Light distributions

Light distribution refers to the spatial distribution of luminous intensity. This is clearly illustrated by Isolux diagrams, which compare various light distributions. In Isolux diagrams, the greatest illumination intensity is indicated by a red-orange colour and, as the distance from the light source increases, the illumination intensity also decreases and changes accordingly from amber to green to blue. Different headlamps are required for different purposes: for example, fog light beams are wide but are not far-ranging in order to eliminate reflection by mist droplets as far as possible. High beam headlamps emit a far-ranging light. The innovative ELIVER tool by HELLA is an excellent way to directly compare the different light distributions of headlamps.

Lux is a unit of illuminance that specifies the luminous flux that strikes a certain surface as it travels from the light source. To provide an example from everyday life: an office workplace should be illuminated with at least 500 lux, and the human eye can still read a newspaper without any problems with an illumination of 1 lux. The values under the "lux bar" in light distribution diagrams indicate where the corresponding illuminance is achieved.

The reference number, also referred to as the ref. value, refers to high beam headlamps. According to the ECE regulation that came into force in 2009, the sum of the reference numbers of all (high beam) headlamps mounted on one vehicle must not exceed 100. This counts the two values of the standard high beams (left and right headlamps) as well as the values of other mounted high beam headlamps. You can find the reference number of our HELLA high beam headlamps in the catalogue and also on the E type-test mark that is attached to the headlamps. We recommend that you make a note of the reference numbers of your auxiliary headlamps in the HELLA reference number pass.

When you opt for HELLA, you opt for uncompromising product quality. Every day we strive to make our lighting solutions even better and more reliable. As a result of our unrelenting innovative drive, we are one of the leading suppliers in many areas of the automotive and lighting industry, and often even assume a pioneering role, especially in the area of LED technology. Visit our product area to find out more about our innovative LED solutions or use the ELIVER tool to compare and contrast the LED technology with other lighting technologies.

We are committed to implementing quality in practice. We do so by making continuous improvements using our outstanding quality management, and by carrying out daily checks as stringently and carefully as possible on each series and product, often surpassing the legal requirements. We ensure this by using state-of-the-art technology, sophisticated test methods and, last but not least, by committing to being better than everyone else. One of the best known examples of this is our light tunnel at our headquarters in Lippstadt, the only one of its kind in Europe. It makes light distributions and HELLA's high quality expectations a reality.