Headlight assembly melted?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #31  
Old 02-16-2013, 09:28 AM
Ron AKA's Avatar
Active Enthusiast
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 218
Default Re: Headlight assembly melted?

Originally Posted by UWAdventurer
I checked the Ohms on one of the bulbs that caused the melting problem, it showed 6 Ohms. I think that converts to 72 watts? 12V x 6 Ohms=Watts? Please correct me if I am wrong.
The key formulas are:

P=IV
V=IR

From these you can rearrange to I=V/R, and when you substitute that into P=IV you get the one you want:

P=V*V/R

Sylvania uses 13.2 volts to rate their bulbs, and if you use that in your case you get:

P=13.2*13.2/6 = 29 watts

Even at a more typical 14.5 volts you would only get 35 watts.

I suspect your resistance measured is high. Did you short the test leads together to see what you get? To get the best accuracy at low resistance values I do that first, and then subtract that value from what I measure for the load.

This all assumes the resistance does not change when it gets hot. Normally resistance goes up when it gets hot, so you would expect something lower when cold.

Also it could be that your meter is not accurate enough at very low resistances. If you compared the good bulb to the bad bulb you may get a quick and dirty comparison. Lower resistance gives higher watts.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Topic Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sirfergy
Ford Escape Hybrid
9
12-05-2008 05:45 PM
bwilson4web
Toyota Prius
5
09-04-2008 07:21 AM
bwilson4web
General EV Discussion
19
11-02-2007 12:51 PM
shenfo
HCH II-Specific Discussions
6
12-16-2006 03:08 PM
Jason
Hybrid & Related News
3
04-28-2005 07:57 AM



Quick Reply: Headlight assembly melted?


Contact Us -

  • Manage Preferences
  • Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service - Your Privacy Choices -

    When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

    © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands


    All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:33 PM.