What is the voltage of a cigarette lighter?
2 Answers
The power voltage of a cigarette lighter is mostly 12 volts, which is consistent with the vehicle's battery voltage. Typically, the cigarette lighter has a separate power line connected to it and is not mixed with other circuits, so it has a separate fuse. The maximum current that a car cigarette lighter can withstand is mostly 10A. There may be slight differences depending on the vehicle model, but this is generally the case. Related introduction to car cigarette lighters: Introduction to car cigarette lighters: A cigarette lighter is a component found in all cars, used as a convenient source of fire for lighting cigarettes. The power supply is generally 12 volts DC (may vary by vehicle model), with the central elastic head as the positive pole and the side clips (ears) as the negative pole. Function of car cigarette lighters: Besides lighting cigarettes, a car cigarette lighter can also be used with a car inverter to power ordinary electrical appliances, such as charging electronic devices like mobile phones. Operation method of car cigarette lighters: First, insert the cigarette lighter into the car's power socket. Then press the button in the center of the cigarette lighter. At this point, the cigarette lighter will automatically heat up, and it will pop out automatically once heating is complete. Finally, remove the cigarette lighter, and you will see the red-hot heating wire, which can be used to light cigarettes.
Last time I got my car repaired, I specifically measured the cigarette lighter voltage. When the engine is off, it hovers around 12 volts, but once started, the alternator kicks in and the voltage rises to about 14 volts. This range is actually quite precise—enough to power fast phone chargers and run devices like car refrigerators. For small gadgets like dash cams, you can plug them in directly. But be careful: high-power devices like vacuum cleaners or air pumps can overheat the cigarette lighter socket with prolonged use, and in severe cases, the fuse may blow directly.
