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24V systems actually operate at about 28V.Good information. Thank you. Here is a electrical question I have wondered about...... I'm putting 27v through the #17 and #18 connectors in the headlight bucket... Whether it's the Osram bulbs or LED's can they handle that voltage?? or is 27v simply killing the cheaper sealed beams? Trying not to piss more money away than necessary
It's based off of the "12V" battery, which is over 12V, but less than 13V when fully charged.
To charge a battery, you have to have higher voltage than the battery to force the battery to absorb the energy. You could theoretically do it at the 12.6V that is considered the full battery charge, but it would take forever, and any time that power was used in the system, that voltage would drop.
For a 12V lead acid battery, charging voltage will be around 14-14.5V
For a 24V system, that would be 28-29V.
Everything in the vehicle is designed that it will operate normally at 28V. You won't likely start seeing any issues until you have sustained voltages over 32V or short voltage spikes higher than that.
For the sealed beams, if they are designed for a 24V system, then that means they should be just fine up to 30V no problems.
Buying cheaper bulbs means you are likely buying products with lower quality control inspections and standards, so trying to save a few dollars can come back to bite you.
This is where I ordered my first set of headlights from. One of the bulbs burned out within the first couple weeks of using them.
I replaced with the Osram ones I linked above, and the bulbs have survived several housing replacements (hint: don't drive through foot deep mud puddles at high speed with your headlights on, as the glass gets hot and will crack)
Looking at the current prices, if your budget is really tight, just ordering the kit below and adding the Osram bulbs will save you a few bucks, as it's the bulbs, lens, and the pigtails you need all in one kit.
H4 HEAD LIGHT CONVERSION DOT APPROVED (PAIR)
NOW DOT APPROVED LENS We have upgraded the lens to the Directional Glass lens with metal backing at no extra charge instead of the plastic backing with clear lens. These are a great improvement over stock headlights. If you are on a budget, but want something brighter than your stock...
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