PIAA Terminology Page
| Ampere
(A or Amp)
|
The unit of measure from
electrical current. Basic formula for finding amp draw (Amps = watts ÷
volts)
|
| Dichroic
|
A glass reflector and bulb
assembly that allows heat to dissipate through the reflector and away from
the bulb, thus increasing bulb life.
|
| Dual
Lamp System
|
A PIAA innovation that places
two types of auxiliary light systems into one housing, usually a driving
light and a fog light combo.
|
| High
Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.)
|
A light source in which light is
produced by a stabilized arc that burns at a much higher color temperature
which creates a whiter light output than a standard halogen bulb. This arc
is generated with an igniting system and ballast.
|
| Ion
Crystal
|
A proprietary coating applied to
a bulb or lens that transforms the light output to amber with much higher
efficiency than conventional amber color lenses.
|
| Kelvin
|
Color temperature is a unit of
measure for the color of light - It is not necessarily related to the heat
of the light source. A higher color temperature represents a color closer
to actual sunlight.
|
| Lens
Fluting
|
A process in lamp design that
molds the lens to control the beam pattern by deflecting the light to the
desired point in the beam. Lens fluting usually looks like vertical cuts
in the lens.
|
| Lumens
|
A unit of measurement for the
amount of light that a bulb puts out. Example : common light bulbs emit
approximately 170 lumens per 10 watts of electricity.
|
| Multi
Surface Reflector (MSR)
|
A reflector designed to control
the beam pattern with a computer designed surface to project the light
precisely to the desired point in the beam without the use of fluting.
|
| NHTSA,
D.O.T.
|
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, Department of Transportation. Sets the laws and guidelines
for the preservation of safety on public highways.
|
| Plasma
Blue
|
A Proprietary process applied to
a bulb or lens which transforms conventional halogen light output to a
bright Blue-White color similar to the look of (H.I.D.)
lamp systems.
|
| Projector
Lens
|
An ellipse shaped lens that
concentrates a beam of light coming from a set back bulb and reflector.
The beam is usually controlled with a shield to give the beam a very sharp
cut off point. This makes a great fog light or headlight low beam.
|
| Relay
|
An electromagnetic device that
opens or closes the flow of current in a circuit. Normally used to reduce
the amount of electricity through a switch.
|
| SAE
|
Society of Automotive Engineers.
Publishes the recommended practices, design specifications and testing
procedures for all automotive systems.
|
| Super
White
|
A Proprietary process applied to
a bulb or lens which transforms the light output to a brilliant white that
is closer to natural sunlight than a standard bulb.
|
| Wiring
Harness
|
A system that contains switch,
relay, fuse and the correct gage wire for the intended application.
|
| XTRA
|
A PIAA term used to designate
high efficiency bulbs that are designed to produce greater light output
than its' rated power consumption. Example : 55 watts = 85 watts of light
output.
|
| Xtreme
White
|
At 4150 Kelvin,
Xtreme White technology is the closest color to (H.I.D.)
lamp systems.
|
| Note
to Consumer
|
PIAA lamps are intended for use solely as auxiliary lighting. PIAA lamps are not intended to be used for headlight purposes, nor are they certified for headlight usage. Lighting laws vary from state to state. PIAA makes no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, as to the legality of its products for street use on any vehicle or in any location. PIAA lamps are designed to improve visibility during night time motoring and inclement weather conditions. However, irresponsible use of any auxiliary light can be dangerous and illegal. |