If it helps, I'm running 2 x 35w HID's on a 7.5A fuse and 2 x 55w HID's on a 10A fuse with no issues.
Hids auto electrician question
- Thread starter Jiffy176
- Start date
Power ratings on HID lamps normally relate to just the lamps and does not take into account the ballast, a typical current draw for a 35 watt HID in total will be about 3.8amps at 14 volts, about the same as a standard 50 watt halogen bulb.
Start up current of the ballast can be 4 times or greater than this, albeit for a short period. Newer HID ballasts are getting better and some have a current limiting circuitry. Some fuses can take a short "surge" though their tolerance depends on the type of fuse and can become more sensitive with age. So what works OK now may let you down later.
Have a look at this I found on You Tube actually measuring the start current on the ballast.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yG8kZtZEdM
Start up current of the ballast can be 4 times or greater than this, albeit for a short period. Newer HID ballasts are getting better and some have a current limiting circuitry. Some fuses can take a short "surge" though their tolerance depends on the type of fuse and can become more sensitive with age. So what works OK now may let you down later.
Have a look at this I found on You Tube actually measuring the start current on the ballast.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yG8kZtZEdM
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