Quite often, on the roads of the country, you can see cars on which xenon is installed. This is a fairly reasonable decision, since the light of such headlights is brighter, but at the same time they consume less energy. This only applies to original and high-quality optics, correctly selected for a specific car. Xenon marking is an extremely important parameter that you need to pay attention to when buying headlights. Otherwise, this can lead to poor-quality lighting and receiving fines from the traffic police. Today we will tell you what marking is and what its features are for xenon. Marking is a numerical or letter designation of the features of headlights. As for xenon (they are also gas-discharge lamps), the following markings can be distinguished:
Such marking makes it easy to figure out whether it is possible to put xenon on your car. Do not neglect these designations, since you not only may not receive high-quality lighting, but also blind oncoming drivers, which is very dangerous. In addition, there are markings that strictly prohibit the installation of xenon. The abbreviation CR indicates that only incandescent lamps can be installed in the headlights, and other options are not allowed. The HCR designation means that such a headlamp has one lamp, which acts as a low and high beam. You cannot put xenon into it.
Where do manufacturers place their markings?
Typically, the markings are indicated on the outer glass part of the headlights, on the top of the body or on the back. In order to see it, you need to open the hood and find the desired abbreviation. However, in some versions, everything is a little more complicated and in order to check the features of the headlight, it is necessary to remove and disassemble it.
Let's take a closer look at the rest of the marking elements with a specific example. The first designation indicates the type of headlights: side (A), fog (B), low (C) or high beam, dual-mode optics (CR, C / R). Designation at number 2 is the type of lamps used in optics. We will not dwell on this parameter in detail, since we talked about this at the beginning of the article.
The third digit is a mark of compliance with international standards. If the beech E is shown on the headlamp, this marking applies to Japanese and European cars, and for American cars, the SAE or DOT code is used. A number is written next to the designation, which corresponds to the country code of the manufacturer.
Finally, the arrow number 4. It helps to determine the direction of travel in a particular country. If it points to the right, the headlamp is intended for use on right-hand traffic and vice versa. There are also combination options available to suit different driving directions.
The markings will allow you to determine exactly if your headlights are equipped with xenon. If yes, then you are in luck and you can proceed to the choice of a specific model, about which we will say a few words below.
Choice of xenon lamps
Installing xenon is a great solution to the problem of ineffective light on a car. However, you need to know the specifics of his work before going to the store for a purchase. Moreover, there are a large number of counterfeit products on the market, which in most cases perform very poorly. Therefore, you need to buy xenon only in those stores that offer a guarantee and have a good reputation.
The xenon lamp is characterized by a ignition level of 2400 V, and therefore a converter will have to be installed on the car, which will allow the use of 12 V from the battery. This unit can be installed both under the hood of the car, and in any other place. The shade of light can be different depending on the color temperature, which can range from 3500 to 8000 K. Taking into account your wishes and operating conditions, you need to choose a certain option. The best option is bi-xenon lamps, which are capable of performing the function of low and high beam at the same time.
At the moment, there are many ways to tune a vehicle. One of them is in the car, which is also manufactured to provide better illumination of the road. We will tell you more about what xenon headlights are, how they are marked and how to choose the right xenon headlights in this article.
What are xenon headlights?
First, let's figure out what is in the car and why you need it. Xenon headlights are one of the main components of safety and comfort for the driver. In any bad weather, be it a blizzard, fog or rain, this type of optics allows you to provide a light wall in front of the car. Its rays are able to break through precipitation, illuminating not drops of rain or grains of snow, but the road surface. This can significantly reduce stress for the motorist while driving.
Xenon bulbs are a device - a gas-discharge flask - filled with a special gas and metal salts. The xenon kit necessarily includes an ignition unit; without it, the operation of bulbs is simply impossible. The block, without which the xenon headlights will not work, is necessary not only for starting, but also for adjusting the lighting during operation (author - Russia number one channel).
