I am about to buy a DC to AC power inverter to run some small electronics. I was told that the power rating of the cigarette lighter is 150W and that I should not buy an inverter with a higher rating.

Can anyone confirm that this is the rating of that circuit?

Thanks!

 

Pull you fuse door and read on it the fuse rating. That's your amperage, multiply by 12 volts to get wattage. An inverter could also be wired to the battery with it's own fuse just like an amp. This would increase your available power.

 

Incidentally, can anyone recommend a good place in a 1992 Maxima GXE firewall to pass through wires for an inverter from the battery?

Thanks,

--- Rupert

Rupert Scammell
rupe@metro.yak.net
http://metro.yak.net:8080

 

So if we pull the fuse and upgrade it to a higher wattage? I'm basically looking to power a laptop, a Sony VAIO. The power supply to it says 19.5V, output 2.15A. Input 1.1A-.6A and it takes 100V to 240V. Anyone know if I can use a 300W Power Inverter with my 98 Max's cig adapter?

 

Sure! Just upgrade the fuse. That way while you are driving down the road computing, your car will catch on fire. Somewhere between the fusebox and cigarette lighter. The wireing can't handle more power. Wire directly to the battery and put a fuse in.

Rupe, pass the wire through near the floor on the same side as the battery. Just drill a small hole. 1/4 to 3/8 inch should be plenty for an 8 gauge wire which is more than enough for that power. Use some touch up paint on the edge of the drilled hole. When it dries insert a rubber grommet. They have them in numerous sizes at most hardware stores, or the electrical section of your auto parts store. Put the fuse within 18 inches of the battery.

 

So will the cig adapter power a 140W Power Inverter with no problems?

I'm power-clueless, as you can probably tell. heh.

 

I think the fuse may only be 10 amps but it probably won't blow with just 11.7 amps flowing. Especially if the inverter will only draw max current when maximally loaded.