Are you interested in learning more about the automotive lighting industry or simply have a question about a lighting term? We are here to help! We have put together this helpful guide defining many of the most common terms used in the industry.
Wattage - Wattage is the measure of electrical power and is often abbreciated with a single 'W'.
Voltage - Voltage is an electrical charge of power and is often abbreviated with a single 'V'.
Kelvin - Kelvin is the measure of color temperature and often abbreviated with a single "K" and is measured in thousands. For example, "5k" would be 5,000 kelvin spelled out.
Lumens - Lumen is a measurement of light (brightness).
HID - Acronym which stands for "High Intensity Discharge".
LED - Acronym which stands for "Light Emitting Diode".
Xenon - A gas found on the periodic table which is ignited inside of an HID bulb via a ballast and igniter combination to give light output.
Patented - A term used when dealing with CNLight brand of HID bulbs. Their "Patented" series are the highest quality bulbs in their line up which feature a bubble in the center of the bulb.
Bi-Xenon - A high and low beam, telescoping bulb built in to one bulb which concentrates light when sucked in via an electromagnet. Bi; meaning two beam patterns from one bulb. This is how a filament is emulated when converting to HID.
CAN-Bus - A system used on many newer modern vehicles which provides vehicle operators with information on their on-board system for everything from headlamp malfunction to low tire pressure.
Cut-Off - A strong and sharp line of light produced by a horizontal shield in a headlamp that blocks off unnecessary light output at a certain height to prevent glare toward oncoming drivers.