Highest wattage legal headlamps?

[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 :sly

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

 

[Banshee]

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 :sly

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 :nenau

 

[rustic]

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.:thumb2
Preferably before they melt...:augie

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

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H4-HEADLI...007?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2584fe6b07


rustic

 

[solarman216]

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]

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]

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 !

 

[Sweety]

The legal limit is 55w bulbs for road use you can fit 100w bulbs but they are only allowed for off road use:augie got a set of Osram night breakers (£14 on ebay) & now have proper headlights not tea light candle powered ones:lol

 

[Fez_uk]

I have used 90/100W bulbs for the last 20 years or so never had an issue with the MoT tester picking it up.

You have too much confidence in MOTs :lol

 

[The Patrolman]

I got a set for my Capri II and they were 100\140w H4's still got one in the garage somewhere