Using Cigarette Lighter as Power Outlet . .OK?
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Using Cigarette Lighter as Power Outlet . .OK?
Sorry if this is a noob question. I've actually been registered on this site before (back in the day, with a 99 F150 and all its door crack glory).
I've got a new 06 F150 with both the cigarette lighter and the power outlet. Seems like I read somewhere a warning NOT to use the Cigarette Lighter as a power outlet--but that doesn't make any sense to me.
I have a need for both outlets on a road trip: one for a portable DVD player, another for the GPS unit. I'd rather not buy a splitter.
Is there *any* reason not to use the Cigarette Lighter as a power outlet?
Much Obliged.
I've got a new 06 F150 with both the cigarette lighter and the power outlet. Seems like I read somewhere a warning NOT to use the Cigarette Lighter as a power outlet--but that doesn't make any sense to me.
I have a need for both outlets on a road trip: one for a portable DVD player, another for the GPS unit. I'd rather not buy a splitter.
Is there *any* reason not to use the Cigarette Lighter as a power outlet?
Much Obliged.
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From: Georgia on my mind...
I dunno the exact reasoning behind it, but I think it's got something to do with the cigar lighter sharing a fuse with the DLC, and the power points having their own dedicated fuses. In any case, I use the cigar lighter on my truck for charging my cell phone all the time with no problems.
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Owner's manual!? What's that?
Just kidding. I'll check it out. I think that might be where I picked up the "do not use as electrical outlet" warning.
But that just seems patently stupid to me, so I was hoping to get a few legitimate "eh, don't worry about it" responses so I don't have to purchase and fuss over a dongle/splitter for the other power outlet.
If there *is* a reason not to use it, I'd like to know what it is.
Just kidding. I'll check it out. I think that might be where I picked up the "do not use as electrical outlet" warning.
But that just seems patently stupid to me, so I was hoping to get a few legitimate "eh, don't worry about it" responses so I don't have to purchase and fuss over a dongle/splitter for the other power outlet.
If there *is* a reason not to use it, I'd like to know what it is.
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Originally Posted by Quintin
I dunno the exact reasoning behind it, but I think it's got something to do with the cigar lighter sharing a fuse with the DLC, and the power points having their own dedicated fuses. In any case, I use the cigar lighter on my truck for charging my cell phone all the time with no problems.
However, I don't want to blow the whole works.
What do you think? It's either that or a portable DVD player, which the boys will be watching up front. I figure the DVD will have a bigger draw with the big screen and moving parts.
Last edited by gramparsons; May 30, 2006 at 09:39 AM.
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
Originally Posted by gramparsons
Owner's manual!? What's that?
Just kidding. I'll check it out. I think that might be where I picked up the "do not use as electrical outlet" warning....<snip>...
Just kidding. I'll check it out. I think that might be where I picked up the "do not use as electrical outlet" warning....<snip>...
The auxiliary power point is located on the instrument panel.
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter
element (if equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s) over the vehicle capacity of 12 VDC/180W.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not use the power point longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
An additional auxiliary power point is located on the lower rear side of
the center console. The power point is accessible from the rear seats.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
Cigarette/Cigar lighter (if equipped)
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter socket.
Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from its heating position when it is ready to be used.
Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your warranty.
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter
element (if equipped).
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s) over the vehicle capacity of 12 VDC/180W.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not use the power point longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
An additional auxiliary power point is located on the lower rear side of
the center console. The power point is accessible from the rear seats.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
Cigarette/Cigar lighter (if equipped)
Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter socket.
Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from its heating position when it is ready to be used.
Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your warranty.
I used mine for powering my Sirius Starmate Replay & PIE interface prior to installing the factory Sirius rcvr, without trouble.
Fuse # 41 only has the Cigar lighter and the power for the DLC on it, as Quintin posted.
20 AMP, and youa re not using the DLC while driving ( unless running something like Autotap for data logging ) so as long as you do not pass the 180 W limit, you are good to go.
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Dlc?
Wtf?
Oh, and thanks for the response.
I looked up the specs for the GARMIN:
Input: 12/24v Dc
Usuage: 15w max. @ 13.8v Dc
That's virtually nothing. Hard to imagine that causing any problems . . no worries?
Wtf?
Oh, and thanks for the response.
I looked up the specs for the GARMIN:
Input: 12/24v Dc
Usuage: 15w max. @ 13.8v Dc
That's virtually nothing. Hard to imagine that causing any problems . . no worries?
Last edited by gramparsons; May 30, 2006 at 10:06 AM.
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
Originally Posted by gramparsons
Dlc?
Originally Posted by gramparsons
I looked up the specs for the GARMIN:
Input: 12/24v Dc
Usuage: 15w max. @ 13.8v Dc
That's virtually nothing. Hard to imagine that causing any problems . . no worries?
Input: 12/24v Dc
Usuage: 15w max. @ 13.8v Dc
That's virtually nothing. Hard to imagine that causing any problems . . no worries?