9005 Bulb (HB3) vs. H7 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 H7 Bulb (standardized under UN ECE Regulation 37 with a PX26d flanged base) is the most widely used single-filament halogen automotive headlight bulb in the world. Operating at 55W nominal at 12V (rated at 13.2V test voltage), it generates 1,500 lumens (±10%) primarily for low-beam projector and reflector headlight assemblies.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
UN ECE R37 (HB3) / US DOT FMVSS 108 (9005) / IEC 60061-1 | UN ECE R37 Category H7 / IEC 60061-1 sheet 7004-5 / US DOT Category H7 |
|
Base Socket Designation
|
P20d (90° right-angle molded plastic base with 3-tab bayonet twist lock) | PX26d (pre-focused metal circular mounting flange with one flat reference indexing tab) |
|
Nominal Power & Voltage
|
65 W @ 12V (tested at 13.2V; draws ~4.92 A) | 55 W @ 12V nominal (tested at 13.2V standard regulation voltage; draws ~4.17 A) |
|
Luminous Flux Output
|
1,700 lumens ± 12% (high photometric output for long-distance night penetration) | 1,500 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) | — |
|
Filament Type
|
— | Single axial tungsten filament (no internal shield; strictly a single-beam bulb) |
|
Average Lifespan (B3 / Tc)
|
— | B3 (97% survival): ~330 hours | Tc (63.2% failure): ~550 hours (standard halogen) |
|
Electrical Terminals
|
— | 2 spade push-on terminals (6.3 mm faston tabs spaced 14.5 mm apart) |