Xenon lamp markings
Now let's consider such a question as marking headlights for xenon. If you decide to put good lighting in your car, then before buying xenon headlights you need to make sure that they will be installed legally. It should be borne in mind that in some cars the installation of headlights for xenon is carried out even during production, so not all lamps can be equipped with such lighting.
So, what are the markings for xenon headlights:
- DC / DR. These symbols mean that your optics are equipped with separate bulbs for near and far illumination, respectively, the installation of gas-discharge (xenon) lamps is allowed in any of them.
- DCR. In this case, the lantern is equipped with only one bulb, which is used for both high and low beam lighting. The xenon kit can also be installed in the lanterns.
- DC / HR. In this case, xenon headlights allow the installation of gas-discharge ones, but not in the distant one.
- HC / HR. Most of these markings are found on machines. made in Japan and it implies the possibility of using gas-discharge lamps. But if this marking is placed on a European car, it means that the installation of gas-discharge light sources is not allowed (the author of the video is the Soldering channel).
This list regulates that the ability to supply non-standard xenon is allowed only if these markings are available. If these markings are not present, then the use of gas-discharge lamps is not allowed. As you can see from the photo, there can be many different symbols and abbreviations on the body of the lighting lantern. Therefore, if you decide to purchase and supply a xenon kit, then you just need to carefully study the headlight housing to understand whether installation is possible or not.
Before making the selection of xenon, please note that the presence of some markings prohibits the use of gas discharge lamps:
- HC / HR. Such optics allows the use of exclusively halogen bulbs in European-made cars.
- HCR - such a lamp is equipped with one light bulb that functions in both high and low beam modes. That is, the use of gas-discharge lamps in this case is also not allowed.
- CR. If the optics have such a marking, then this indicates that it is possible to install only incandescent bulbs in it.
Where can I find the headlight markings?
If you want to make a selection of xenon, but do not know if it can be installed in your car, then carefully examine the headlight housing. As you can see from the photo, the markings are indicated on the glass part of the lantern, on the back or top. Depending on the design features your vehicle may need to be removed from the optics.
Xenon selection rules
Currently, our market offers motorists a huge range of gas-discharge light sources, so when buying a person may face difficulties in choosing. Even more nuances in this issue are introduced by the ban on the use of gas-discharge lamps. If you do not know which xenon is better to put on your car, then first make sure that its use is allowed in your car. To do this, carefully study the body of the optics to determine the marking, which we described above.
In any case, the choice of xenon should be made taking into account the following criteria:
- To get started, keep in mind that the degree of ignition of a gas-discharge lighting source is about 2400 volts. If you do not want to face the problem of damage on-board network vehicle, then for the normal functioning of the lighting, you will need to additionally install a converter. This device is also called a ballast, it is designed to convert the 12-volt voltage that the battery supplies to the required 2400 V. The installation of such a device is carried out either in the engine compartment or in any other place convenient for you. Please note that the installation site must be protected from moisture and aggressive environmental influences, take this into account when installing.
- Remember that the hue of a discharge light bulb is highly dependent on the color temperature. Depending on the species, its range can be from 3500 to 8000 K. According to preferences, you can opt for colors from the traditional yellow to a colder white. The latter option is especially popular among our compatriots.
- If you do not know which xenon is better to supply so that it meets all the requirements and quality standards, then in this case the most the best option are bi-xenon bulbs. One of the distinguishing features of such lighting is the ability to operate both at near and at a longer distance.
Consider the fact that our market, unfortunately, is literally teeming with fakes and pseudo-xenon kits. Such products are usually made in China and, as practice shows, normal gas discharge lighting resembles only from afar. In this case, in order not to fall for a fake, it is necessary to check the connection of such devices. As we said above, for the normal operation of this optics, a special ignition unit or converter is required. If the xenon lamps are not real, then such a unit will not be required for their operation.
Issue price
The price will vary based on several factors. It - technical features systems, manufacturer, as well as the quality of the lamps in general.
