Current output from Cigarette ligher
- Thread starter neezzer
- Start date
thatoneguy
- Joined Feb 19, 2009
- 6,359
For older cars, there is usually a 15 or 20 Amp fuse on a standard lighter socket, but I wouldn't suggest running continually at that current, as there is usually only a 12 or 10 gauge wire to it. The fuse is to allow the high current and short duration of a cigarette lighter heating element.
For anything over 200W continuous, Have a heavier wire and fuse installed. The occasional exception are the 12V "Power Jacks" usually found in pickups and SUVs. They are usually good for continual 200W-250W, which is enough for 150W (300W Peak/Surge) power inverters running continually.
For heater applications that produce enough heat to be useful, the load will usually kill the battery or alternator fairly quickly if the system hasn't been upgraded. This is why the 110VAC "plug-in" block heater options are common cars built for northern climates.
For anything over 200W continuous, Have a heavier wire and fuse installed. The occasional exception are the 12V "Power Jacks" usually found in pickups and SUVs. They are usually good for continual 200W-250W, which is enough for 150W (300W Peak/Surge) power inverters running continually.
For heater applications that produce enough heat to be useful, the load will usually kill the battery or alternator fairly quickly if the system hasn't been upgraded. This is why the 110VAC "plug-in" block heater options are common cars built for northern climates.
