What is the amperage of a 12V cigarette lighter fuse?
4 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.
My car's cigarette lighter fuse blew once, which gave me a scare. I checked the manual and found out it was a 15-amp fuse. Later, I asked my friends, and most cars have fuses ranging between 10 to 20 amps, with 15 amps being the most common. The maximum power of the cigarette lighter should not exceed its rated value. For example, 12 volts multiplied by 15 amps equals 180 watts. Using high-power devices can easily cause it to blow. I always check the condition of the cigarette lighter, especially before long trips. If the fuse blows, replacing it is quite simple—just don’t use a different amperage model to avoid circuit issues. From personal experience, I recommend keeping some 5A or 15A fuses in the car for emergencies. Paying attention to these small details improves the car's reliability and saves you from major repairs.
As a car enthusiast, I always pay attention to the ampere rating of the cigarette lighter fuse. Typically, it ranges from 10 to 20 amps, with 15 amps being the mainstream. However, it depends on the vehicle type—small cars might have 10 amps, while larger vehicles could have 15 amps. Choosing the correct ampere rating is crucial to prevent overloading and damaging devices, as a higher power draw can blow the fuse and require troublesome repairs. I recommend first checking the fuse with a multimeter. Its location is usually in a labeled box under the passenger seat. When replacing, stick to the same ampere rating and avoid experimenting with different specifications. For daily use, the cigarette lighter can handle phone chargers or small fans, but avoid adding extra loads to keep the car's electrical system healthy.
