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The stock headlamp electrical circuit, using lightweight, high resistance contacts in the switch, 18AWG wire to complete the circuits, and excessively long wire lengths (running from the battery to the dashboard and all the way out to the headlamps), creates excessive voltage drop. These wires are inadequate even for the stock headlamp capsule, much less for higher wattage. Headlight bulb light output is compromised with lower voltage. For example, normal engine-running voltage in a "12-volt" automotive electrical system is around 13.5 volts. At this voltage, halogen headlamp bulbs achieve 100 percent of their design luminous output. When operating voltage drops to 95 percent (12.825v), headlamp bulbs produce only 83 percent of their rated light output. When voltage drops to 90 percent (12.15v), bulb output is only 67 percent of what it should be. And when voltage drops to 85 percent (11.475v), bulb output is a paltry 53 percent of normal! [Source: Hella KG Hueck AG, Germany]
.QUOTE=rocco16;1591176708]All I can say is that I've been using that setup for over ten years with no issues.[/QUOTE]
Last edited by antfarmer2; Dec 23, 2015 at 09:35 PM.
When operating voltage drops to 95 percent (12.825v), headlamp bulbs produce only 83 percent of their rated light output. When voltage drops to 90 percent (12.15v), bulb output is only 67 percent of what it should be. And when voltage drops to 85 percent (11.475v), bulb output is a paltry 53 percent of normal! [Source: Hella KG Hueck AG, Germany]
The light output from an incandescent bulb is proportional to the fourth power of the temperature of the filament. The temperature of the filament is directly proportional to the current flowing through it. When the current drops off the light output decreases dramatically.
When I installed my HID headlights I grounded them directly to the front grounds next to the horns. The power came from the junction block behind the battery.
The light output from an incandescent bulb is proportional to the fourth power of the temperature of the filament. The temperature of the filament is directly proportional to the current flowing through it. When the current drops off the light output decreases dramatically.
When I installed my HID headlights I grounded them directly to the front grounds next to the horns. The power came from the junction block behind the battery.