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.

 

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 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.

 

3.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.

 

4.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