Date:         Wed, 24 Jul 2002 10:31:13 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Hella H4s and relays
Comments: To: Oxroad@AOL.COM
In-Reply-To:  <107.153c3e2d.2a6fc3cd@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 04:48 AM 7/24/2002, Jeffrey R wrote:
>If I replace the stock style headlights on my 83 bus with Hella H4 7 inch
>round headlights, do I need to install a relay? The H4 bulbs are 55/60 watts
>(low beam/high beam).
>
>My fear is they will damage the light switch. I don't know exactly why they
>would--too much pwer running through the switch, maybe? I'm no electrician.
>
>I should also mention I have the hella H3 driving lights wired into the high
>beams with no relays.

The standard H4 bulbs don't draw any more power than the stock bulbs, so
you're no worse off than before.  *However* adding the driving lights means
that you're likely overloading the switch which is a known weak
point.  Relays will save the switch and give you better light.

Fire is not likely -- much more likely that the lights will suddenly go out
leaving you in the dark.

david


--
David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"