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

[Paul Nimz]

On the set I had I never saw over 20A even when the system started and the
voltage was ~110V.  If you are worried about the high voltage feeding back and
use a fuse as protection be sure to get one rated for over 200V.  A typical
auto fuse is rated for up to 32V usually.

What I see on AC ballast when the blow is they short internally and die.
Before any secondary high voltage would be fed into the primary side the
system would overload.  Just as an ignition coil will do.

Paul


On 6/25/2006 12:07:00 PM, Ian Fisher (dataflash@yahoo.com) wrote:
> Yes, you should use relays. The  ballasts can draw as
> much as 40a each upon startup. You
> don't want all of
> that going through your headlight switch.
>
> A decent headlight harness such as the one from
> www.suvlights.com should work fine.
>
> As far as beam pattern and output, the SHO headlight
> isn't
> setup optimally for retrofitted HID capsules.
>
> Ian
>
> --- clubairth@bellsouth.net wrote:
>
> > 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