Hello,
I have a new inverter generator and today I was testing all the outlets.

I noticed the DC Cigarette Lighter Outlet measures 16.2v and that seems a bit high.
Is that safe or could some devices possibly be damaged at that output?
Thanks

Schematic for this section....

 

Do you have the lighter? Insert lighter and measure.

 

Seems high to me; around 13.8V max would be more reasonable. Does it drop if you put a load on it?

 

As far as I am aware the normal operating peak voltage is 14.4v. - 14.6v for alternator output.
At least my GM. factory manuals state that.
Max.

 

Max is right. Auto DC shouldn't be higher than 14.5. If that's what it represents.

I wonder what voltage was used on the Hindenburg lighters? Probably AC.

 

Seems high to me; around 13.8V max would be more reasonable. Does it drop if you put a load on it?

Your post is what the Tech support Department for the generator has suggested.
He said the power for this comes directly from the "windings" and not from the Inverter.
Apparently there is a bridge rectifier involved.

So he said to put a small load of 250 - 500mA on it and then measure the voltage.

 

The 12V output of Inverter generators is un regulated DC & can easily go as high as 18V DC. Not recommended for charging batterys un attended.

 

Just out of curiosity you are showing a USB labeled connector with 12 Volts (or whatever it is) across it. Would there be any reason for that? I just am curious as I never saw 12 Volts on a USB connector before.

The 12V output of Inverter generators is un regulated DC & can easily go as high as 18V DC. Not recommended for charging batterys un attended.

I have heard that but never had the opportunity to research it. Thanks for passing that along.

Ron

 

Just out of curiosity you are showing a USB labeled connector with 12 Volts (or whatever it is) across it. Would there be any reason for that? I just am curious as I never saw 12 Volts on a USB connector before.


I have heard that but never had the opportunity to research it. Thanks for passing that along.

Ron

That USB A outlet has a built in regulator. I measured it at 4.99V

 

The 12V output of Inverter generators is un regulated DC & can easily go as high as 18V DC. Not recommended for charging batterys un attended.

Does this apply to ALL Inverter Generators?

 

That USB A outlet has a built in regulator. I measured it at 4.99V

Cool, it was just a curiosity thing. Now as to the actual DC generator voltage? I haven't a clue but the inverter type generators have taken off in popularity recently. I would guess the DC voltage going to the inverter will, to some extent. be a function of the RPM of the generator, but only to a point. The beauty of the beast is a fixed frequency and regulated AC voltage out independent of the generator rotational speed which is controlled based on demand rather than needed line frequency..

The Pros and Cons of Inverter Generators is a good read on the subject.

Ron