HID kit update - worrying question?
15 October 2007, 09:07 PM
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HID kit update - worrying question?
Hello,
I purchased 3 sets of the HID kits from the group buy run by Alex quite a while ago.
Before I purchased them I emailed the distributor of the group buy kits and also direct to the manufacturer to ask if the bulbs had a UV block on them. I was told by both that there was no, or very little, UV emitted from these HID bulbs and they were totally suitable to be in PLASTIC headlights.
I have just had the opportunity to measure the UV spectral output of the HID bulbs and the original halogen bulbs. The HID bulbs emit approx. 10 times the UV radiation (in the band that I measured, and I accept that it was not the full UV spectrum).
One set has gone into the PIAA WR1 driving lights that I have fitted and I have no problems with these - they sit behind a GLASS lens.
The other two sets have gone behind the PLASTIC headlight units (dip and main) and I am now very worried that the level of UV radiation being emitted will significantly and rapidly degrade the plastic lens unit.
Has anybody else thought about this or is anybody else worried?
Does anybody know of a contact within Subaru that may have technical information about the UV resilience of the plastic headlights?
Steve.
I purchased 3 sets of the HID kits from the group buy run by Alex quite a while ago.
Before I purchased them I emailed the distributor of the group buy kits and also direct to the manufacturer to ask if the bulbs had a UV block on them. I was told by both that there was no, or very little, UV emitted from these HID bulbs and they were totally suitable to be in PLASTIC headlights.
I have just had the opportunity to measure the UV spectral output of the HID bulbs and the original halogen bulbs. The HID bulbs emit approx. 10 times the UV radiation (in the band that I measured, and I accept that it was not the full UV spectrum).
One set has gone into the PIAA WR1 driving lights that I have fitted and I have no problems with these - they sit behind a GLASS lens.
The other two sets have gone behind the PLASTIC headlight units (dip and main) and I am now very worried that the level of UV radiation being emitted will significantly and rapidly degrade the plastic lens unit.
Has anybody else thought about this or is anybody else worried?
Does anybody know of a contact within Subaru that may have technical information about the UV resilience of the plastic headlights?
Steve.
15 October 2007, 10:26 PM
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technically you shouldn't be using hid's in a lens designed for halogen anyway so subaru won't want to know, hence why the projector styles are glass. personally i wouldn't be worried i probably won't have the car in the time it takes for the plastic to degrade or i would just buy new lights!
16 October 2007, 09:27 AM
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Yes, I agree with Subaru not wnating to know -and understand why.
I am also thinking just do it and replace the light unit when they degrade. I just wondered how long it would be before I had to splash out on new units. A few years would be ok but anything less might stop me fitting them.
I am also thinking just do it and replace the light unit when they degrade. I just wondered how long it would be before I had to splash out on new units. A few years would be ok but anything less might stop me fitting them.
16 October 2007, 11:39 AM
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Would it be possible for you to share these problems with me so that I may look at addressing some of them if possible.
I am aware of the following:
UV issue.
The potential for a HID bulb to form a poor beam pattern due to the location of the capsule being different to the location of the halogen filament.
High momentary inrush current at switch on.
What other things should I be aware of please?
Steve
I am aware of the following:
UV issue.
The potential for a HID bulb to form a poor beam pattern due to the location of the capsule being different to the location of the halogen filament.
High momentary inrush current at switch on.
What other things should I be aware of please?
Steve
16 October 2007, 09:12 PM
#6
steve
take read of this Automotive Lighting FAQ - HID Kits - ok its a US site and talks about US issues and stuff...but you get the idea the possible issues....
laters mate
take read of this Automotive Lighting FAQ - HID Kits - ok its a US site and talks about US issues and stuff...but you get the idea the possible issues....
laters mate
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