Can I Use My Bulbs ?

[adrianf.]

Ok guys here we go

 

I have a set of slightly higher wattage headlight bulbs that i wish to fit to the Ally.

It says on the box that the switches and wiring etc must be a minimum of 20 amp to safely use these bulbs.

Has anyone got a clue as to whether or not it is 20 amp or how could i find out.

 

Im sure somebody on here must have a clue as its all double dutch to me

 

Cheers

 

Adrian.

[Beyond Help?]

What wattage are they? In most cases the switch is not relevent as it operates a relay. I would be more concerned about a wiring fire, but I don't know off the top of my head what the fuse rating for the headlights is.

[insider]

The fuses to the headlamps are 15A for each of the low beams (10A each for the high beams).

The wiring is 1.5mm2 which has a maximum current rating of 18A in free air (less when cables are routed next to each other in wiring looms).

Standard headlamp bulbs are usually 55W which translates to a current of around 5A (12v x 5A = 60W).

Your bulbs would have to be 180W each for the current to reach 15A so as long as they are not much more than 55W you should be OK. There would be additional heat generated in the wiring but this should be far below the safety margin allowed by the fuse rating.

[adrianf.]

Thanks for replies folks

 

The bulbs in question are 100 watt i think (or maybe 80 watt) will go and have a look

[adrianf.]

Nope they are 80 watt

 

Do you think this will be safe or is it a bit too much for dipped beam

 

cheers

 

Adrian.

Edited December 7, 2007 by adrianf

[tiny]

I use 100/80w H4's in my Mk1 because the headlights are...well...crap!

 

I very, very rarely get anyone flashing me because they're too bright and the increase in night time visibility is good, but they are illegal i'm afraid.

 

I have not been stopped because of them and I have no idea what the legal implications are if you were to be stopped because of them. What i can tell you is they do not last very long at all, Im on my last pair (I used to get them free from a former employer) and I do not expect to get through the winter without having to change them.

[adrianf.]

To be honest the bulbs in question i have used before in the Gal i used to own with no problems at all.

 

I had every intention of putting them in the Ally until someone warned me about over loading the system .

 

I had them in the Gal for over a year so i sort of answered my own question before i asked it really but just wanted some opinions on it first.

 

I bought the bulbs from Halfrauds for about

[big_kev]

Please remember that they are illegal for a reason.

 

Its not the dipped beam that is the problem it is main beam.

 

You will be blinding drivers several counties away !

 

 

However as this will most likely be ignored by the boy racers out there.

Who have no consideration for other road users.

Some additional comments are below.

 

They are expensive and wont last as long.

 

Also they are likely to crack your headlight reflectors and glass as they are not designed to handle the extra heat.

 

The possibility of wirings faults developing and the subsequent possibility of vehicle fire is another consideration.

 

Something else worth considering if you want to pimp your vehicle.

There is no law as to the number of headlights..... a dozen 55W lamps on the front is perfectly legal whereas a pair of 80W's is not....

[adrianf.]

Well i got around to fitting them the other day at last and i forgot what a pleasant job it was to.

 

Anyway what a difference it made, nice crisp white light. Made sure both headlights were adjusted correctly and had no problems with people flashing me.

 

Just hope that one doesnt pop now as i dont enjoy taking skin off my hands.

 

Adrian.

[Stevoo]

I use H4 as well in me mk 1 80w/100w, had them for over a year. no issue's with electrics at all. passed MOT with them in as well.

I went for the bright blue lights to help me on the country roads at night. if you have fog lights im sure you can upgraded them to "bright white" ones. has anyone else done this? been getting loads of fog round my way lately.