Cigarette lighter sockets, also called power outlets, are crucial automobile components or accessories designed to power multiple portable devices within cars and other vehicles. A cigarette lighter socket is mainly found in vehicles' dashboards or center console areas and is made from durable thermoplastic materials. Power outlets comprise a heating element that acts as a cigarette lighter while powering compatible devices. These sockets and plugs are essential car accessories in single and multi-socket packages. A cigarette 12 V socket in a car comes in female connectors, providing a 12V DC power supply to electronic devices and other portable smart devices, such as tablets, dashcams, and mobile phones.
Key Features of Cigarette Lighter Sockets
Cigarette lighter sockets come equipped with numerous special features, such as:
- Powering Multiple Devices: Originally designed to power electrically heated cigarette lighters, these sockets are now primarily used to power a variety of electronic devices and accessories, such as mobile phones, GPS devices, portable music players, and more.
- Adapter Compatibility: Various adapters are available to plug different types of devices into a cigarette lighter socket. These adapters convert the socket's 12V DC power into the appropriate voltage and current needed for the connected device.
- Fused Protection: Cigarette lighter sockets often come equipped with built-in fuses to protect both the socket and the connected device from overloading and short circuits. If the current draw exceeds a certain threshold, the fuse will blow, preventing damage to the circuit.
- Adaptive Functionality: Some modern vehicles have enhanced power outlets that can detect the type of device connected and adjust the power output accordingly. This feature helps prevent overloading and ensures efficient charging.
- Aftermarket Accessories: If your vehicle doesn't have enough cigarette lighter sockets or requires additional power outlets, you can purchase aftermarket adapters that plug into existing sockets or even install new sockets in your vehicle.
- USB Ports: Besides traditional cigarette lighter sockets, many vehicles now come equipped with USB ports for charging devices that use USB cables. These ports provide a more standardized and versatile way to charge various electronics.
Voltage Rating of Cigarette Lighter Sockets
Depending on the socket specifications, designs, and vehicle models, cigarette lighter sockets come in varied voltage ratings, including 12V car cigarette lighter sockets and 24V car cigarette lighter sockets. 12V auxiliary power outlets are primarily found in vehicles to charge multiple accessories and devices working with vehicles' electrical systems.
Popular Types of Cigarette Lighter Sockets
Cigarette lighter sockets vary based on design, voltage, and purpose. Some common cigarette lighter socket types include:
- Standard Cigarette Lighter Socket
- 12V Cigarette Lighter Socket
- USB Power Outlet
- High Power Cigarette Lighter Socket
- Multi-Function Sockets
- Marine Cigarette Lighter Socket
- Heavy-Duty Sockets
- Universal Cigarette Lighter Socket
- Flush-Mount Sockets
- Retractable Cigarette Lighter Socket.
Cigarette Lighter Socket Compatibility with Devices
The range of cigarette lighter sockets compatible devices include:
- Tablets
- Mobile Phones
- Sat Navs
- Cigarette Lighters
- Dash Cams
- USB Battery Chargers
- Heating Devices
- Lights, and
- Air Compressors.
Which Vehicles Use Cigarette Lighter Sockets?
Cigarette lighter sockets are mostly found in multiple automobiles, such as:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Trucks
- Commercial Vehicles
- Boats
- Emergency and Service Vehicles
- Caravans.
