Published on: October 8, 2022
Written by Chris Dominic / Fact-checked by Nova Scarlett
There are several things you can use for a 12V outlet in a car. One is to charge your phone. You can also use it to power up a small fan or another device that uses 12V input.
Additionally, if you have an inverter, you can use the 12V outlet to power 110V devices such as laptops or portable TVs.
A 12V outlet in a car can be used for many things. You can use it to charge your phone or power a small appliance like a coffee maker. You can also use it to power a 12V LED light.
How to Use a 12V Power Outlet in a Car?
When it comes to automotive power outlets, there are two types: 12-volt and 120-volt. The 12-volt outlet is the most common type in cars, trucks, and SUVs. It’s also known as a cigarette lighter socket because it was originally designed to power cigarette lighters.
Nowadays, the 12-volt outlet is used for a wide variety of purposes. It can power GPS units, cell phone batteries chargers, portable air compressors, and more. Just about anything plugged into a standard household outlet can also be plugged into a 12-volt outlet with the proper adapter.
If your vehicle doesn’t have a 12-volt outlet, they are relatively easy to install yourself. You can find kits at most auto parts stores or online retailers. With a little time and effort, you can add this handy feature to your vehicle without breaking the bank.
Plug Into Cigarette Lighter
For many people, their car is like a second home. It’s a place where they spend a lot of time and it’s a place where they can relax and unwind after a long day. So, it’s no surprise that people want to be able to use their car’s cigarette lighter to power their devices.
However, there are some things you need to know before you start plugging things into your car’s cigarette lighter:
| Number one | First, not all devices are compatible with this type of power source. You’ll need to check your device’s manual or specifications to ensure it can handle being powered by a cigarette lighter. |
| Number two | Secondly, using your car’s cigarette lighter as a power source can strain your car’s electrical system. If you’re constantly plugging and unplugging devices or using high-powered devices, you could end up damaging your car’s battery or alternator. So, if you use your car’s cigarette lighter as a power source, be sure to do so sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. |
| Number three | Finally, keep in mind that powering your devices from your car’s cigarette lighter will slowly drain your car battery over time. So, if you’re planning on using your device for an extended period of time (like on a long road trip), be sure to bring along a charger or extra batteries, just in case. |
Can You Use a Cigarette Lighter As a Power Outlet?
If you’ve ever been in a car with a dead battery, you know how frustrating it can be. You may be able to jump-start your car, but what if there’s nowhere to plug in the jumper cables? That’s where a cigarette lighter power outlet comes in handy.
A cigarette lighter power outlet is a small adapter plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter and provides a standard AC or DC power outlet. This means you can plug in devices like your phone charger, laptop charger, or even a portable air compressor. Cigarette lighter power outlets are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at most auto parts stores.
They’re also easy to use – just plug them into the cigarette lighter and plug your device into the outlet. Some models even have built-in USB ports for charging phones and other devices. Remember that a cigarette lighter power outlet will only work when your car’s engine is running.
So if you’re stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery, you won’t be able to use one of these adapters to jump-start your car. However, it can be a lifesaver if you need to charge your phone or another device while on the go.
What Can I Plug into My Car 115V Outlet?
We all have our favorite gadgets that we like to take with us on road trips, but sometimes it can be a challenge to keep them all charged. If your car has a 115V outlet, also known as an AC adapter, you’re in luck! You can use this outlet to charge your devices while on the go.
Here are a few things you can plug into your car’s 115V outlet:
| Laptop | Most laptops will come with an AC adapter that can be plugged into this outlet. Just make sure you have enough power cords to reach the back seat! |
| Tablet | Many tablets can also be charged using an AC adapter. This is a great way to entertain your kids during long car rides. |
| Smartphone | Most smartphones can be charged via USB, so all you need is a USB cable and a port in the back seat to plug it into. Some newer cars even have built-in wireless charging pads for Qi-compatible devices. |
| Camera | Many digital cameras also come with AC adapters, so you can keep shooting photos and videos throughout your journey. Just make sure not to drain the battery completely – nobody wants to miss out on capturing that perfect sunset! Subwoofers also drain your car battery. |
How Much Power Can You Draw from a Car Outlet?
Car outlets provide up to 12 volts of direct current (DC) power. This is the same voltage that your new car battery needs to charge to produce. Most car outlets will also have a maximum amperage rating.
This is the maximum amount of current that can flow through the outlet. For example, a common amperage rating for a car outlet is 20 amps. This means you can draw up to 240 watts (12 volts x 20 amps) of power from a typical car outlet.
