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

[clubairth@bellsouth.net]

The factory relays are mechanical.
.
.



>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
>
>
>>
>>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!