The car fuse for the cigarette lighter is typically 15 amperes and is labeled as “LTR ”. Located within the fuse box under the hood. Determining whether this fuse is blown can be checked either by utilizing a multimeter or through alternative means without the use of a multimeter. The cigarette lighter can blow for a circuit drawing higher amperage than the fuse capacity, foreign objects in the socket, and short circuit.
For a deeper understanding, keep reading beyond this brief summary.
What Fuse For Cigarette Lighters?
Cigarette lighters are typically protected by fuses with 15 amps. These ranges may vary depending on the car’s make and model. The cigarette lighter is usually labeled with “LTR,” the short form of lighter.
In general, cigarette lighter circuits draw about 10 amps, and the commonly used rule is to select a fuse with a rating of 1.5 times the maximum expected current. This is why in some cases, you may find a fuse labeled 15 instead of another symbol.
Most of the car’s cigarette lighter fuse is located in the fuse box under the hood. However, to identify the fuse exactly in your car, check your owner’s manual.
Why Does Cigarette Lighter Fuse Keep Blowing?
The cigarette lighter fuse blows when the circuit draws more amperage than the capacity of the fuse. For example, the fuse is designed for 15 amps capacity and if the circuit draws more than 15 amps, the fuse will blow to protect equipment. If you replace the blown fuse with the same 15 amp fuse, and the circuit again draws more amps than the fuse capacity, it’ll blow again.
Take a look at the table below to see how many amps of fuse a cigarette lighter needs for different wattages.
| Maximum Power Output | Specified Fuse Amperage (Watts = 12v x DC Amps) |
| 60 watts | 5 |
| 120 watts | 10 |
| 180 watts | 15 |
| 240 watts | 20 |
So, let’s take a look at the first row of this table where the DC amperage is 5. If we apply the formula and multiply the amperage by 12 volts, the maximum power output will be 60 watts (5 x 12 = 60).
However, there are some other reasons responsible for this issue. Know them at a glance.
- The presence of foreign objects such as metal objects, like paperclips, or even pieces that have broken off from old phone chargers in the cigarette lighter socket
- The cigarette lighter circuit is faulty and causing voltage overflow
- Powering a faulty electrical device from the cigarette lighter fuse
How Do You Know Cigarette Lighter Fuse Is Dead?
There are several ways to know the cigarette lighter fuse is dead. You can either check with or without a multimeter. We’ve got a comprehensive article regarding this issue. So check out how to tell if the fuse is blown.
Is It OK To Use A Higher Amperage Fuse For Cigarette Lighters?
Using a higher amperage fuse isn’t OK even though it can prevent the cigarette lighter fuse from blowing. After the above discussion, it might seem the easiest solution to replace the fuse with a high-amperage one. But that’s not recommended at all.
For instance, if you use a 20 A fuse on a 15 A socket for a component that’s specifically designed for 15 A, it won’t melt during an electrical surge and this will damage the component. As a result, the fuse will be useless.
What Causes The Cigarette Lighter In A Car Not To Work?
There are several reasons why your cigarette lighter may not work. The following reasons are most probable.
- Blown fuse, as it disconnects the lighter fuse from the battery and interrupts the power supply.
- Damaged wiring, since it also interrupts the power supply to the circuit. As a result, cigarette lighter doesn’t receive the power for functioning.
- Obstruction inside the socket, because dirt makes a separation between the plug and connecting socket.
- Bad electronic accessories, the device itself like charger, lighter, or other 12-volt accessories which you are trying to use might be bad.
FAQs
Can I Use A 250V Fuse Instead Of a 12V?
Yes, you can use a 250V fuse instead of a 12V fuse. The amp rating does not change, but the voltage rating must match the voltage of the circuit it is protecting. A 250V-rated fuse is safe to use in a 250V circuit but may arc at higher voltages.
How Do I Choose A Fuse Size?
When choosing a fuse, be sure to choose one with a higher rated voltage than the circuit voltage. Fuse ratings are based on the maximum voltage at which the fuse can safely interrupt abnormal currents. To be more specific, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to choose a fuse size.
Are All Car Cigarette Lighters 12 Volts?
No, all car cigarette lighters aren’t 12 volts. The standard car cigarette lighter produces a power output of 12 volts. Typically, cigarette lighters are powered by a 7-15-amp fuse which allows them to operate at a maximum of 12 volts or 120 watts of power output depending on the model.
Conclusion
Well, this was all about a car fuse for cigarette lighter. We’ve tried to cover the most important norms of the car’s cigarette lighter fuse. Hopefully, you’ve got your desired answer in this article. Remember, your one wrong step regarding the fuse can cause severe damage. So, decide wisely.