However, it’s important to note that this is only theoretical max power capacity. In reality, your car’s alternator and electrical system may not be able to deliver this much power on demand. Additionally, drawing too much power from your car’s electrical system can strain components and shorten the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery. When the car voltage is too low, the car won’t start.
Best 12V Car Accessories
We all know the feeling of being let down by our car accessories. Whether it’s a set of tires that don’t grip in the snow or a stereo system that can’t handle our favorite bass-heavy tracks, it can be frustrating when our cars don’t live up to our expectations. But never fear!
There are plenty of great car accessories out there that will make your driving experience better than ever. Here are 4 of the best:
A Good Set of Tires
This is essential for any driver, especially if you live in an area with unpredictable weather conditions. Get a set rated for your specific vehicle and driving needs.
An Upgraded Stereo System
If you want to boost your audio experience, consider upgrading your factory stereo system. You can find great options from brands like Alpine and Kenwood that will improve the sound quality of your car.
A Dash Cam
Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular and for a good reason! They provide an extra level of security while you’re on the road and can be invaluable in an accident or other incident. We recommend getting one with GPS capabilities, so you can always keep track of your location.
A Portable Charger
A portable charger. Whether you’re using your phone for navigation or just want to be able to charge it on long drives, a portable charger is a must-have accessory. Look for one compatible with multiple devices so you can keep all your gadgets charged up on the go.
Truck Cigarette Lighter Voltage
Most truck drivers know that the cigarette lighter in their vehicles provides 12 volts of power, but did you know that this voltage can fluctuate? Depending on the type of truck and how it’s being used, the cigarette lighter voltage can range from 10 to 16 volts. This means that if you’re using a 12-volt device, like a phone charger, in your cigarette lighter socket, it may not get enough power.
On the other hand, if you’re using a 24-volt device, like a fridge or TV, in a socket with 16 volts of power, you could be overloading it. To avoid damaging your devices or having them not work properly, it’s important to know what voltage your truck’s cigarette lighter sockets supply. You can usually find this information in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the door panel.
You can always ask your mechanic or dealership if you can’t find it there.
Do All Cars Have 12V Outlets?
As you probably know, most cars have a 12V outlet that you can use to power various devices and accessories. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, some high-end luxury cars don’t have a 12V outlet.
Instead, they may have a 110V or even 220V outlet for charging laptops and other devices requiring more power than a 12V outlet can provide. So, if you’re looking to charge your laptop in your car, check and see if your car has a 12V outlet before making the trip!
What Do You Use a 12V Socket in the Car For?
A 12V socket in the car is most commonly used to power electronic devices. This could be anything from a phone charger to a portable air compressor. Some people also use them to run small appliances like a coffee maker or mini-fridges.
The sockets are usually near the front of the vehicle, making it easy to reach and plug in devices while driving. They typically have a standard cigarette lighter adapter, which makes them compatible with many different types of devices. Check the voltage of your device before plugging it into a 12V socket, as some electronics can be damaged by too much power.
Always err on caution and unplug devices that are not in use to avoid overloading the system.
What Can I Use the Outlet in My Car For?
Assuming you have a standard 12-volt car outlet, there are several things you can use it for. Perhaps the most obvious is to charge your cellphone or other portable devices. You can also use it to power a small fan or space heater in winter or an air conditioner in summer.
If you have a cooler, you can also plug that in and keep drinks and snacks chilled while on the road. Some people use their car outlet to power a mini fridge in the trunk.
How Do I Put a 12V Outlet in My Car?
Adding a 12V outlet to your car is a pretty easy process that anyone can do with just a few tools:
First Step
The first step is to find an appropriate spot to install the outlet. This should be somewhere that is easily accessible and close to any wires or other electrical components in your car.
Second Step
Once you have found the spot, use a drill to make a hole for the outlet. Be sure to make the hole slightly bigger than the outlet so that it will fit snugly. Next, take the 12V outlet and attach it to the end of a length of wire.
Third Step
You will then need to route this wire through the hole drilled into your car’s interior. Once inside, connect the other end of the wire to one of your car’s battery terminals using a terminal connector. Make sure that this connection is tight so that there is no risk of sparks or shorts.
Final Step
Finally, screw or bolt the 12V outlet into place on the exterior of your car. You may want to use some sealant around the edges of the outlet to keep water and debris out. That’s it!
Now you have a handy 12V outlet in your car that you can use to power devices like phone chargers, portable air compressors, etc.
Wrap Up
If your car has a 12V outlet, you can use it to power a wide range of devices and accessories. Some of the most popular items powered by 12V outlets include phone chargers, portable air compressors, and small electronics. If you’re not sure what kind of device you can plug into your car’s 12V outlet, consult your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.
References:
