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[Tonka.]

I am presently discussing with a friend whether or not his 100watt headlamp bulbs are illegal.

Yes, I know they will probably melt his wiring and dazzle all oncoming vehicles for miles 

I have searched for an official site stating the law regarding this but I just seem to come up with hearsay.

Does anybody know where the facts might be on this matter? 

[Andy B]

I am presently discussing with a friend whether or not his 100watt headlamp bulbs are illegal.

Yes, I know they will probably melt his wiring and dazzle all oncoming vehicles for miles 

I have searched for an official site stating the law regarding this but I just seem to come up with hearsay.

Does anybody know where the facts might be on this matter? 

Pretty sure 55W is the max for main, anything bigger will have 'not for road use' on the box somewhere! 

[KillerWatt]

If the lamp isn't "E marked" (and a 100W lamp won't be), then it's illegal to use on the road.

[Andy B]

.......

Yes, I know they will probably melt his wiring and dazzle all oncoming vehicles for miles 

 .......

I wonder how long he wiring & plastic lenses would last with these?  :-? .... http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/Rally_Sport_Bulbs.html

[KillerWatt]

Yes, I know they will probably melt his wiring and dazzle all oncoming vehicles for miles 

The light output isn't improved by much at all, and some have even reported that the beam definition suffers.
As far as wiring goes, the fuse (in theory) should pop before the wiring gives up. What is more likely to happen is that he will burn out any switches associated with the headlamps.

I'd do a voltage check at the battery (with the engine running at a fast tickover), and do another check at the headlamp to see just how much voltage is being dropped.

[Tonka.]

Thanks guys 

All your help taken on board  8-)

[Dishevelled Den]

Interesting question Tonka, having looked at these there seems to be a requirement to have an 'E' approval bulb fitted although there seems to be no max output given;



http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1989/Uksi_19891796_en_1.htm


http://www.ukmot.com/1-2.asp#Text_top


I would imagine however that when the headlight aim was being checked, the intensity of the higher rated bulb would show up on the Lux meter indicating that it wasn't 'E' rated and cause a fail.

Trying to get the relevant values from EEC Directives is another matter however

[Tonka.]

Yes, a minimum output of 30w is stated regularly but no maximum  :-/

[Kevin Wood]

I would imagine however that when the headlight aim was being checked, the intensity of the higher rated bulb would show up on the Lux meter indicating that it wasn't 'E' rated and cause a fail.

I think you overestimate the MOT test.

My guess is that there will be more difference in light level from model to model, depending on the efficiency and condition of the reflector and lens than you'll get between a 55 and 100w bulb.

In addition, output from a 100w bulb will diminish quicker than from a standard bulb as it blackens the glass sooner in its' life.

That and the additional voltage drop in the wiring, switches, etc. which will reduce the voltage at the bulb and hence light level.

Bottom line, it's not a great idea for the reasons discussed, an MOT won't pick it up IMHO, but it may be technically illegal and if there's an expensive incident and an insurer is looking for a way out, you are playing straight into their hands by fitting a bulb other than the manufacturer's spec.

Kevin

[KillerWatt]

....if there's an expensive incident and an insurer is looking for a way out, you are playing straight into their hands by fitting a bulb other than the manufacturer's spec.

Absolutely 

I remember getting a quote way back in 98 for an old MKIII Escort that had XR3i alloys fitted.
Bottom line was that unless they were fitted by a "qualified" person (qualified meaning a garage), they wouldn't insure the car at all.

The funny thing was, the alloys made no difference to the cost of the premium.

[Dishevelled Den]

I think you overestimate the MOT test.

My guess is that there will be more difference in light level from model to model, depending on the efficiency and condition of the reflector and lens than you'll get between a 55 and 100w bulb.

In addition, output from a 100w bulb will diminish quicker than from a standard bulb as it blackens the glass sooner in its' life.

That and the additional voltage drop in the wiring, switches, etc. which will reduce the voltage at the bulb and hence light level.

Bottom line, it's not a great idea for the reasons discussed, an MOT won't pick it up IMHO, but it may be technically illegal and if there's an expensive incident and an insurer is looking for a way out, you are playing straight into their hands by fitting a bulb other than the manufacturer's spec.

Kevin

Thank you for that illuminating reply Kevin

I should have stated that I was considering the vehicle test as applied by test stations in Northern Ireland which are of course operated solely by the DVA and have no affliation to any repair facility.

The net result of course is that the test parameters are rigidly but quite fairly applied.  The standard of test equipment used is, naturally, of the highest level. 

If I were getting a vehicle tested in Northern Ireland I wouldn't take the chance, but your point about the insurance implications of such a change is very well made.

[Ghost]

I believe the bulbs for the headlight ar 55w/75w
ie 55w diped beam and 75w full beam,
for any extra spotlights its normal for 75w max bulbs to be used.

[KillerWatt]

I believe the bulbs for the headlight ar 55w/75w
ie 55w diped beam and 75w full beam,

Standard lamps are 55/60W

[Ghost]

I believe the bulbs for the headlight ar 55w/75w
ie 55w diped beam and 75w full beam,

Standard lamps are 55/60W

Well I was Close Lol

[Turk]

I believe the bulbs for the headlight ar 55w/75w
ie 55w diped beam and 75w full beam,

Standard lamps are 55/60W

Yep, that's the road legal max for cars, vans etc. What they don't tell you is there is no maximum wattage for motorcycles.
If you want to run a 150w main and 100w dip (or whatever)....no problem. 
(Not sure how well the electrics will cope though :-/)