High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) is a type of lighting technology that replaces the filament of the light bulb with Xenon gas. The gas is ignited to produce an arc of light, when high voltage is applied. The amount of light output is three times that of a standard halogen bulb. The lamps also glow at a higher light temperature (closer to natural sunlight) that gives it its distinct color and appearance. The degrees are measured in Kelvin due to the fact that they are so hot. HID kits (unless otherwise specified) consumes only 35W of electricity making them over 3 times more efficient than traditional halogen bulbs. HID is the same thing as xenon lights, which are sold on many luxury cars.
Ballasts
The ballasts are the heart of any HID headlight system. Ballasts stabilize and maintain the “arc” created by igniting Xenon gas and other noble elements. Together these gases produce a brilliant white light, which can be manipulated by increasing or decreasing the composition of certain elements in the bulb. Ballasts are technologically complex units. They convert incoming power into a high voltage that ignites and maintains a steady stream of energy to the HID bulb. Without a ballast to convert and regulate the incoming power, the HID bulb will not function. A ballast also acts as a monitor for the lighting system. If there is damage to either the starter or the bulb, the ballast shuts down the flow of power to prevent further damage and exposure. Ballasts are designed to last several years with normal use.
The ballasts are the heart of any HID headlight system. Ballasts stabilize and maintain the “arc” created by igniting Xenon gas and other noble elements. Together these gases produce a brilliant white light, which can be manipulated by increasing or decreasing the composition of certain elements in the bulb. Ballasts are technologically complex units. They convert incoming power into a high voltage that ignites and maintains a steady stream of energy to the HID bulb. Without a ballast to convert and regulate the incoming power, the HID bulb will not function. A ballast also acts as a monitor for the lighting system. If there is damage to either the starter or the bulb, the ballast shuts down the flow of power to prevent further damage and exposure. Ballasts are designed to last several years with normal use.
A magnetic ballast is needed to control the electrical current that flows through the HID lamp. The ballast both ignites the light and keeps it lit. If electrical current was to flow into the light bulb at full voltage, the bulb would burst, so the controlling factor offered by the ballast is necessary for the correct function of any HID light. A magnetic ballast consists of one or more aluminum or copper coils that sit on a core that is made up of steel laminations. The coils and core work in conjunction with a capacitor, and sometimes an igniter. These four parts are most often built into the ballast casing.
A digital ballast offers the same electricity control as does the magnetic ballast, but with the digital model the current conforms to optimal levels of performance for each specific type and wattage of lamp, possible through digital circuitry. Magnetic ballasts weigh more than do digital ones, a consideration in a greenhouse setting, and they also run hotter than digital units. Because of the more consistent application of electrical current, the lamps last longer and function at a higher level using less power with a digital ballast than they might with a magnetic ballast. With a digital ballast, the light produced is more consistent. Magnetic ballasts, especially as they age, become more noisy when they operate, cause the HID lamps to flicker and also contribute to irregularities in the color that the lamp gives off. The digital units can also sense when the lamp is almost used up, and can shut the unit off when it is not functioning optimally.
A digital ballast offers the same electricity control as does the magnetic ballast, but with the digital model the current conforms to optimal levels of performance for each specific type and wattage of lamp, possible through digital circuitry. Magnetic ballasts weigh more than do digital ones, a consideration in a greenhouse setting, and they also run hotter than digital units. Because of the more consistent application of electrical current, the lamps last longer and function at a higher level using less power with a digital ballast than they might with a magnetic ballast. With a digital ballast, the light produced is more consistent. Magnetic ballasts, especially as they age, become more noisy when they operate, cause the HID lamps to flicker and also contribute to irregularities in the color that the lamp gives off. The digital units can also sense when the lamp is almost used up, and can shut the unit off when it is not functioning optimally.
COLOR / TEMPERATURE
Color Temperature is a measurement in Degrees Kelvin that indicates the hue of a specific type of light source. Many people believe the misconception that color temperature is a rating of the brightness of the bulb or HID kit. This belief is completely false. The reality of the matter is that the higher the color temperature, the less useable light output you will obtain. A perfect example would be a black light. This light has a color temperature of approx 14,000k and has almost no useable light or lumens output. Higher K kits such as 12,000k, 14000k, etc. have been manufactured for individuals that are more concerned about the actual color output of their lights as opposed to the actual useable light output. HID kits rated at 6000K or 8000K actually produce the best usable light output.
Degrees K = COLOR
Lumen= BRIGHTNESS
Color Temperature is a measurement in Degrees Kelvin that indicates the hue of a specific type of light source. Many people believe the misconception that color temperature is a rating of the brightness of the bulb or HID kit. This belief is completely false. The reality of the matter is that the higher the color temperature, the less useable light output you will obtain. A perfect example would be a black light. This light has a color temperature of approx 14,000k and has almost no useable light or lumens output. Higher K kits such as 12,000k, 14000k, etc. have been manufactured for individuals that are more concerned about the actual color output of their lights as opposed to the actual useable light output. HID kits rated at 6000K or 8000K actually produce the best usable light output.
