D2S / D2R HID Xenon vs. H11 Bulb
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
D2S and D2R Bulbs (standardized under UN ECE Regulation 99 with a P32d base) are High-Intensity Discharge (HID) automotive lamps that produce light by igniting an electric plasma arc inside a quartz glass chamber filled with Xenon gas and metal-halide salts. Operating at 35W nominal and generating an intense 3,200 lumens (~2.1× the brightness of halogen).
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
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
UN ECE R99 Category D2S / D2R / US DOT Category D2S | UN ECE R37 Category H11 / US DOT Category H11 |
|
Base Socket Designation
|
P32d-2 (D2S for projector lenses) | P32d-3 (D2R with black ceramic mask for reflector optics) | PGJ19-2 (Right-angle molded plastic base with 3 asymmetrical metal locking tabs) |
|
Luminous Flux Output
|
3,200 lumens ± 15% (Color Temperature: 4150 K to 4300 K standard OEM daylight) | 1,350 lumens ± 10% (at 13.2 V) |
|
Arc Chamber Chemistry
|
Xenon gas (provides instant initial glow) + Mercury + Metal-Halide salts (ScI₃ / NaI create daylight white plasma arc) | — |
|
Operating Power & Voltage
|
35 W continuous @ 85 V AC steady-state electronic ballast voltage (draws ~0.41 A) | — |
|
Ignition Arc Voltage
|
23,000 V to 25,000 V (23–25 kV pulse from external electronic ballast igniter creates initial spark arc) | — |
|
Average Lifespan
|
2,500 to 3,000+ hours (5x to 8x longer than halogen tungsten filaments) | — |
|
Weatherproofing
|
— | Integrated orange high-temperature silicone O-ring seals directly against headlight housing barrel |
|
Nominal Power & Voltage
|
— | 55 W @ 12V (tested at 13.2 V; draws 4.17 A) |
|
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) |