H4 Upgrade

[356robo]

I've installed relays on my low and high beam circuits. Can I safely use 80/100 H4 bulbs? I know the relays protect the swich but I'm concerned about the factory wiring.

Thanks in advance,

Robo

[HarryD]

I've installed relays on my low and high beam circuits. Can I safely use 80/100 H4 bulbs? I know the relays protect the swich but I'm concerned about the factory wiring.

Thanks in advance,

Robo

I thought about this a few years ago when I did my car. I found out this:

As far as wire sizing (http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_12/3.html) for capacity of various wire sizes and types):

10 gauge - 480 watt capacity
12 gauge - 360 watt capacity
14 gauge - 300 watt capacity
16 gauge - 216 watt capacity

I am thinking the factory wires to the headlamps are not smaller than 16 gauge. That said, it does not hurt to run some heavier wires to be sure you have enough excess capacity to handle unforseen overloads.

[RickS]

When upgrading to higher wattage bulbs how do people commonly deal with the additional heat generated at the connector to the bulb? Is it eliminated and female connectors attached to the higher gauge wires or is a new connector used - and where can they be obtained - local auto parts store? Daniel Stern has 80/100W bulbs which I am planning on installing. Thanks.

[HarryD]

When upgrading to higher wattage bulbs how do people commonly deal with the additional heat generated at the connector to the bulb? Is it eliminated and female connectors attached to the higher gauge wires or is a new connector used - and where can they be obtained - local auto parts store? Daniel Stern has 80/100W bulbs which I am planning on installing. Thanks.

Daniel Stern can also provide high temp headlamp connectors.