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Wattage question

unabonked

Elite Explorer
Joined
January 7, 2002
Messages
608
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City, State
Boston, MA
Year, Model & Trim Level
98Sport, 94XLT, 96Sport
Am i correct in asuming the 95+ factory fog harness was designed for 50W, even though they only run 37W stock?

I am upgrading my lights soon and want to put Hella 550 Amber fogs in. These run 55W a peice. I also have my aux driving lights' relay on this circut. I'm pretty sure it takes very little power, but just wanted to be sure i'm safe.
 



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I looked up the fuse box info and fuse #8 (right Headlight/Fog Lamp system) is only rated for 15A. Therefore it will handle a max load of 180 watts @ 12v. So you maybe cutting this close; What is the wattage of the right headlamp and how are the aux driving lights wired in (switch or load)?

So far its Fogs (110w) + Right headlamp(?) + AUX load(?) As such the headlamp and aux must be less than 70W combined.

Note: The fuses in the panel are designed to protect the wire harness not any device connected to it.
 






With the size of the wire used to power the OEM fogs you dont get as much voltage as you would useing the aux. harness. A good way to use both is to have the OEM + wire activate or take the place of the switch wire on the relay for the aux. harness. Also you for sure wont be overloading a fuse.
 






My headlights are not used. I have HIDs running off a relay activated by the headlight. So the only thing i need to worry bout is the wires?
 






Yes...
I used the OEM wires to power a set of 55 watt fog lights when I first got an X. Later I used a wiring harness for the same fogs and they were noticably brighter. You just dont get a full 14 or so volts through the OEM wires. Same reason you needed a harness for your HIDs.
 






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