What is the amperage of a 12V cigarette lighter fuse?
2 Answers
The fuse box for the cigarette lighter uses a DC 12-volt, 15-amp fuse. Here is some additional information: 1. Function of the cigarette lighter: Generally, the cigarette lighter is mainly used in places where open flames are prohibited, such as factories and workshops, where smoking is required, so only the cigarette lighter can be used. In addition to providing a flame for smoking, the car cigarette lighter can also be equipped with a car inverter, which converts the car's 12V, 24V, or 48V DC power into 220V/50Hz AC power for use with ordinary electrical appliances. For example, it can charge mobile electronic devices. 2. Car inverter: It is best to use a split-type car inverter, with the power of the electrical appliance limited to below 150W, and the output current not exceeding the battery current. The cigarette lighter socket is an electronic device similar to a multi-hole power socket for household use. It connects to the car's power supply through a plug and then provides multiple cigarette lighter ports. The cigarette lighter socket is very useful for car owners who frequently use car electronics.
I've repaired quite a few cars, and the ampere rating of cigarette lighter fuses usually depends on the brand and model. The most common is 15 amps, but some German cars use 10 amps, while American cars might go up to 20 amps. It all comes down to the circuit design - choosing too low an amperage can cause frequent blowing, while too high may create overheating risks. Whenever you find your cigarette lighter not working, I recommend first checking the fuse box location (typically under the steering wheel or in the engine compartment) and testing with a multimeter. If replacing it yourself, always use the exact same specification - never install higher-amperage fuses for more power, as this can damage wiring or even cause fires, which is extremely dangerous. Safety first: make it a habit to check your manual for the specific rating, since there are big differences between models (e.g., compact cars often use 10A while SUVs may require 15A). Through my experience, I always advise car owners to keep spare fuses in their vehicles for emergencies.
