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

[Paul Nimz]

You are only switching the ballast on.  No way are you switching 90V, which is
the ballast output on startup.  You should always use a relay on headlight
wiring anyway.  A simple 30A lighting relay is all that is needed.  Will you
have high beams too?  Then you will need two relays.

Paul


On 6/25/2006 1:18:42 AM, FlamingTaco (flamingtaco@earthlink.net) wrote:
> 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