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How to tell the difference between a high beam and low beam light

 

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How to tell the difference between a high beam and low beam light

JW Speaker manufactures both high beam and low beam lights across many product families. While both are used for forward illumination, they serve very different purposes and are not interchangeable. This article explains how to identify each type.

Understanding the two beam types

High beam (main/driving beam) — marked VO The VO marking on the lens face identifies a high beam light. It produces a full cone of light with no cutoff, aimed level or slightly elevated ahead of the vehicle. Range is approximately 100–150+ metres. Use only when no oncoming traffic is present.

Low beam (dipped/passing beam) — marked VOR The VOR marking identifies a low beam light. It produces a controlled beam angled downward toward the road surface with a sharp horizontal cutoff line. Range is approximately 40–60 metres. This is the standard on-road driving beam.

Reading the lens markings: VO and VOR

The quickest way to identify a JW Speaker light is to look for the ECE marking moulded into the lens face or printed on the label.

  • VO = High beam. Full driving beam with no cutoff. The VO marking is found on the lower-left area of the lens face, alongside the DOT and SAE certifications.
  • VOR = Low beam. Passing beam with a controlled cutoff pattern. The R indicates the beam is designed for right-hand traffic countries (such as the US and Canada), with an asymmetric upward kick on the passenger side to illuminate road signs without blinding oncoming drivers.

Quick rule: if you see an R at the end of the marking, it is a low beam.

Step-by-step identification guide

  1. Check the lens marking — VO or VOR Look for the ECE code on the lower-left of the lens face, next to the DOT and SAE certifications. VO = high beam. VOR = low beam. This is the fastest and most reliable method.

  2. Check the part number label Part numbers ending in -H (or containing "HB") denote high beam. Low beam units typically end in -L or "LB". Refer to the JW Speaker product catalog to confirm.

  3. Inspect the connector and wiring High beam circuits are typically on a separate connector from low beam. A single-function light uses a 2-pin connector; dual-beam lights use 3-pin.

  4. Observe the beam pattern on a flat wall Shine the light at a wall from approximately 3 metres in a dark area. A low beam (VOR) shows a distinct horizontal cutoff with an upward kick on the passenger side. A high beam (VO) illuminates in a full cone with no cutoff.

  5. Cross-reference the product page Visit jwspeaker.com and search your part number or model name. Each product page lists the function and lens marking in the specifications section.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a VO (high beam) light in a low beam position? No. VO high beam lights lack the cutoff optics required to prevent glare for oncoming drivers. Always use a VOR low beam in the low beam position. Substituting a VO may also be illegal on public roads.

Does JW Speaker make combination (dual-beam) lights? Yes. Several models in the 8700 and 5700 series include both low and high beam functions in a single housing. These are clearly labelled as "combination" or "dual beam" on the product page and carry both VO and VOR markings.

My lens has no VO or VOR marking — how do I find out its function? Contact JW Speaker Technical Support with the serial number from the housing. The support team can identify the function and confirm the correct replacement part.

What does the R in VOR stand for? The R indicates the beam pattern is designed for right-hand traffic countries such as the US and Canada. It produces an asymmetric cutoff with an upward kick on the passenger side, illuminating road signs without blinding oncoming drivers.