On average, the cost of gas discharge kits is as follows:
1. Kit MTF-Light Slim Line H1 4300k (average price - 5800 rubles)
2. Set IPF H1 5200K (price - around 38 thousand rubles)
3. SHO ME Super Slim H1 4300k (price - about 2200 rubles)
Video "Deception for xenon optics with your own hands"
If on-board computer your car gives an error when installing new bulbs, you can try to make a snag, detailed instructions presented in the video below (by Vladimir Doroshenko).
›Headlamp markings
Headlamp markings have a large number of useful information, which not everyone can read correctly. This marking of xenon headlights is the same for all leading manufacturers of automotive optics: AL, Bosch, Depo, Hella, Koito, Ichikoh, Osvar, Sylvania, Stanley, Valeo, ZKW. The dcr hcr headlamp marking can be located both on the headlamp housing and on the cover glass.
Values of categories (marking of headlamps):
WITH- low beam,
R- high beam,
H- only with halogen headlight,
HCR- near and far with a halogen bulb,
DC- near xenon,
DCR- far and near xenon,
PL- plastic diffuser,
S- headlight lamp (all-glass),
B- anti-fog headlight,
A- side light.
02
- approval code.
If there is an arrow on the headlamp, then such a headlamp is used specifically for left-hand traffic, and without an arrow for right-hand traffic. And if the arrow is on two sides, then it can be used for left and right-hand traffic.
Each vehicle must have the initial angle of inclination of the dipped beam indicated on the headlamp housing, or on a special plate under the hood, or on the general name plate. Typically, the starting angle is 1.0-1.5%. There must be a tilt angle corrector, since when the car is loaded, the initial angle changes.
The brake signal is marked S1 (red).
The taillight signal is marked with an R (red).
General lamp designation for signal and size R-S1.
The additional brake light is marked S3 (red).
Designation of the front direction indicator 1, 1b, 5-side, 2a-rear (emit orange light).
Turn signals are also transparent (white light), but they shine orange due to orange lamps inside.
Vehicles designed specifically for the North American market do not have European lighting markings. The direction indicators on the "Americans" are red, but there are other combinations, for example, orange, and the rear ones are red. Canadian models have orange turn signals, but no side turn signals. They also do not have fog lights, which are mandatory in Europe. Reflectors are designated - ІА. The side reflectors are orange. Lighting lantern rear room has the designation L. Side are required. parking lights on long vehicles over 6 meters long. They have orange light and designations SM1 and SM2 (for passenger cars). And for the rear, there is a red light. On trailers, a triangular reflector must be installed, which has the designation IIIIA and outline lights.
The letter "E" is followed by the number of the country in which the headlights were approved.
Below is a transcript of the main countries that approve automotive optics:
1. Germany, 2. France, 3. Italy, 4. Netherlands, 5. Sweden, 6. Belgium, 7. Hungary, 8. Czech Republic, 9. Spain, 10. Yugoslavia, 11. Great Britain, 12. Austria, 13. Luxembourg, 14. Switzerland, 16. Norway, 17. Finland, 18. Denmark, 19. Romania, 20. Poland, 21. Portugal, 23. Greece
Clarifications of the DOBDD Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia on the use of "xenon" headlights
Currently on motor vehicles headlamps of the following approved types are installed:
remember, the pseudo sticker does not give the right to install xenon lamps
The appropriate markings for the type of headlamp (external lighting device) and the approval mark (consisting of a circle enclosed by the letter "E" followed by the number of the country which granted the approval and the approval number) are applied to the lens of the headlamp and on the headlamp housing if the lens can be detached from it.
HCR stands for dual mode light with incandescent halogen lamps. This information is placed on the glass or headlight housing
Gas-discharge light sources, the category marking of which on the cap begins with the letter “D”, in accordance with the requirements of UNECE Regulation No. 99 and GOST R 41.99-99 “Uniform provisions concerning the approval of gas-discharge light sources for use in approved gas-discharge optical elements of motor vehicles ”are intended for use only in headlamps of types DC, DR, DCR.
