Xenons cause fire?

  1. Established Member Joined: Jun 2013 York Posts: 2134 Citroen Saxo VTR (2001)
    #1
    Just wondering if I fit some 130w rally bulbs, will it cause a fire? I heard that becuase its drawing so much more wattage, it can cause the wires to catch fire??
    Cheers
  2. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2010 South Wales Posts: 3078 ZX 16v, 205 GTI, 309 Goodwood, 405 MI16.
    #2
    yep, as you're multiplying the power needed by 2.5 nearly, best approach with uprated bulbs is to build a relayed sub-loom powered from the main engine bay fusebox, triggered by the standard wiring.
  3. Established Member Joined: Jun 2013 York Posts: 2134 Citroen Saxo VTR (2001)
    #3
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by welshpug View Post
    yep, as you're multiplying the power needed by 2.5 nearly, best approach with uprated bulbs is to build a relayed sub-loom powered from the main engine bay fusebox, triggered by the standard wiring.
    Ok I wouldnt have a clue how to do that at all haha! Im just thinking of putting some really bright bulbs in my fog lights, then if its foggy its more useful or if I'm on a road at night on my own I can pop them on for bit better visiblity, then pop them off when I see a car to save their eyes
  4. Frequent Poster Joined: Aug 2010 Le Mans, France Posts: 976 VTS, Hawkeye WRX, Def90 & Freelander HSE (ex-VTR)
    #4
    It'll also melt the standard Saxo headlight plug block (the plastic bit that you connect to the headlight bulb) - happened on my VTR when running 100w bulbs. You can buy ceramic ones off ebay that are supposed to avoid this.

    Edit: if it's the fog lights the plug melting is not an issue (there isn't a plug block only single connector on the fogs) but yes you will need to upgrade the cables as suggested.
  5. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #5
    To the op you`ll also draw unwanted attention from the local police,fit some osram nightbreakers(they do them for fog lights)130w bulbs are illegal on british roads mate.
  6. Established Member Joined: Jun 2013 York Posts: 2134 Citroen Saxo VTR (2001)
    #6
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by stevo67 View Post
    To the op you`ll also draw unwanted attention from the local police,fit some osram nightbreakers(they do them for fog lights)130w bulbs are illegal on british roads mate.
    I know more than standard (55w) is illegal but was thinking if I popped them into the fogs I could easily switch them on and off etc
  7. Established Member Joined: Jun 2013 York Posts: 2134 Citroen Saxo VTR (2001)
    #7
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by LVC View Post
    It'll also melt the standard Saxo headlight plug block (the plastic bit that you connect to the headlight bulb) - happened on my VTR when running 100w bulbs. You can buy ceramic ones off ebay that are supposed to avoid this.

    Edit: if it's the fog lights the plug melting is not an issue (there isn't a plug block only single connector on the fogs) but yes you will need to upgrade the cables as suggested.
    Ok cheers! Think ill just stick to standard wattage for now haha
  8. Frequent Poster Joined: Aug 2010 Le Mans, France Posts: 976 VTS, Hawkeye WRX, Def90 & Freelander HSE (ex-VTR)
    #8
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by jbrady72 View Post
    Ok cheers! Think ill just stick to standard wattage for now haha
    Go for a "pure white" or "cool blue" colour bulb with the standard wattage and you'll notice a bit of a difference (less "mellow yellow", lol) - can't remember the exact "k" figures of mine