Do different brands of HID bulbs emit different hue/colors?

[scuba_moron]

Hello,

Do different brands of HID bulbs emit different hue/colors?

I have a Diverite 1000 15 watt HID, and when comparing to a Salvo 21 watt, the Salvo throws more of a bluish/purplish hue. I find the bluish hue easier to spot, especially when signaling.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Gombessa]

Hello,

Do different brands of HID bulbs emit different hue/colors?

I have a Diverite 1000 15 watt HID, and when comparing to a Salvo 21 watt, the Salvo throws more of a bluish/purplish hue. I find the bluish hue easier to spot, especially when signaling.

Thanks in advance.

Yes, in general there is some variability in different lamps/ballasts and sometimes even between the same types of lamps/ballasts.

I've heard reports that the DR 15w is a bit "yellowish." Salvo and Halcyon 21Ws which use Brightstar HID parts, tend to be more blue, as you've described. The older 18W lights based on Welch-Allyn lamp/ballast seemed to be a bit more neutral white to me.

Color temperature also varies with increased wattage. Drive the same lamp at 18w and 24w and the resulting color can be noticeably different.

Also, the color of the HID will change as it ages; generally I've seen bulbs go more purple/pink with prolonged use, kind of like they're losing their blue hue.