Why do i need Painless wire relay for my headight conversion?

[ProjectCam76]

I ordered the Hella conversion headlights, H4 bulbs, and Painless wiring relay. I told my mechanic what I ordered for him so he can install it for me later. He asked why did I buy the Painless relay. He told me I didn't need it. Well I felt like sheep when I replied with "everyone else ordered it the relay too!" haha So can someone tell me why having the relay would be better versus not having it. So then I can explain it to him. BTW, my Camaro is 1976 year.


This is the relay I purchased.
Painless H-4 Headlight Relay Conversion Harness P/N 30815

 

[3SLO5]

The reason for the relay and if your mechanic needs a reason he must not know too much.
The power to the headlites goes through the headlight switch and back to power the bulbs,theres a power loss and amprage draw running the length of the wires usually by the time the power gets to the lights its only 11-12volts on old crusty wiring.
By hooking the relays up directly to the battery the new headlight wiring uses the headlight switch just to trigger the relays getting juiced up at 13-14 volts and the lights are brighter.

 

[COPO]

I'd find another mechanic. This guy sounds like a clown.

 

[Zspoiler]

I have Hella Headlights with H-4 bulbs in both my 1979 Z-28 RS Camaro. And my 1981 El Camino SS.And have never needed a relay.It sound that are either badly informed Or trying to pull a fast one..

 

[junkyardZ28find]

The headlights switches have a built-in ballast because full amperage goes through it. It's a safety issue-running higher powered headlights which can demand even more amperage through the headlight switch results in the ballast working harder to block more amperage which builds heat-while relays aren't a requirement, it's definitely a good idea with stock headlamps and even moreso on high wattage bulbs.

As for the mechanic himself, I'll just say imo that 80% of "mechanics" are not electrically motivated to understand the basics let alone the slightly more complicated or modified. I don't care for the Painless or AAW universal relays kits because I prefer everything be GM color coded to keep it all factory appearing. Besides, Painless relay kits are not rated as high as oem j1128 wiring. But, this means little to a mechanic who doesn't know why one should use a relay in the first place.

 

[Coadster32]

While I didn't do relays for my headlamps...yet....I did use relays for the power windows. Same situation...all current thru the switch. Windows operate much faster with a relay setup because more current can flow freely to them. I'd get another mechanic to install your headlight setup.

I'm interested in doing this upgrade as well. Could I trouble you for links or such to the equipment you purchased for this? I saw the other thread yesterday with the car facing the garage door..one headlight old, and one new. Very impressive.

 

[ProjectCam76]

While I didn't do relays for my headlamps...yet....I did use relays for the power windows. Same situation...all current thru the switch. Windows operate much faster with a relay setup because more current can flow freely to them. I'd get another mechanic to install your headlight setup.

I'm interested in doing this upgrade as well. Could I trouble you for links or such to the equipment you purchased for this? I saw the other thread yesterday with the car facing the garage door..one headlight old, and one new. Very impressive.

Headlights
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hla-002395301

Painless wiring kit
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/prf-30815

LED headlight kit/bulbs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/331747202903

 

[ProjectCam76]

I'd find another mechanic. This guy sounds like a clown.

Can you show me a pull back (zoomed out) pic of that area? So I can see where you installed the relay kit.

 

[hogg]

I like the older lites,not as (bright) but can see better with the orange looking lites, does not blind on coming traffet , does not kill my night vission, and knowing that something speial is coming my way. When was the last time you really needed you bright lites? You need dark around you to see better, farther. If you are in the dark , you could see a puff on a cigerat 500 yards away. I thank they are cool ,but not an ,upgrade,

 

[junkyardZ28find]

Well for one thing newer, high quality lights with more output also extends the lighting in a wider pattern too-here in deer country that can be very helpful at night!