We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Automotive

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Seal Beam Lamp?

By Lori Kilchermann
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 10,232
Share

A seal beam lamp is a headlight which is housed in a sealed unit containing the lens, reflector and the element. Prior to the introduction of the seal beam, or sealed beam as it is more commonly known, the headlamps were constructed of separate parts. This caused out of aim headlights that were easily burned out due to moisture entering the light assembly. This also led to failure in very inclement weather.

The benefits of a seal beam headlight include ease of maintenance as well as improved functioning characteristics. With the head lamp being sealed, thinner and clearer glass could be used to build the lights. The lack of contaminates entering the light aided in brighter reflector material. This all added up to a better and brighter head lamp, which allowed a vehicle operator to see much further ahead of the vehicle. it also allowed the seal beam to illuminate the night roadways much more clearly than had ever been accomplished with a traditional headlight.

Many classic and antique automobiles have undergone a seal beam transplant or conversion. The conversion is an effortless procedure, with most applications being a plug-in variety. Some restoration suppliers also offer seal beam conversion kits that retain the earlier six volt electrical system. This type of seal beam conversion offers the utmost in original equipment appearance combined with modern safety components.

The introduction of projector head lamps as well as the plastic lens with a bulb headlight assembly forced an end to the seal beam headlight. Auto makers worldwide began incorporating these easy-to-change headlight bulbs into the 1984 model year offerings. Yellow plastic lenses, dull headlights and expensive replacement costs all accompanied the new trend. The incorporation of the headlight's shape into the aerodynamics of the vehicle mandated the construction of the permanent headlight lens.

Seal beam lights remain the light of choice when lighting a stage; the lights are offered in flood, spot, narrow spot and even very narrow spot configurations. Projecting a bright light in many shades of colors as well as clear, make them the bulb of choice on most music stages around the world. Plays and even Las Vegas shows rely on this type of light to bring entertainment to audiences worldwide. Be it stage lighting, automobile usage or even outdoor architectural lighting, these light bulbs will continue to offer vision and illumination.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/what-is-a-seal-beam-lamp.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.