9005 Bulb (HB3) vs. H11 Bulb
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
The 9005 Bulb (designated as HB3 under ECE Regulation 37 with a P20d right-angle base) is the high-output single-filament halogen standard designed specifically for dedicated automotive high-beam headlights. Operating at 65W nominal at 12V, generating a powerful 1,700 lumens with an unpainted clear quartz bulb tip for maximum forward optical throw.
The H11 Bulb (standardized under UN ECE Regulation 37 with a PGJ19-2 right-angle plastic base) is the modern standard for front fog lights and projector low-beam headlights. Featuring a built-in silicone weather-sealing O-ring, an integrated 90-degree automotive locking connector, and an axial 55W filament generating 1,350 lumens.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
UN ECE R37 (HB3) / US DOT FMVSS 108 (9005) / IEC 60061-1 | UN ECE R37 Category H11 / US DOT Category H11 |
|
Base Socket Designation
|
P20d (90° right-angle molded plastic base with 3-tab bayonet twist lock) | PGJ19-2 (Right-angle molded plastic base with 3 asymmetrical metal locking tabs) |
|
Nominal Power & Voltage
|
65 W @ 12V (tested at 13.2V; draws ~4.92 A) | 55 W @ 12V (tested at 13.2 V; draws 4.17 A) |
|
Luminous Flux Output
|
1,700 lumens ± 12% (high photometric output for long-distance night penetration) | 1,350 lumens ± 10% (at 13.2 V) |
|
Quartz Bulb Tip
|
Clear glass tip (no black top coating; allows 100% of forward light to escape into high-beam reflectors) | — |
|
Low-Beam Sibling (9006 / HB4)
|
9006 / HB4 is the 55W / 1,000 lm low-beam counterpart (P22d base with a black-coated top tip) | — |
|
Weatherproofing
|
— | Integrated orange high-temperature silicone O-ring seals directly against headlight housing barrel |
|
Electrical Plug
|
— | Integrated female automotive connector with locking snap tab (IEC 60061-1) |
|
Related Family (H8 / H9 / H16)
|
— | H8: 35W (PGJ19-1) | H9: 65W (PGJ19-5, 2100 lm) | H11: 55W (PGJ19-2) | H16: 19W (PGJ19-3) |