HIDs and start-up current draw

[Error404]

I fitted some HIDs over the weekend on the non-ellipsoid H4s which takes everything from the standard 3 pin bulb plug on the loom - there is no independant power feed as with a kit i've fitted before.
As far as i know the current draw on start-up with HIDs can be pretty substantial - is that safe to have that current through was is essentially a bog standard bit of wiring loom?

[MikeLarwood]

On my old 2007 Megane... Yes. On an early-mid 90's motor, I'm not so sure. You could relay it?

[s2driveruk]

something like 20,000volts for the igniter, then runs on a constant voltage of less than the normal oem setup. As for whether it would stand up ok on current loom etc, I would have thought so as its the igniter that does the work but I'd check with Pete or someone for sure.

David

[Error404]

how would I relay it?

From memory the power feed to the headlights is a pretty chunky gauge, but just a bit concerned about fire!!!

[Fat Audi 80]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but it is a high voltage low current affair. The work is done by the ballast box, so I don't think you have too much to worry about.

I would need to do some more research to be 100% sure.

Mine is fine and has been for 2 years on the standard loom...

Cheers,

Steve.

[s2driveruk]

Steve, thats right....as i remember it

[Error404]

that sounds fine to me then, high voltage means low current for a given wattage. I've never heard of any problems, but it would be just my luck to fry my loom or something

[shark_90]

I don't think you have anything to worry about - plus you're fused (or at least I hope you are!). Having said that my right hand one kept on blowing it's fuse with a standard 10A in it, I put 15 in just to test and it's been fine ever since. Can't remember if I left 15 in or went down to 12.5 but they don't blow any more.

[Error404]

yeah there was some blurb in my intructions about swapping to a 20amp fuse

[newsh]

Are these the dip-able ones? With the solenoid dip mechanism? I've bought some but havent tried them yet, probably should get them fitted soon as winter draws on etc.

[johne]

Remember the in-rush current - which is what we're talking about - is substantial for normal bulbs as well as their resistance when cold is much lower than when they warm up.

Wiring is resiliant to current surges, switches less so and a 10 amp fuse will pass 100 amps for a fraction of a second without blowing.

All in all, the HID in-rush will be less or no worse than normal bulbs.

HIDs that connect direct to the old headlamp bulb connector for the supply are the best as that means no autocheck problems.

John

[Error404]

Are these the dip-able ones? With the solenoid dip mechanism?

Mine are H4s but they have twin filaments not the moving ones - not sure how great they will be but they were cheep like the budgie - we'll see
the stock headlamps have some pretty effective integral shielding so not expecting any major issue with scatter.

Thanks for the reassurance johne, electrics is witchcraft as far as i'm concerned