9005 Bulb (HB3) vs. W5W / T10 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 W5W Bulb (commonly called a T10 Wedge or 194 / 168 in North America, standardized under ECE Regulation 37 with a W2.1×9.5d base) is the universal automotive miniature capless glass bulb. Operating at 5W at 12V (generating ~50 lumens), it is the standard for front parking lights, side turn indicators, license plate lamps, and cabin interior courtesy lights.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
UN ECE R37 (HB3) / US DOT FMVSS 108 (9005) / IEC 60061-1 | UN ECE R37 Category W5W / US DOT Type 194 / 168 / IEC 60061-1 |
|
Base Socket Designation
|
P20d (90° right-angle molded plastic base with 3-tab bayonet twist lock) | W2.1×9.5d (Capless glass wedge base: 2.1 mm thickness × 9.5 mm width) |
|
Nominal Power & Voltage
|
65 W @ 12V (tested at 13.2V; draws ~4.92 A) | 5 W @ 12V (tested at 13.5 V; draws approx. 0.40 A) |
|
Luminous Flux Output
|
1,700 lumens ± 12% (high photometric output for long-distance night penetration) | 50 lumens ± 20% (at 13.5 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) | — |
|
Bulb Envelope Diameter
|
— | T10 designation indicates tubular glass envelope diameter of 10.0 mm (3/8 in) |
|
Electrical Contact Wires
|
— | Two bare molybdenum lead wires folded across opposite sides of the flattened glass wedge base |
|
Applications
|
— | Front sidelights/eyebrow markers, side fender repeaters, license plate illumination, interior map/dome lights, trunk cargo lamps |