What Is an Auxiliary Power Outlet in a Car?

An auxiliary power outlet or a cigarette lighter socket is a socket in a vehicle that can be used to supply electrical power for ancillary equipment such as mobile phones, mp3 players, and GPS systems. The cigarette lighter socket can be found on the central console or at any other place in your car. Sometimes there may be several of them.

Initially, the auxiliary power outlet was designed to power electric lighters. But today, most of the cigarette lighter sockets are used to power small electrical appliances or charge mobile phones and batteries. A variety of accessories can be plugged into the auxiliary power outlet, especially if it is equipped with a USB interface.

A typical auxiliary power outlet has a voltage range between 10 and 12 Volts. If you want to use more powerful appliances with your auxiliary power outlet, you will need to contact your service station or see if there are any special instructions in the user manual for your car model.

Today many useful extensions can be plugged into auxiliary power outlets, including 12V inverters for household appliances, heated seat covers, adapters to charge laptops, or power bricks for mobile phones. High-end cars are usually equipped with special sockets that allow you to connect your USB devices.

There are also cigarette lighter socket accessories that can be used as a timer and switched on and off automatically. If you want to use more than one accessory at the same time, invest in a multi-charger and enjoy the benefits of multiple USB ports.

Auxiliary power outlets come with different types of connectors: some vehicles have sockets for round plugs while others have sockets that are compatible with flat plugs.

imgonline-com-ua-Resize-G4vk7FlLRCdnC


C
CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Like this content? Subscribe for updates! And Subscribe to Our YouTube YouTube Channel!

Add comment