HID lights wiring question...

[testrider]

Hi all,
I recently bought a pair of HID kit to upgrade my Honda CBR-1100XX's low beam for better night riding. It works great. The kit was cheap at $67 after shipping.

Now I have 1 left. I like to install it in 1 of the 2 Hella running lights on my bike.

The original HID wiring is like this:


+ ---->[ BALLAST ] + ----------> [ HID BULB ]
- ----->[ BALLAST ] - -----------> [ HID BULB ]


After installing the HID bulb in the Hella,
to reduce the number of wires going to the Hella, I assume I can ground the Hella's negative wire to the chassis and leave out the ballast's negative wire that was originally going to the Hella (just cut it off or tape it)?

Like this:


+ ---->[ BALLAST ] + ----------> [ HID BULB ]
- ----->[ BALLAST ] [ HID BULB ]---------> chassis ground


Thanks.
-mike-

[MrWizard]

Originally Posted by testrider

Hi all,
I recently bought a pair of HID kit to upgrade my Honda CBR-1100XX's low beam for better night riding. It works great. The kit was cheap at $67 after shipping.

Now I have 1 left. I like to install it in 1 of the 2 Hella running lights on my bike.

The original HID wiring is like this:


+ ---->[ BALLAST ] + ----------> [ HID BULB ]
- ----->[ BALLAST ] - -----------> [ HID BULB ]


After installing the HID bulb in the Hella,
to reduce the number of wires going to the Hella, I assume I can ground the Hella's negative wire to the chassis and leave out the ballast's negative wire that was originally going to the Hella (just cut it off or tape it)?

Like this:


+ ---->[ BALLAST ] + ----------> [ HID BULB ]
- ----->[ BALLAST ] [ HID BULB ]---------> chassis ground


Thanks.
-mike-

Mike,
Most Hid (automotive type) ballasts use an isolated boost transformer which MAY not use a common ground on the boost (bulb) side of the transformer, different from standard, industrial type HID fixtures.
I would advise connecting as per the first diagram and run the additional wire from bulb to ballast.
Without seeing the mfg.s' wiring diagram of the ballast you can't know and in fact may result in damage to the ballast or bulb.
Rob

[firefly]

Originally Posted by testrider

Hi all,
I recently bought a pair of HID kit to upgrade my Honda CBR-1100XX's low beam for better night riding. It works great. The kit was cheap at $67 after shipping.

Now I have 1 left. I like to install it in 1 of the 2 Hella running lights on my bike.

The original HID wiring is like this:


+ ---->[ BALLAST ] + ----------> [ HID BULB ]
- ----->[ BALLAST ] - -----------> [ HID BULB ]


After installing the HID bulb in the Hella,
to reduce the number of wires going to the Hella, I assume I can ground the Hella's negative wire to the chassis and leave out the ballast's negative wire that was originally going to the Hella (just cut it off or tape it)?

Like this:


+ ---->[ BALLAST ] + ----------> [ HID BULB ]
- ----->[ BALLAST ] [ HID BULB ]---------> chassis ground


Thanks.
-mike-

what HID bulbs # (H7 or H11 or H4? )
Is it a motorcycle or a car kit?
if you have a single intensity HID bulb you should have two of everything ( two ballasts, two bulbs and one wiring harness that may include a relay).

+ve to ballast, ballast to +ve on bulb
-ve from frame or any good grounding location to ballast , ballast to -ve on bulb, you have to connect both wires from the ballast to the bulb both +ve and -ve!
fuse +ve as close as possible to battery, its also recommended to use a relay for both bulbs so the handle bar switches don't get fried.

[testrider]

Thanks Rob,

I guess I can measure it to see if the 2 grounds are connected?

Another question:

- The 2 wires coming out of the HID bulb has larger connectors on them (to be connected to the output of the ballast). The wires look normal even thought I know they are high voltage on start-up. I wonder if I can cut it, then thread them thru the housing's existing holes, then solder them back?

Thanks again.
-mike-

[MrWizard]

Originally Posted by testrider

Thanks Rob,

I guess I can measure it to see if the 2 grounds are connected?

Another question:

- The 2 wires coming out of the HID bulb has larger connectors on them (to be connected to the output of the ballast). The wires look normal even thought I know they are high voltage on start-up. I wonder if I can cut it, then thread them thru the housing's existing holes, then solder them back?

Thanks again.
-mike-

Mike,
A correctly done solder connection is actually better than a spade but can work harden and become brittle and break under vibration. Use heat shrink and TY rap securely to mitigate any vibration to the connection and it will be fine. I frequently use solder connections without any problems.
If you do find continuity between the two ballast ground wires, make sure it reads 0 ohms and if you read any resistance, run the additional wire from the bulb to ballast ground.
I sent you a PM.
Rob

[testrider]

Thanks Rob,
Here is a pic of the wiring. I think I may just leave it alone and drill a bigger hole in my fairing and light housing to feed the connectors thru...

Last night was the 1st time I use the HID after I installed it the day before. It was just so incredible that I should have done this years ago.

-mike-

[MrWizard]

Originally Posted by testrider

Thanks Rob,
Here is a pic of the wiring. I think I may just leave it alone and drill a bigger hole in my fairing and light housing to feed the connectors thru...

Last night was the 1st time I use the HID after I installed it the day before. It was just so incredible that I should have done this years ago.

-mike-

Mike,
Now that I see what you are dealing with, I would not hesitate to cut and re-solder the individual leads. In fact it appears you may be able to store/locate the solder splice in the head light housing, a good, dry location. I wouldn't want to drill another, large hole in the housing either.
Rob

[testrider]

Rob, you were right: the 2 grounds are not common. I cut the 2 wires and soldered them and then push the soldered joints inside the Hella housing. From outside, it looks just like the original Hella. It worked great. Thank you for your help!
-mike-