Highest wattage legal headlamps?

AlexD333 · 20-06-2015, 17:45

So a family member gave me some bulbs for Christmas, I had the halfords 120% brighter bulbs! he has sent me some 90 watt bulbs instead!!

which I have fitted

What's the legal doodah? Who's to say I couldn't fit 500 watt eyeball melting bulbs?

Banshee · 20-06-2015, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexD333

So a family member gave me some bulbs for Christmas, I had the halfords 120% brighter bulbs! he has sent me some 90 watt bulbs instead!!

which I have fitted

What's the legal doodah? Who's to say I couldn't fit 500 watt eyeball melting bulbs?

It's not wattage they limit IIRC it's the lumens that matter
Back in the day when I was looking at a HID conversions I think 2.5k was the limit

rustic · 20-06-2015, 22:12

Probably not UK road legal, just add it to the list lol...
But be aware, the extra heat will melt your standard H4 connector, but don't despair... you can buy ceramic connectors to replace the old ones.

Preferably before they melt...

Just chose this as a quick example, no wiring needed as plugs in...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H4-HEADLIG...item2584fe6b07

rustic

solarman216 · 21-06-2015, 00:04

yea right so we all start using 2 kw super search lights on our motors, so how you going combat the dasel from oncoming motors, get real the power limits are there for a purpose, if you cannot see with your existing lights then you are probably traveling too fast for the conditions, Rick

Mobieus_uk · 21-06-2015, 07:19

looks like a fun read, I'm sure fronts are limited to 55w, normally anything above that would state not for road use
answer maybe in there
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/made

macabethiel · 21-06-2015, 08:02

Methinks there is a limit of 55W for dip beam not aware of a limit for main beam though 100W seems the norm.

Main issue with dip beam is that it it meets the height requirements, I have used 90/100W bulbs for the last 20 years or so never had an issue with the MoT tester picking it up. As most of my vehicles have been over 5 years old the headlamp reflectors have not been as new so the brighter bulbs are not obvious. The 90W dip seems to compensate for the loss of silver lustre from the reflectors.

My 300C has Bi-Xenons as standard and they do seem very bright but the replacement bulbs are price £100 plus - hope I never need to buy one !

20-06-2015, 17:45	#1
AlexD333 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Uk Vehicle: 2004 Terrano 2.7 TDI Posts: 7,847	Highest wattage legal headlamps? So a family member gave me some bulbs for Christmas, I had the halfords 120% brighter bulbs! he has sent me some 90 watt bulbs instead!! which I have fitted What's the legal doodah? Who's to say I couldn't fit 500 watt eyeball melting bulbs?

20-06-2015, 22:12	#3
rustic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Staffordshire Vehicle: Maverick Mk I 2.7 TD LWB Posts: 7,825	Probably not UK road legal, just add it to the list lol... But be aware, the extra heat will melt your standard H4 connector, but don't despair... you can buy ceramic connectors to replace the old ones. Preferably before they melt... Just chose this as a quick example, no wiring needed as plugs in... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H4-HEADLIG...item2584fe6b07 rustic __________________ Ford Maverick GLX 1995 2.7TD LWB in illusion silver, 98k miles. Owned since new, for 22 years. Best car I have ever owned. Just wish I could drive it more.

21-06-2015, 00:04	#4
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,431	yea right so we all start using 2 kw super search lights on our motors, so how you going combat the dasel from oncoming motors, get real the power limits are there for a purpose, if you cannot see with your existing lights then you are probably traveling too fast for the conditions, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

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21-06-2015, 07:19	#5
Mobieus_uk Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Tonbridge Vehicle: Terrano ii SE+2.7tdi Posts: 232	looks like a fun read, I'm sure fronts are limited to 55w, normally anything above that would state not for road use answer maybe in there http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1989/1796/made

21-06-2015, 08:02	#6
macabethiel Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Derby Vehicle: Freelander & Jeep GC 3.0 Posts: 4,416	Methinks there is a limit of 55W for dip beam not aware of a limit for main beam though 100W seems the norm. Main issue with dip beam is that it it meets the height requirements, I have used 90/100W bulbs for the last 20 years or so never had an issue with the MoT tester picking it up. As most of my vehicles have been over 5 years old the headlamp reflectors have not been as new so the brighter bulbs are not obvious. The 90W dip seems to compensate for the loss of silver lustre from the reflectors. My 300C has Bi-Xenons as standard and they do seem very bright but the replacement bulbs are price £100 plus - hope I never need to buy one !