not precisely where it's meant to be, the beam pattern will be shifted or changed.
Like all engineered products, headlight bulbs are built to a technical standard which specifies all mechanical, electrical and dimensional aspects of the bulb. This blueprint makes sure all bulbs of a given type are interchangeable, and provides allowable ranges, or manufacturing tolerances, for each aspect.
In 1991, automakers wanted to use H4 headlights bulbs on cars in the US, but the DOT decided engineering blueprints for H4 bulbs allow too much variance in the position of the filaments within the bulb. So a new blueprint was made, with all the electrical and dimensional properties the same, but with stricter limits on filament placement variance. Because of the limits in the US on beam intensity in effect in 1991, the maximum allowable light output tolerance was also reduced. This new bulb specification was called "9003/HB2", because at the time, two numbering conventions were in use. Many 9003/HB2 bulbs also carry the "H4" marking, and vice versa, because it is possible to meet the specifications in both blueprints at the same time. The first headlamps with 9003 bulbs were on 1992 model cars.
Filament placement variance is not a problem with high quality bulbs made by reputable companies. At Candlepower, we make sure all our bulbs are better than the law requires. Our filaments are all precision focused inside watch bulb to ensure a properly placed, properly formed beam in any headlamp. In areas where there is no legal preference for 9003 bulbs over H4 bulbs in cars, any Candlepower H4 or 9003 bulb can be used with confidence in any headlamp.
Technical bulletin:
H4, HB2, & 9003 bulbs.
Who may use HB2 or 9003 bulbs?
9003 or HB2 bulbs marked "DOT" may be used in the US and Canada in any car headlamp that is marked "DOT HB2," and in any motorcycle headlamp designed to take an H4, 9003 or HB2 bulb. They can also be used in any car headlamp designed to take an H4 bulb.
Who must use HB2 or 9003 bulbs?
Automakers must install only 9003/HB2 bulbs marked "DOT" in the USA in headlamps marked "DOT HB2." To make sure such headlamps remain in compliance with Federal standards in the USA, use only replacement 9003 or HB2 bulbs marked "DOT." This is especially important in areas where headlamp bulbs are checked for "DOT" markings as part of a state vehicle inspection program.
Who may use H4 bulbs?
H4 bulbs may be used in H4 headlamps, in any country where such headlamps are permitted on cars or motorcycles. Outside the USA, thy may be used in headlamps designed to take HB2/9003 bulbs in areas where there is no requirement or inspection for bulbs marked "DOT."
Who must use H4 bulbs?
H4 bulbs with a circle-E mark are required in many countries outside of North America.
Copyright 2003 Candlepower Inc.
9003 and HB2 are different names for the same bulb, so these numbers apply to just two kinds of bulb: H4 and 9003/HB2.
9003 and H4 bulbs look alike, fit in all the same headlamps, have the same wattage rating and seem to be completely interchangeable, but in some places, the law says that only one or the other type must be used.
In 1971, the H4 bulb was introduced in Europe as the world's first halogen headlamp bulb that could produce both low and high beam from a single bulb. It quickly became the world's most popular headlight bulb except in the USA, where cars had to have sealed beam headlamps with non-replaceable bulbs. Motorcycles in the USA have never been required to use sealed beam headlamps, and so the H4 bulbs became popular for motorcycles in the US and worldwide. It is widely used to this day.
In 1983, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) first permitted cars in the US to use non-sealed-beam headlamps with replaceable bulbs, but DOT requirements differ from those in force outside the USA. On of the US requirement is that the beam aim must not change when the bulb is replaced. This can happen is a low quality replacement bulb is installed, because in a poorly made bulbs, the filament is often improperly positioned. Headlamps are optical instruments, and they depend on the filament being very precisely placed. If the filament is not precisely where it's meant to be, the beam pattern will be shifted or changed.
Like all engineered products, headlight bulbs are built to a technical standard which specifies all mechanical, electrical and dimensional aspects of the bulb. This blueprint makes sure all bulbs of a given type are interchangeable, and provides allowable ranges, or manufacturing tolerances, for each aspect.
In 1991, automakers wanted to use H4 headlights bulbs on cars in the US, but the DOT decided engineering blueprints for H4 bulbs allow too much variance in the position of the filaments within the bulb. So a new blueprint was made, with all the electrical and dimensional properties the same, but with stricter limits on filament placement variance. Because of the limits in the US on beam intensity in effect in 1991, the maximum allowable light output tolerance was also reduced. This new bulb specification was called "9003/HB2", because at the time, two numbering conventions were in use. Many 9003/HB2 bulbs also carry the "H4" marking, and vice versa, because it is possible to meet the specifications in both blueprints at the same time. The first headlamps with 9003 bulbs were on 1992 model cars.
Filament placement variance is not a problem with high quality bulbs made by reputable companies. At Candlepower, we make sure all our bulbs are better than the law requires. Our filaments are all precision focused inside watch bulb to ensure a properly placed, properly formed beam in any headlamp. In areas where there is no legal preference for 9003 bulbs over H4 bulbs in cars, any Candlepower H4 or 9003 bulb can be used with confidence in any headlamp.