The xenon lamp has a special design
In accordance with the explanations of FSUE NIIAE, the use of light sources in external lighting devices that do not correspond to the type of this lighting device violates the safety conditions road traffic due to a number of physical (dimensions of the spark discharge, wavelength, scattering angle of reflected radiation) and technical (class of the reflective surface of the reflector, the presence of an automatic light beam corrector and headlight washer on the vehicle) factors.
Thus, the use of gas-discharge light sources in headlights intended for use with incandescent lamps, including halogen lamps, should be qualified as a discrepancy between the operating mode of external lighting devices (set technical characteristics headlights corresponding to one or another light distribution, ensuring road safety, depending on traffic situation and meteorological conditions) to the design requirements of the vehicle.
Unadjusted xenon light, in unintended optics
Based on this, driving a vehicle with headlights intended for use with incandescent lamps in which gas-discharge light sources are installed must be qualified by the State Traffic Inspectorate as an administrative offense provided for by Part 3 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation (the operating mode of lighting devices does not comply with the requirements of the Basic Provisions on the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety). The operation of vehicles is prohibited in the manner prescribed by parts 2, 21, 4 of article 27.13 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation (with the removal of state registration plates).
Upon revealing the facts of installation of lighting devices, the operating mode of which does not meet the requirements of the Basic Provisions, a case is initiated on an administrative offense under Part 1 of Article 12.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation
Considering the impossibility of seizing in a number of cases devices (light sources), which were an instrument of an administrative offense ( dark time days, road sections outside settlements), in the manner prescribed by Article 27.14 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, measures should be taken to arrest these things.
Consideration of cases of administrative offenses provided for by part 3 of article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation is attributed to the competence of the courts. Responsibility for this offense is provided in the form of deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period from six months to one year, with the confiscation of the corresponding lighting devices.
Comments of the newspaper editorial office
In short, it is not the xenon headlights themselves that are prohibited, but the use of xenon lamps in conventional headlights. Human rights activists dispute the traffic police's interpretation of the application of administrative law for the discussed type of traffic violation. Perhaps it would be more correct to assume that the use of a xenon lamp in conventional headlights corresponds to clause 3.4 of the "Basic provisions for vehicle approval ...", which refers to "the use of lamps that do not correspond to the type of lighting device." In the presence of such a malfunction, the car is prohibited from operation and Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation applies, which provides for liability in the form of a warning or imposition administrative fine in the amount of one hundred rubles.
Why xenon bulbs are not allowed in conventional headlights
This question was answered at FSUE NIIAE.
First, the radiation of gas-discharge lamps has a shorter wavelength of 470 nm instead of 550 nm for halogen lamps, which, with the same roughness height of the reflecting surface, according to Rayleigh's law, leads to a significant increase in the scattering angle of the reflected radiation. This is why almost all xenon headlights are dazzling. To avoid glare, they must have a higher class of reflective reflector surface.
Secondly, the dimensions of the spark discharge of gas-discharge lamps exceed the dimensions of the filament of halogen lamps, which also leads to an increase in the scattering angles both in the horizontal and in the vertical plane, and therefore to the blinding of oncoming vehicle drivers.
Thirdly, the use of headlamps with gas-discharge light sources, in accordance with the requirements of UNECE Regulation No. 48, requires the presence of an automatic corrector of the light beam position in the lighting system, depending on the load and profile of the roadway and the presence of a headlamp washer. Obviously, if you install a gas-discharge lamp instead of a halogen lamp, the road safety conditions will be violated (blinding when passing oncoming traffic).
With the introduction of amendments to the rules of the road, marking of headlights for xenon has become the subject of study for car owners. Moreover, this information is needed both for beginners and drivers with a rich driving experience, as this will help prevent problems in the event of a car stopping by a traffic police inspector.
