HID bulb replacement

[RNUK]

So car failed MoT yesterday on both dip beam bulbs. Grabbed a replacement today and will fit them myself.

heard all of the horror stories of replacing these so want to check if there is tips etc to not electrocute myself? 

[J Henderson]

Just make sure that the car is off and not "ready" and you'll be fine. I guess you could disconnect the 12v Battery for additional piece of mind. 

Removing or at least loosening and repositioning the air filter box might be required or desirable. Access to the rear of the lamps is pretty tight otherwise.

[RNUK]

Oh. Ok then. Not the life or death situation that I’ve heard it is then. 😁

Thanks 

[matt8]

I understand it can be dangerous due to voltage. So be careful. 

I had read the best way is to disconnect a fuse for the headlamps in the under bonnet fuse box. Someone with more experience may be able to affirm this.

[Chris111]

As @matt8 says the danger is with the voltage. I removed the headlamp fuses before I changed the bulbs on my previous GS but as @J Henderson says if you want total peace of mind disconnect the 12v Battery, although I didn't find this necessary.

[Herbie]

3 hours ago, RNUK said:

Oh. Ok then. Not the life or death situation that I’ve heard it is then.

It could be if you're not careful.

It takes about 20-25kV to strike the arc and about 80-85V to maintain it.

[Spock66]

There is also likely to be a residual charge even if you disconnect the Battery, but the contacts are not directly exposed so you would have to be pretty careless / unlucky to get a shock.  I have certainly changed HID bulbs, as others have stated access is likely to be the biggest problem.

 

[RNUK]

Well I’m still alive so, win!

Thanks all.