running higher wattage high beam h7 bulbs

I ordered some 80w bulbs for our freebie. The supplier sent 100w. My only concern is that there is a warning on the box saying the circuit needs to be rated at 20 amps minimum.

I make the draw of each bulb less than 8.5amps so with a circuit fused at 15 amps I see no issue but would welcome advice. I'm guessing the warning is there for cars with a single fuse for both right and left side bulb circuits.

This is for the high beam. I use osram night breaker 55w for dipped to keep from blinding other motorists and keep road legal

Many thanks in advance.

they are illegal to use on the roads.

get plus 120's from Halfrauds or Bosch equivalents - still 55w but higher light output.

Several problems here.

Firstly these 100w bulbs will run hotter - what effect will this have in a non-vented housing?

Back in the day - when I was rallying Escorts and using 'big bulbs they were in vented Cibie holders and boy did they get hot.

Don't forget the FL has plastic lenses.

Then you'll have to change them for an MOT.

Next again is memories of a discussion late at night at the roadside in a wet Cumbria with a genned-up member of the constabulary. I was very late on that section of the Road Rally!

Con: Bit bright aren't they. :blabla:
Me: They dont dazzle because they are main beam not dip.
Con: Have they got an E number? Fetch one out and show me. :blabla:
Me: There you are constable - it says E1.
Con: Quite right sir - they are therefore certified legal in Germany. Have you got German number plates? :blabla:
Me:

My advice is don't bother mate, you obviously know about Osram nightbreakers and presumably know about the fantastic Phillips range too, buy some of them and avoid the time wasting. Even if you manage to out-talk the plod - you'll be a marked man for all his mates.

Plod with humour - thats good

Or be a legend and fit a xenon hid kit
Lower wattage, brighter, dont run as hot etc...
There still illegal tho

yes, I was concerned that the FL had polycarbonate lenses and that this would be an issue.

I know they run hotter, but how much hotter is an issue?

With regards the MOT test, I am confident higher wattage main beam bulbs will not fail.
The testers guide is here: MOT UK car and vehicle MOT information equipment car servicing parts and spares - hand brake control valves
I'm not concerned about an increase to 80w as I doubt it would be possible to tell a vehicle has them fitted if they are fitted to the main beam and I would be surprised if an officer has the time to check, especially as in most cases, the high beam isn't even on. I always carry spare bulbs for dipped beam, so I'd just swap 'em out in front of them (after they've cooled). I'm sure that'd be acceptable. There are no markers on this vehicle, or either driver insured to drive it (I know).

My question was regarding the wiring/circuit, and wether it would cope, but now considering the lenses, I'm getting a bit worried. These bulbs are manufactured by Ring and I've used 80w versions before in motorcycles (where main beam is notoriously crap) with great results.

I've sent an email to Ring asking them, but if you consider that the glass transition stage is 150 degrees and the current lamps get the lenses to 61 degrees C, I'm pretty sure the high beam won't get anywhere near 150.

@ hippo : I run an HID in my bike - I think it makes the bike far more visible to cage drivers and it's been through 2 MOTs with no trouble at all.

been running 90/100 for the last 3 years no problems with mot or lenses/wiring, and on the dip beam no apparent problems with other drivers.

booboodag said:

been running 90/100 for the last 3 years no problems with mot or lenses/wiring, and on the dip beam no apparent problems with other drivers.

Click to expand...

Now that's interesting.
Are you running a facelift Mk1 or pre 2003 model (not sure if the lenses were made of polycarbonate or glass on earlier models)

its on a 03 pre facelift and it has polycarbonate lenses.
Not sure if the facelift will make a difference but on mine had no problems.

Well that's good to hear booboodag.
Given that I only spent £9 on them, I'll consider trying it out and see what happens.