I was referring to the mechanical hand-operated switch in the cabin, not a
significantly faster switching relay. If you've ever looked at the voltage
supplied by a hand-operated switch while it's being turned, voltage jumps
around significantly due to corrosion on the contacts and the (electronically
speaking) incredible amount of time it takes to fuly engage the switch. The
erratic voltage might not be good for the HID modules. I'm not positive, but
when I was looking at the new HID tech back in the day, I think I remember
Sylvania or someone specifying quick-switching relays to provide the input
power. Been a long time, though, and things change.
David
-----Original Message-----
>From: clubairth@bellsouth.net
>Sent: Jun 25, 2006 12:14 PM
>To: FlamingTaco <flamingtaco@earthlink.net>, shotimes@autox.team.net
>Subject: Re: [Shotimes] OT: HID's and Headlight Relays?
>
>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!
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