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Cigarette lighter power limit

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by PriusII&C, Mar 31, 2021.

  1. PriusII&C

    PriusII&C Active Member

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    I plan to buy a vacuum cleaner powered by the cigarette lighter socket, like this one. However, it specifies for 150W. I did a quick online search and found many cars limit the cigarette lighter current to 10A, including Prius. This is obviously not enough to provide 150W for the vacuum cleaner.

    On the other hand, there are hundreds of reviews on Amazon for the vacuum cleaner, and I cannot find even one with power/fuse problems. So my question is: has anyone used similar vacuum cleaners? If so, is there a concern with power supply?
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    adding a fused 12v socket with thicker wire as close to the battery as possible will allow you to safely draw more amps than the lighter in the dash will.
     
  3. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Isn't the cig lighter 15A, in which case you'd be fine?
     
  4. PriusII&C

    PriusII&C Active Member

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    I don't have the users manual with me. But some people stated that even the fuse is rated at 15A, the manual specifies for 10A. That is why I want to know if anybody has used a vacuum cleaner.
     
  5. PriusII&C

    PriusII&C Active Member

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    Sure that is a safe way. I just want to know if I can do it the lazy way. :p
     
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  6. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    I have found that my solid state cooler drawing about 5 amps get the auxiliary power connector (AKA cigarette lighter) hot. so take car handling more current through this limited connector.

    JeffD
     
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  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Isn't there a label right on the outlet saying 10 amps / 120 watts max?
     
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  8. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    Chap, That's for the socket. The plug is another matter.

    JeffD
     
  9. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    There certainly is on mine.
    If fuses are frequently run close to their blow limit, then they will have a short life expectancy, failing from the fatigue of many partial melt cycles. To avoid many nuisance blows and replacements, one must leave a significant gap between applied load and their rated trip point.
     
  10. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    There's an "E" that says the gas tank is empty also.
     
  11. BZzap!

    BZzap! Senior Member

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    Perhaps the easiest way is to install some clamps on the vacuum power cord and when you have use it, connect it right to the battery posts. They are pretty accessible .
     
  12. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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  13. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    The easiest way would be to get the vacuum and try it.
    Even if it is near to the fuse capacity, it should be OK for short runs.
     
  14. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    And then throw it away if it doesn't.

    I think that's why the OP was looking for pre-purchase advice.

    The greatest load will be a surge at startup. After that short run or long run won't matter. It draws what it draws.
     
  15. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    That depends on what kind of motor it IS.
    Some draw more current the faster that they run.

    And fuses "blow" when heat melts the fusible link.
    It is possible for a fuse to carry near to it's capacity for a short time before the heat builds up and the fuse melts.
     
  16. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    It doesn't "depend" -- the OP told us what type of motor it is. A 12v vaccum cleaner. Even gave us a link.
    ON / OFF, not variable speed.
     
  17. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    So.....when you throw the switch, it goes from 0 to redline instantly ? :whistle:

    He told us what kind of appliance it is, not what kind of motor it contains.
    AND.....this side discussion doesn't help the OP with his question in the least.

    The fact IS:
    If you plug it in and it runs without blowing the fuse, that is not conclusive proof that the fuse won't give up with a long run time.
     
  18. Hybrid Ron

    Hybrid Ron Junior Member

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    Are there different "kinds of motors" for a DC vacuum cleaner? LOL