High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps use vaporized metallic elements to produce visible wavelengths of energy; aka, bright light. There are three main types of HID lamps: mercury vapor, metal halide and sodium.

When compared to halogen lights, high intensity discharge lighting provides more light output at a lower wattage, produces whiter light that is perceived as brighter, and has a longer individual bulb life.

High intensity lamps are used in a variety of settings. In the United States, HID lighting is used most often in commercial and outdoor settings. HID headlight bulbs and HID fog lights are increasing in popularity.

When choosing HID bulbs consider the following:

1. Is warm-up time before lighting a problem?
2. How will I maintain the safety requirements for HID bulbs?
3. What type of ballasts will I need?
4. How will I control and integrate the HID lighting system?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose the appropriate HID light for your needs

HID lamps are often used in specialized settings such as underwater diving, task lighting and landscape settings where brighter light may be important. A lighting designer can help determine if HID lighting is appropriate for your needs.

I recommend: Sylvania has a lighting design group that can determine which HID lighting system is best for your needs. Halcyon specializes in dive gear. They have a HID lighting system designed especially for underwater use. Nightscenes and eLights.com offer selections of HID bulbs for sale and complete HID outdoor systems.

Choose the best control system for your HID lighting

High intensity lamp systems that require multiple lamps can be complicated to coordinate and install. Finding reputable suppliers of HID lamps and ballast kits can make the installation process much easier.

I recommend: Ballast Kit sells complete ballast kits for HID lamps from 50 to 1500 watts. Voss Lighting has an extensive selection of ballast kits.

For automotive applications, choose a qualified HID headlight supplier

HID headlight bulbs produce 70% more light than traditional headlight bulbs and provide increased safety for night driving. HID bulbs emit a blue-white light that stimulates the reflective paint of road markers and signs, illuminates a larger area in front of the vehicle, and does not disturb the vision of oncoming drivers.

I recommend: HIDSources.com carries a wide range of HID bulbs for automotive use. Plasma Garage and WholesaleXenonHID.com offer HID bulbs and conversion kits.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If the power source fails or if the lamp is lost, HID bulbs require time to come up to full power. In settings where continuous light is important, have a back-up lighting system available.
• •  Be sure to follow all safety recommendations for your HID lamp. Some HID bulbs get extremely hot and can explode if handled incorrectly, sending hot glass shards far away from the source.