Phillips Rally Bulbs?

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27 December 2009, 10:39 AM

#31

harvey

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Murdoch

Some simple electrics formula, P=I x V ie Pwr = Current x Voltage, therefore 60w/12v = 5amps, 100/12 = 8.33amps. If the wiring is not rated for this then it will overload and burnout (possibly with disasterous results). The increase in current can also burn out relay contacts. I don't know what the cable gauge is on the lighting circuit but I would check this out before sticking uprated 100w bulbs.

Technically they are also illegal with the likelihood that you are getting flashed by irate on coming traffic.

However, aftermarket HID are also illegal as the VOSA legislation states that vehicles with HID's must be fitted with auto levelling headlight units and washwipe systems although I don't know how strictly this is enforced by MOT stations.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for that Andy.

When I tried a variety of bulbs on the STi 6 Wagon including 130 and 150 watt I uprated the wiring and added a relay.
Now on another vehicle with standard wiring I have tried the 100/90 with no ill effect and having used them for several long journeys and checked the wiring several times for heat I am happy that the OE wiring on the STi 3 Wagon can handle the increased current with no ill effect.
What it may be like on later cars (New Age) I have no idea but I would be surprised if the wiring is so finely guaged that it cannot handle a 60 or 70% increase in current but if you try out these bulbs in a New Age car or any other car for that matter, you should monitor the headlight wiring looking out for excess temperature during the first few journies.
There is no reason in my experience why brighter bulbs will lead to dazzle and flashing from other drivers if the lights are properly adjusted. You should not be driving towards an oncoming car on full beam and if you are on dipped headlights properly adjusted they will not dazzle oncoming drivers.
The effect from running 130 or 150 watt bulbs was not a problem to me but they were not on the car for an extended period. Perhaps two nights and not more. The wiring had already been uprated and relays added, however, I know someone else that fitted 150 watt bulbs without uprating the wiring which seemed to cope adequately but over time he ruined two headlights as the heat from the bulbs tarnished very badly the reflectors. The cost to him was about £100 for a pair of new headlights but this was at 150 watt.