Degrees K = COLOR
Lumen= BRIGHTNESS
FLICKERING:
If your light flickers, it could be one of a couple things. Usually it is because your car is not started. It takes time for your cars ECU to adjust to the addition of higher powered lights. If a light does not go on, check it on the other side to see if it is a problem with the bulb or ballast. Oftentimes, especially on newer cars, flickering can be fixed with the addition of a resistor or capacitor kit. These will make the necessary adjustments to regulate voltage and avoid flickering.
If your light flickers, it could be one of a couple things. Usually it is because your car is not started. It takes time for your cars ECU to adjust to the addition of higher powered lights. If a light does not go on, check it on the other side to see if it is a problem with the bulb or ballast. Oftentimes, especially on newer cars, flickering can be fixed with the addition of a resistor or capacitor kit. These will make the necessary adjustments to regulate voltage and avoid flickering.
Purchasing a HID Kit
When purchasing a HID kit, you want to make sure that you are investing your money wisely. The warranty offered is an important consideration. The longer the warranty, the more confident the company is in the quality of their goods. The next consideration should be Kelvin. What temperature bulbs do you need or want. What are you going for? Some people who show their cars like to have the deep blue or purple color. If you are looking for pure function, a 6000K kit or an 8000K kit will give you the best results with a pure white or slightly blue tint light. As you progress up the kelvin scale, the light will become dimmer but you will get the colors that some look for. 3000K offers a great deal of luminosity but will come with a yellow tint. This yellow tint differs from yellow halogen bulbs in that it is more of a golden yellow.
The most important consideration before purchasing is making sure that you are purchasing the right bulb application for your car. The best place to find this information is in your owner's manual. It will show you the different bulb sizes used in your car. Another popular source is the Sylvania website, http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/LampReplacementGuide/default.htm.
When purchasing a HID kit, you want to make sure that you are investing your money wisely. The warranty offered is an important consideration. The longer the warranty, the more confident the company is in the quality of their goods. The next consideration should be Kelvin. What temperature bulbs do you need or want. What are you going for? Some people who show their cars like to have the deep blue or purple color. If you are looking for pure function, a 6000K kit or an 8000K kit will give you the best results with a pure white or slightly blue tint light. As you progress up the kelvin scale, the light will become dimmer but you will get the colors that some look for. 3000K offers a great deal of luminosity but will come with a yellow tint. This yellow tint differs from yellow halogen bulbs in that it is more of a golden yellow.
The most important consideration before purchasing is making sure that you are purchasing the right bulb application for your car. The best place to find this information is in your owner's manual. It will show you the different bulb sizes used in your car. Another popular source is the Sylvania website, http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/LampReplacementGuide/default.htm.
| Kelvin | Color Hue | Luminosity | Recommended Use |
| 3000K | Yellow | 3600 | Fog or Low Light |
| 6000K | Bright White | 2800 | Daily |
| 8000K | Light Blue | 2400 | Daily or Show |
| 12000K | Intense Blue | 1800 | Show |
| 20000K | Intense Purple | 1600 | Show |
Installation
For standard plug and play HID kits:
For most standard plug and play kits, installation is quite simple. Since you will be touching the electrical system of the car, it is always recommended that you seek the help of a licensed professional. These instructions are for informational use only for the experienced do-it-yourselfer.
Here are the basic steps involved in installation:
1) Make sure to disconnect your battery.
2) Remove your original halogen light bulbs and gently put them aside.
3) Put in the HID Conversion Bulb(s) in to the housings where the original bulb(s) was.
- Make sure not to touch the HID bulb with your fingers, or hit it against anything.
- If bulbs are stained, use alcohol pad to remove stains (no liquids).
- For cars with dust caps, make sure to modify the cap for the lights or use something equivalent to protect the bulbs.
4) Connect wiring in to their proper connections.
5) Connect the wiring to the HID bulbs.
6) Find a mounting point for the ballasts; use the double sided tape if needed.
- Do not put ballasts near any hoses or other car parts, to prevent damage.
- Do not drill holes in to the ballasts or do other modification to them.
7) Make sure to secure all wiring with the zip ties.
- Do not place wiring near car parts which can damage them.
8) Reconnect your battery and check wiring
9) Start your car and turn the lights on.
For standard plug and play HID kits:
For most standard plug and play kits, installation is quite simple. Since you will be touching the electrical system of the car, it is always recommended that you seek the help of a licensed professional. These instructions are for informational use only for the experienced do-it-yourselfer.
Here are the basic steps involved in installation:
1) Make sure to disconnect your battery.
2) Remove your original halogen light bulbs and gently put them aside.
3) Put in the HID Conversion Bulb(s) in to the housings where the original bulb(s) was.
- Make sure not to touch the HID bulb with your fingers, or hit it against anything.
- If bulbs are stained, use alcohol pad to remove stains (no liquids).
- For cars with dust caps, make sure to modify the cap for the lights or use something equivalent to protect the bulbs.
4) Connect wiring in to their proper connections.
5) Connect the wiring to the HID bulbs.
6) Find a mounting point for the ballasts; use the double sided tape if needed.
- Do not put ballasts near any hoses or other car parts, to prevent damage.
- Do not drill holes in to the ballasts or do other modification to them.
7) Make sure to secure all wiring with the zip ties.
- Do not place wiring near car parts which can damage them.
8) Reconnect your battery and check wiring
9) Start your car and turn the lights on.
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