The Definitive Color Temperature Guide

	There is a lot of information floating around in the industry regarding color temperatures. Mobile HID would like to dispel the myths and educate the community so consumers can make the best informed decisions when choosing their lights. First off - any aftermarket HID lighting offered is illegal in the USA. HID bulbs operate at a temperature similar to halogen bulbs (750 degrees Fahrenheit).

4300k HID Bulbs

Lumen output: 3200 usable lumenslumens

Purpose: 4300k bulbs are traditionally used in headlight applications but can be used as auxiliary lights in foglight applications. The 4300k color temperature matches the white color temperature in vehicles that come with factory HID systems.

Special note: 4300k bulbs emit the maximum light output possible from HID type bulbs. Higher color temperatures emit fewer lumens.

3000k HID Bulbs

Lumen output: 3200 usable lumens

Purpose: 3000k bulbs are traditionally used in fog light applications and emit a bright yellow output to enhance visibility in snow, rain, and foggy weather conditions.

Special note: These bulbs are only available in 9006, H3, D2S and D2R. D2R and D2S bulbs are designed for OEM HID systems and are perfect for track use when used in low beam applications.

5000k HID Bulbs

Lumen output: 3000 usable lumens

Purpose: 5000k bulbs are traditionally used in headlight applications but can be used as auxiliary lights in foglight applications. The 5000k color temperature has a very slight tint of blue and produces an LED-like white color and comparatively makes the 4300k color temperature look slightly yellow.

Special note: 5000k bulbs emit roughly the same amount of visible light as the 4300k bulbs. Higher color temperatures emit fewer visible lumens. A 5000k bulb will emit roughly 5% less visible light than a 4300k bulb.

6000k HID Bulbs

Lumen output: 2800 usable lumens

Purpose: 6000k bulbs are traditionally used in headlight applications but can be used as auxiliary lights in foglight applications. The 6k color

Special note: All color temperatures emit the same number of lumens but remember, the higher the color temperature, the darker the color produced. This progressive darkening of the light with higher color temperatures results in fewer visible lumens on a dark surface. A 6000k bulb will emit roughly 12% less visible light than a 4300k bulb.

8000k HID Bulbs

Lumen output: 2500 usable lumens

Purpose: 8000k bulbs are traditionally used in headlight applications but can be used as auxiliary lights in foglight applications.

Special note: All color temperatures emit the same number of lumens but remember, the higher the color temperature, the darker the color produced. This progressive darkening of the light with higher color temperatures results in fewer visible lumens on a dark surface. A 8000k bulb will emit roughly 20% less visible light than a 4300k bulb.