Understanding Common Automotive Headlight Socket Types: H4, H7, 9005, H11, and More
When selecting automotive bulbs, understanding the different socket types is crucial, as each socket type corresponds to specific lighting functions. Automotive bulbs not only need to provide adequate illumination but also must be compatible with the vehicle's electrical system and housing. This article introduces various common headlight socket types, their applications, LED compatibility, pin configurations, and the power range suitable for each LED bulb.
US, Japanese, and European Socket Type Differences
Different regions use different automotive bulb socket types, but they usually have similar naming conventions. The bulbs that fit these socket types may vary between markets, with the US, Japan, and Europe each using different socket models and configurations.
1. US Version (USA)
Common Socket Types: 9005, 9006, H7, H11, 9004, 9007, H1, H3, 9008, etc.
Bulb Applications: In the US market, most bulbs are halogen and LED, typically using single-beam and dual-beam designs (such as 9005, 9006 for high/low beams, 9007, 9004 for dual beams).
2. Japanese Version (Japan)
Common Socket Types: H4, H7, H11, H3, H16, PSX24, etc.
Bulb Applications: The bulbs used in Japan are typically halogen and LED. Note the special H16EU socket type, designed specifically for daytime running lights (DRL).
Unique Features: Some Japanese vehicles use PSX series sockets, such as PSX24, primarily used for daytime running lights and fog lights.
3. European Version (Europe)
Common Socket Types: H1, H3, H7, H11, H15, H4, 9005, 9006, H8/H9, etc.
Bulb Applications: The European market uses many HID and LED bulbs, such as D1, D2 series xenon bulbs and LED versions of H7, H11, etc.
Unique Features: Europe commonly uses HID xenon bulbs, and there are stricter E-Mark certifications for automotive lighting.
Detailed Socket Types and LED Compatibility
1. H4 (HB2) Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The H4 socket has 3 pins, used for high beam, low beam, and ground.
LED Compatibility: Suitable for dual-beam LED bulbs (high beam + low beam in one bulb).
Power Range: 25W–55W, adjusted based on the headlight design and power requirements.
2. H7 Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The H7 socket typically has 2 pins, one for the positive terminal and one for grounding.
LED Compatibility: Suitable for single-beam LED bulbs (commonly used for low beams).
Power Range: 25W–55W. LED versions typically consume lower power (20W–35W).
3. H11 Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The H11 socket also has 2 pins, one for the positive terminal and one for grounding.
LED Compatibility: Commonly used for low beam or fog lights.
Power Range: 25W–55W, but LED bulbs typically consume lower power (15W–30W).
4. 9005 (HB3) Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The 9005 socket has 2 pins, connected to the positive terminal and ground.
LED Compatibility: Suitable for high beam LED bulbs.
Power Range: 50W–65W. LED bulbs typically range from 25W–40W.
5. 9006 (HB4) Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The 9006 socket has 2 pins, similarly connected to the positive terminal and ground.
LED Compatibility: Suitable for low beam LED bulbs.
Power Range: 25W–55W, with LED bulbs typically consuming 20W–35W.
6. H13 Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The H13 socket has 3 pins, designed for dual-beam (high beam + low beam) bulbs.
LED Compatibility: Suitable for dual-beam LED bulbs (both high and low beam in one unit).
Power Range: 35W–55W, with LED bulbs typically consuming 25W–40W.
7. H1 Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The H1 socket has 2 pins, connected to the positive terminal and ground.
LED Compatibility: Suitable for high beam LED bulbs or fog lights.
Power Range: 25W–55W, with LED versions typically consuming 15W–30W.
8. H3 Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The H3 socket has 2 pins, connected to the positive terminal and ground.
LED Compatibility: Suitable for fog light LED bulbs.
Power Range: 25W–55W, with LED bulbs generally consuming 20W–35W.
9. D1, D2, D3, D4 HID Socket Type
Pin Configuration: These sockets typically have 2 or 4 pins, connected to the positive terminal, ground, and ignition control.
LED Compatibility: While these sockets are primarily used for HID bulbs, there are LED versions of D1, D2, D3, and D4 bulbs available on the market.
Power Range: 35W–55W, with LED versions typically consuming 20W–40W.
10. PSX24 / PSX26 Socket Type
Pin Configuration: PSX24 and PSX26 sockets usually have 2 pins, connected to the positive terminal and ground.
LED Compatibility: These sockets are commonly used for fog lights or daytime running lights.
Power Range: 20W–35W, with LED bulbs generally being more efficient and consuming less power.
11. 880 (H27) Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The 880 (H27) socket has 2 pins, connected to the positive terminal and ground.
LED Compatibility: Suitable for fog light LED bulbs.
Power Range: 20W–35W, suitable for low-power fog light applications.
12. 9012 Socket Type
Pin Configuration: The 9012 socket has 2 pins, connected to the positive terminal and ground.
LED Compatibility: Suitable for high beam LED bulbs.
Power Range: 25W–40W, ideal for high beam needs.
Wrap-up
By knowing the pin configurations and power ranges, you can select the right LED bulb for your vehicle’s lighting system and enjoy improved lighting performance while saving energy.
Common Automotive Headlight Socket Types and LED Compatibility
The table below introduces common automotive headlight socket types, the applicable LED bulbs, pin configurations, and the power range suitable for each LED bulb.
| Socket Type | Common Applications | LED Compatibility | Pin Configuration | Power Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H4 (HB2) | Dual beam (high beam + low beam) | LED dual beam bulb (high + low beam in one unit) | 3 pins (high beam, low beam, ground) | 25W–55W |
| H7 | Single beam (low beam) | LED low beam bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 25W–55W |
| H11 (H8, H9) | Single beam (low beam, fog light, or DRL) | LED low beam bulb, LED fog light bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 25W–55W |
| 9005 (HB3) | Single beam (high beam) | LED high beam bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 50W–65W |
| 9006 (HB4) | Single beam (low beam) | LED low beam bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 25W–55W |
| H13 (9008) | Dual beam (high beam + low beam) | LED dual beam bulb (high + low beam in one unit) | 3 pins (high beam, low beam, ground) | 35W–55W |
| H1 | Single beam (high beam, fog light) | LED high beam bulb, LED fog light bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 25W–55W |
| H3 | Single beam (fog light) | LED fog light bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 25W–55W |
| 880 (H27) | Single beam (fog light) | LED fog light bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 25W–55W |
| 881 | Single beam (fog light) | LED fog light bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 25W–55W |
| 9004 | Dual beam (high beam + low beam) | LED dual beam bulb (high + low beam in one unit) | 3 pins (high beam, low beam, ground) | 25W–55W |
| 9007 | Dual beam (high beam + low beam) | LED dual beam bulb (high + low beam in one unit) | 3 pins (high beam, low beam, ground) | 25W–55W |
| 9012 | Single beam (high beam) | LED high beam bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 25W–55W |
| H16EU | Single beam (fog light or DRL) | LED fog light bulb, LED DRL bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 20W–35W |
| P13 | Single beam (fog light or DRL) | LED fog light bulb, LED DRL bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 20W–35W |
| PSX24 | Single beam (fog light) | LED fog light bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 20W–35W |
| PSX26 | Single beam (fog light) | LED fog light bulb | 2 pins (positive, ground) | 20W–35W |
| H15 | Dual beam (high beam + low beam) | LED dual beam bulb (high + low beam in one unit) | 3 pins (high beam, low beam, ground) | 35W–55W |
| D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D8S | Xenon HID bulbs | LED HID replacement bulbs | 2 or 4 pins (positive, negative, ignition control) | 20W–40W |
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