What is the amperage of a car cigarette lighter fuse?
3 Answers
Car cigarette lighter fuses are generally 5 amps. Below is relevant information about car cigarette lighters: 1. Differences: The power supply for small cars is typically DC 12V (may vary depending on the vehicle model), with the central spring contact being the positive pole and the side clips (ears) being the negative pole. It is directly connected to the car's battery, sharing the same current and power specifications as the battery. 2. Usage: A car cigarette lighter functions similarly to a household multi-socket power strip, connecting to the car's power supply via a plug and providing multiple cigarette lighter sockets. The cigarette lighter socket is particularly useful for car owners who frequently use electronic devices in their vehicles, such as charging mobile phones, MP3/MP4 players, and other digital products. Additionally, besides serving its primary function, the car cigarette lighter can be equipped with a car power inverter, which converts the car's 12V, 24V, or 48V DC power into 220V/50Hz AC power for use with common electrical appliances. It is advisable to use a split-type car inverter, with the appliance power limited to below 150W, ensuring the output current does not exceed the battery's current capacity.
I researched this when I first bought my car. The cigarette lighter fuse is generally around 15 amps, but it may vary between different cars. My old car had a 15A fuse, while some newer models now come with 20A. Why do I know this so well? Because I once blew a fuse when the cigarette lighter suddenly lost power after connecting a high-power vacuum cleaner, as the repair shop later found out. The fuse amperage can be checked in the owner's manual or on the label of the fuse box cover, usually located under the floor or steering wheel. Replacing it is simple—just buy a new fuse with the same amperage and use pliers to pull out the old one and insert the new one. Avoid overloading with high-power devices, like car refrigerators, which can easily blow the fuse. Nowadays, cigarette lighters are often used for chargers with higher current demands, so knowing the amperage helps prevent trouble and safety hazards. I also recommend checking the fuse periodically and replacing it if it shows signs of wear or aging.
As a young car owner, I still remember the first time I changed a fuse. The amperage of the cigarette lighter fuse is mostly between 10A and 20A for most cars, with 15A being common, but you should check your own car's manual for specifics. My car uses a 17A fuse, and it never blew when charging my phone during long trips. The purpose of a fuse is to prevent short circuits or overloads—for example, connecting high-power devices can easily cause it to blow. The fuse is located in a small box under the dashboard, with a diagram on the cover indicating the amperage. If it blows, never randomly replace it with a higher amperage fuse, as this could lead to a circuit fire—I learned this the hard way. The cigarette lighter isn’t just for lighting cigarettes; it can also power navigation devices or air purifiers. Knowing the amperage ensures electrical safety, especially during long trips with multiple devices. Checking it is simple—just open the fuse box, and it takes only a few minutes.