Technical bulletin:
H4, HB2, & 9003 bulbs.
Who may use HB2 or 9003 bulbs?
9003 or HB2 bulbs marked "DOT" may be used in the US and Canada in any car headlamp that is marked "DOT HB2," and in any motorcycle headlamp designed to take an H4, 9003 or HB2 bulb. They can also be used in any car headlamp designed to take an H4 bulb.
Who must use HB2 or 9003 bulbs?
Automakers must install only 9003/HB2 bulbs marked "DOT" in the USA in headlamps marked "DOT HB2." To make sure such headlamps remain in compliance with Federal standards in the USA, use only replacement 9003 or HB2 bulbs marked "DOT." This is especially important in areas where headlamp bulbs are checked for "DOT" markings as part of a state vehicle inspection program.
Who may use H4 bulbs?
H4 bulbs may be used in H4 headlamps, in any country where such headlamps are permitted on cars or motorcycles. Outside the USA, thy may be used in headlamps designed to take HB2/9003 bulbs in areas where there is no requirement or inspection for bulbs marked "DOT."
Who must use H4 bulbs?
H4 bulbs with a circle-E mark are required in many countries outside of North America.
Copyright 2003 Candlepower Inc.
03-30-2010, 08:45 PM
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Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
thank you NOFX for posting an answer to my question.
my buddy ordered me some xenon H4 low watt high brightness bulbs, its pure white and has way better distance over stock. Right now, my 9003 silvania silver star POS's don't light up ****, and thats with my headlights being properly adjusted......
cant wait to get my H4 xenon's. I think they are like 8000k.
my buddy ordered me some xenon H4 low watt high brightness bulbs, its pure white and has way better distance over stock. Right now, my 9003 silvania silver star POS's don't light up ****, and thats with my headlights being properly adjusted......
cant wait to get my H4 xenon's. I think they are like 8000k.
10-30-2014, 06:28 AM
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Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
Just found this dead thread looking for info but as long as I'm here...,
H4s are not motorcycle specific. There just the euro (orginal) version of the bulb.
9003/h2b has half the allowable tolerance for the filament location to meet DOT requirements.
FMVSS108 applies to motor vehicles so it applies to motorcycles as well.
Color temperature doesn't imply more light. 8000k (blueish) and higher produce less useable light than the natural color of the HID or halogen source. Any light filter to manipulate color removes light.
There's not such thing as a significantly lower wattage halogen producting significantly higher brightness. xenon or any other halogen serves to keep evaporated filament from depositing on the glass bulb so output doesn't diminish as fast.
If you're talking the halogen xenon in a hiD. Yeah Discharge lamps are more efficient than halogens.
H4s are not motorcycle specific. There just the euro (orginal) version of the bulb.
9003/h2b has half the allowable tolerance for the filament location to meet DOT requirements.
FMVSS108 applies to motor vehicles so it applies to motorcycles as well.
Color temperature doesn't imply more light. 8000k (blueish) and higher produce less useable light than the natural color of the HID or halogen source. Any light filter to manipulate color removes light.
There's not such thing as a significantly lower wattage halogen producting significantly higher brightness. xenon or any other halogen serves to keep evaporated filament from depositing on the glass bulb so output doesn't diminish as fast.
If you're talking the halogen xenon in a hiD. Yeah Discharge lamps are more efficient than halogens.
10-30-2014, 08:41 AM
#19
Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
Just found this dead thread looking for info but as long as I'm here...,
H4s are not motorcycle specific. There just the euro (orginal) version of the bulb.
9003/h2b has half the allowable tolerance for the filament location to meet DOT requirements.
FMVSS108 applies to motor vehicles so it applies to motorcycles as well.
Color temperature doesn't imply more light. 8000k (blueish) and higher produce less useable light than the natural color of the HID or halogen source. Any light filter to manipulate color removes light.
There's not such thing as a significantly lower wattage halogen producting significantly higher brightness. xenon or any other halogen serves to keep evaporated filament from depositing on the glass bulb so output doesn't diminish as fast.
If you're talking the halogen xenon in a hiD. Yeah Discharge lamps are more efficient than halogens.
H4s are not motorcycle specific. There just the euro (orginal) version of the bulb.
9003/h2b has half the allowable tolerance for the filament location to meet DOT requirements.
FMVSS108 applies to motor vehicles so it applies to motorcycles as well.
Color temperature doesn't imply more light. 8000k (blueish) and higher produce less useable light than the natural color of the HID or halogen source. Any light filter to manipulate color removes light.
There's not such thing as a significantly lower wattage halogen producting significantly higher brightness. xenon or any other halogen serves to keep evaporated filament from depositing on the glass bulb so output doesn't diminish as fast.
If you're talking the halogen xenon in a hiD. Yeah Discharge lamps are more efficient than halogens.
10-30-2014, 09:40 PM
#20
Re: Difference between 9003/H4 ?
If you're in this ancient thread, and you make it this far down, you'll probably be interested in this website: Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply It made for fascinating reading when I wanted to know more about vehicle lighting. 
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