| WHAT IS HID LIGHT? |
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| HID (Xenon), High Intensity Discharge, is a relatively new technology for consumers (about 10 years). Unlike Halogen or Incandescent bulbs, HID bulbs do not have filaments. The HID bulb is filled with a mixture of gasses including Xenon. When the HID bulb is ignited, an arc is created between two electrodes (FIGURE 1). HID is not just a new type of bulb. It is a whole new lighting system. The system consists of an HID bulb, electronic starter and a ballast. |
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| WHY WAS HID LIGHT DEVELOPED? |
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| During the last decade, automobile manufacturers looked for ways to improve vehicle safety. Vehicle lighting was one area that required improvement. More than 60% of all traffic accidents took place in poorly lit conditions. Because Halogen bulb technology had reached its limits, further advancement required new technologies. The gas discharge bulb proved to be the answer. Today, HID lighting has moved into other areas (agricultural, construction, ground support, marine, mining, public safety, recreational and more). |
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| WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HID LIGHT? |
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| HID provides four to five times more light and ten times the life of Halogen. HID produces "Daylight Color Impression" (blue/white light) to provide brighter, cleaner and crisper visibility. Objects are easier to recognize from greater distances (FIGURE 2). Because HID bulbs do not use filaments, breakage from shock and vibration is eliminated. |
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| WHY DOES HID PRODUCE BLUE/WHITE LIGHT? |
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| The light produced by an HID bulb is actually white. The light only appears blue in comparison to the warmer (yellow) light produced by a Halogen bulb. The light emitted by the HID bulb has a color temperature (often perceived in the blue scale) that is similar to daylight (known as "Daylight Color Impression"). They illuminate better, and their light appears more natural to the user. |
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| HOW DOES HID LIGHT IMPROVE SAFETY? |
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| HID produces "Daylight Color Impression" (blue/white light). This makes the illuminated area larger and brighter (FIGURE 2) drastically improving visibility for the user. Objects are recognized from greater distances. HID light also improves safety by making the user more visible to others. |
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| WHAT IS A BALLAST? WHY DO I NEED ONE? |
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| 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. |
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| WHY IS HID MORE EXPENSIVE? |
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| HID is not just a new type of bulb. It is a whole new lighting system. The HID lighting system consists of a bulb, electronic starter and a ballast. HID lighting will not function without all three components. The bulb is a complex tube that contains the gases required to produce the arc (light). The starter allows quick ignition of the bulb. The ballast converts the incoming power into a high voltage that ignites and maintains a steady stream of energy to the bulb. Each of these components requires complex technology to manufacture, thus the higher price tag. However, the benefits of HID far out weigh its costs. |
