[Shotimes] OT: HID's and Headlight Relays?

[FlamingTaco]

I know you don't want to use solid-state relays, so the slow electrical-switching characteristics of a mechanical switch might not be ideal, either, for longevity.

The relays are also a safety feature. Don't want 90V sitting on the light switch should a module component fail. 

David



-----Original Message-----
>From: clubairth@bellsouth.net
>Sent: Jun 24, 2006 1:42 PM
>To: shotimes@autox.team.net
>Subject: [Shotimes] OT: HID's and Headlight Relays?
>
>Sorry for the OT but lighting is kind of a SHO issue! At least it is for me!
>
> Do HID headlamps need headlight relays? Would they work better with relays? 
>The HID uses much less power, about 35W is somewhat standard. Regular 
>Halogen lights are usually 55W and up. The ballast inside the HID takes care 
>of firing off the high voltage start up pulse. I know on my SHO the relays 
>made a noticeable difference before I upgraded the bulbs.
>
> This came up on my wife's Lincoln LS. The factory HID option has relays 
>installed in the under hood power distribution box. If the car has 
>conventional Halogen lighting from the factory then no relays. The spot is 
>there for the relay but no sockets.
> But people like me have been upgrading our cars by just plugging in the HID 
>to the stock wiring with no problems. Everything seems to work fine? Now as 
>cheap as Ford/Lincoln is I know those relays are in there for a reason!
>.
>.
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