How to determine the correspondence of xenon optics and headlights
The owner of a foreign-made car has the opportunity to check the quality of the lamps used in the headlights of his car. On the most modern models, they should be equipped with:
- A special dirt washer, since the presence of dirt is contraindicated for xenon.
- An automatic corrector, which in autonomous mode adjusts the height of the light beam, taking into account how loaded the car is. To check its presence, you need to swing the car with the headlights on and look for a change in the direction of the light flow.
- Headlights specially designed for use with xenon, as evidenced by the “D” markings on the glass or headlight housing.
It should be remembered that if the headlights are marked with the letter "H" then this indicates their use with halogen lamps. For installing xenon on them, you can make yourself trouble in the form of a fine when meeting with traffic police officers.
Xenon lamp markings
Many car enthusiasts are confident that the quality of xenon lamps is much higher than that of halogen lamps. And that the light they give off is not so tiring on the eyes of the driver. And this is really so, since fluctuations in color temperature indicators (a characteristic that displays the intensity of radiation from a specific light source, in terms of a function of wavelength) in xenon lamps ranges from 4300 K (4027 ° C), which corresponds to yellow, to 8500 K (8227 ° C) , and this is the level of lilac-purple color. Both colors allow you to see the road better, which naturally reduces the strain on the driver's eyes.
Headlights for xenon are single-lamp and double-lamp, as evidenced by the corresponding marking on them. The presence of a DC combination on a xenon lamp indicates that it is used in the low beam, while the letters DR are applied to the main beam. If the lamp is used both in the high beam mode and in the low beam mode, then the DC / R marking is applied to its surface.
If the xenon lamp has an arrow, then it is intended for use on vehicles with left-hand traffic, and its absence, respectively, for right-sided. In cases where the lamp can be used for any movement, two arrows are applied to its surface at once.
Xenon headlight markings
To check the marking of the headlights, it is necessary to look under the hood of the inscriptions on their outer surface, as well as on the inner part of the glass. In order not to be mistaken with what is written there, it is better to remove the headlight and carefully study its markings.
Depending on the purpose of the headlights, their division is adopted according to certain criteria, information about which is carried by the following letters:
- for side lights - A;
- for fog optics - B;
- for low beam - C;
- for high beam - R;
- simultaneously for high and low beam - CR;
- for low or high beam, depending on the wishes of the owner - C / R;
- bulb for dipped beam, which is prohibited for main beam - C / HR.
To make it clear where the lamp was produced, its own marking has been adopted. So, if the lamp has the letter E, then this means that it was made in Europe, while DOT is put on lamps from America. In addition, each European country has its own number:
- Germany is designated by the number 1.
- France - 2.
- Italy - 3.
- Netherlands - 4.
- Sweden - 5.
V full list contains information about twenty-three countries. At number 22 there are the countries of the CIS.
How to choose the right xenon
The presence of a large assortment of xenon headlights in the automotive market may cause some confusion when buying them, especially after the introduction in 2014 of a ban on the use of homemade xenon lamps.
What you need to know when deciding to install xenon lamps:
- Ignition on a xenon lamp occurs after reaching a voltage level of 2400 V. To prevent damage to electrical appliances and car wiring, you should use a device called a ballast. Its purpose is to convert the battery voltage, equal to 12 volts, into the required 2400 V. For its installation, both the space under the hood of the car and any other convenient place can be used.
- The hue of xenon radiation is influenced by the color temperature, which can range from 3500 K (3227 ° C) to 8000 K (7727 ° C). The driver has the opportunity to make a choice colors ranging from warm yellow to cool white.
- Bi-xenon lamps are leaders in terms of demand and compliance with standards.
It should be noted that car market now literally flooded with pseudo xenon lamps, which have nothing to do with real xenon. The check is very simple - the lamps are asked to be connected. To turn on a counterfeit, a converter is not required, which gives it out.
