While reading through a manual or handbook for electronics or car accessories if you notice a reference to a 12 volt outlet. Although most of people use 12 volt outlets every day, many people don't know what it is and refer to it as the cigarette lighter socket. Nearly every vehicle has no less than one, and several newer vehicle models and RVs include many of these outlets.
The 12 volt outlet has been standard in vehicles created in the United States since 1920's. Typically known as a cigarette lighter socket, these were simply that will heat a cigarette lighter by direct current from the vehicle's battery. Newer cars usually have a plastic dummy plug called an adjunct outlet instead of the lighter. Many items, including cellular phone chargers, portable GPS units, and 12 volt appliances, are already made to operate using power readily available outlets.
Though they look a great deal alike, and quite a few times look like identical, there are a few differences involving the cigarette lighter socket as well as the 12 volt accessory socket. If the vehicle has a cigarette lighter socket in addition to a 12 volt accessory outlet, then a actual push in cigarette lighter could only be utilized in the outlet designated to the lighter. The real reason for this is the lighter socket is made from materials will not be affected by the heat of the glowing hot cigarette lighter. While using cigarette lighter from the 12 volt accessory outlet is just not recommended mainly because it is sure to cause damage.
You'll find power handling differences too. Often the lighter socket is wired and fused to handle a maximum draw of 10-amps, whereas the 12 volt accessory outlet are occasionally able to handle around 20-amps. The vehicle's owner manual will state the skills of every.
You'll find aftermarket 12 volt accessory outlets readily available for older model cars that do not come standard with one, or for people that want more than a single. While adding the opening is fairly simple, this is not an activity for anyone.
There are 2 methods to include a 12 volt outlet on your vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer often leaves a couple of empty locations inside the fuse block for applications exactly like this, so consumers may safely and easily include a new outlet. As soon as is just not a choice, direct wiring on the vehicle's battery becomes necessary. Either way, the procedure should take just an hour or so according to your level of skill. Once you've properly added the new accessory outlet you are to start out plugging in your 12 volt devices and accessories.