What is the voltage and current output of a car cigarette lighter?
2 Answers
The output voltage of a car cigarette lighter socket is 12V, with a maximum output current of 15 amps or 20 amps. Traditionally, the cigarette lighter draws power from the car's electrical system to heat a metal heating element or wire, serving as a source for lighting cigarettes. More details are as follows: 1. With the evolution of automobiles and changing consumer needs, the cigarette lighter socket can often be equipped with a car power inverter to charge mobile electronic devices, among other uses. 2. As a standard component in all vehicles, the cigarette lighter socket was initially designed to power the cigarette lighter for convenient smoking. However, with the rise of in-car electrical appliances and chargers in recent years, the cigarette lighter has increasingly taken on the role of a power source.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, the cigarette lighter in my car is a standard 12V DC outlet with a current capacity typically around 10 to 15 amps. The maximum output power is roughly 150 watts, which I often use for cigarette lighters or charging my phone. Once, I accidentally plugged in a small fridge without paying attention, and it blew the fuse, causing a hassle to get it replaced at the repair shop. Now, the voltage in my car is quite stable—measured with a multimeter, it consistently hovers around 12V with minimal fluctuation, unlike the battery, which can fluctuate during charging. I recommend avoiding high-power devices like heaters, as they can overload and cause short circuits. When buying chargers, check the label for rated values and opt for accessories with safety certifications to ensure safer and more convenient car usage.
