Conversion Advice, H10

paulckruger · Dec 5, 2009

I have a spot light using an H10 55W halogen bulb on 6VDC and was trying to figure out the best approach to converting to HID. I like the size and shape.

I did some research and came to the conclusion that bulb types are not standard. The bulb is short with a pig tail connector. I looked up some charts online with images and what I have perfectly matched their photo of an H10 bulb.

Now I have a pair of 35W HID bulbs that were supposed to be H10 bulbs but look nothing like my H10 bulb. Too long to fit the reflector ( hits lens ) and the base is nothing like the original bulb so I seem stuck. ( Will probably find some other project for these bulbs )

Question is, is there an HID bulb that fits the same holder as a halogen H10 as is commonly used in hand held spot lights? Anything from 10W to 35W would be ok.

I have never done a conversion to date...this is my first such attempt.

Any suggestions most welcome.

Patriot · Dec 5, 2009

:welcome:

Actually, the bulb type is the least of your problems if you don't have the appropriate ballast and power source, i.e. 12 Volts. For any automotive 35W HID bulb you'll need to be running a 12V SLA battery (minimum requirement) and a ballast with a voltage range of about 10V-15V.

Since 55W spots are usually too small to fit a ballast or 7A SLA battery, it typically doesn't work. You're better off to purchase a 12V 100-130W incan spotlight and covert it to HID, or simply purchase one of the value priced HID's to begin with.

Use the "Search" function at the upper right, check "CPF Only" and search the following lights.

Stanley HID
Sunforce 25
Titanium N30

This will vary in size and price but are all under $200.

paulckruger · Dec 6, 2009

Patriot said:
:welcome:

Actually, the bulb type is the least of your problems if you don't have the appropriate ballast and power source, i.e. 12 Volts. For any automotive 35W HID bulb you'll need to be running a 12V SLA battery (minimum requirement) and a ballast with a voltage range of about 10V-15V.

Since 55W spots are usually too small to fit a ballast or 7A SLA battery, it typically doesn't work. You're better off to purchase a 12V 100-130W incan spotlight and covert it to HID, or simply purchase one of the value priced HID's to begin with.

Thanks...

I already have two HID store-bought lights so that is not the issue. I was looking to convert one as a project. Ignore battery and ballast matters, I am only seeking feedback on bulbs.

The bulb is the remaining item to deal with as indicated in post.

In looking at the WA site I can buy smaller wattage such as their 14W which may be an option. They offer ballasts starting at $11.00 and lamps around $40 ( $100 min purchase so might buy two sets to play with )

Ideas?

Patriot · Dec 7, 2009

I suspect that it's going to require a small H3 type bulb like that of the Stanley HID. If you can post some pictures of the light and bulb that will help.

edit

paulckruger
and the base is nothing like the original bulb so I seem stuck. ( Will probably find some other project for these bulbs )

....and obviously the base of the stock incan bulb, which I suspect is bi-pin, will look different from HID bulbs. As long as the bulb is short enough to fit and the bulb base plate will fit centered against the back of the reflector, it should work. The HID bulb has its own automotive type connections which will match the ballast output connector so don't the let the fact that it looks different bother you in that regard.

paulckruger · Dec 7, 2009

Patriot said:
I suspect that it's going to require a small H3 type bulb like that of the Stanley HID. If you can post some pictures of the light and bulb that will help.

edit
....and obviously the base of the stock incan bulb, which I suspect is bi-pin, will look different from HID bulbs. As long as the bulb is short enough to fit and the bulb base plate will fit centered against the back of the reflector, it should work. The HID bulb has its own automotive type connections which will match the ballast output connector so don't the let the fact that it looks different bother you in that regard.

I understand the connections difference. It is the length of the bulb and how it seats in the reflector's holder that I want to duplicate.

I found this image of an H3 bulb which looks very much like the one I have that is stamped H10 on it.

HTML:

<img src="http://www.globalpremier.com/gpthunder7500k/gpthunder7500k-bulb-h3.jpg>

mvyrmnd · Dec 7, 2009

Patriot said:
I suspect that it's going to require a small H3 type bulb like that of the Stanley HID. If you can post some pictures of the light and bulb that will help.
edit
....and obviously the base of the stock incan bulb, which I suspect is bi-pin, will look different from HID bulbs. As long as the bulb is short enough to fit and the bulb base plate will fit centered against the back of the reflector, it should work. The HID bulb has its own automotive type connections which will match the ballast output connector so don't the let the fact that it looks different bother you in that regard.

+1

This is often the case. The bit that matters the most is the distance from the reflector to the element.

Compare the bulbs side by side. If the incan element and the HID arc bubble are the same distance from the reflector, you should have no issues. If the base plate is slightly different, mounting may be tricky, but by no means impossible.

Patriot · Dec 7, 2009

paulckruger said:
I understand the connections difference. It is the length of the bulb and how it seats in the reflector's holder that I want to duplicate.

I found this image of an H3 bulb which looks very much like the one I have that is stamped H10 on it.

HTML:

<img src="http://www.globalpremier.com/gpthunder7500k/gpthunder7500k-bulb-h3.jpg>

Can't see your link but if the H3 looks like your H10 then rock on dude. Obviously some modification could be necessary and you my have to trim down the base or seat the bulb at a shallow depth through the use of washers or other types of spacers. As long as it fits though the reflector hole you should be able to fudge what needs fudging.

Conversion Advice, H10

paulckruger

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Patriot

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paulckruger

Newly Enlightened

Patriot

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paulckruger

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mvyrmnd

Flashlight Enthusiast

Patriot

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