Cigarette lighter. How is it useful for the driver and how to choose it right?

Probably, each of us on a long trip had to use a laptop, a kettle or mobile charging. All this requires electricity. In the car, this function is performed by a cigarette lighter, which is a kind of outlet when using the above electronic devices. However, there are times when one power connector is not enough. For example, you want to watch a movie, and even charge your mobile phone. Of course, the regular cigarette lighter is not able to give energy directly to several devices. For these purposes, there are special splitters. The benefit is that a modern car battery can give the desired current to several devices, so there is no overheating and no short circuit in the electronic circuit.

However, there are times when car owners plug powerful compressors into the connector to pump the wheels. In this case, the risks of device overheating are increased several times. But, fortunately, almost every coupler has 2 fuses and more fuses. At some point they disconnect the electrical appliance from the network, thereby preventing its overheating.

The universality of such a detail as the cigarette lighter-splitter, it is impossible not to overestimate. It is indispensable for long journeys and business trips. And even if you plug in an ionizer, a heater and a laptop into three slots at the same time, you can be absolutely calm for their safety. A smart device will necessarily react to the possible risks of overheating and turn off the supply of current at the right time. Also worth noting that the cigarette lighter-splitter can be equipped with an extension, thanks to which it is possible to expand the range of its application.

Criterias of choice

To choose a good cigarette lighter-splitter is quite easy. Manufacturers here do not have much importance, the main thing is that the connector conforms to the standard values. The best devices are those in which the depth of the nest is 2.9-3.5 centimeters, and the width - 2.1-2.2 centimeters. In this connector, you can connect absolutely any plug. As for the fuses, they must be mandatory.

How to install it?

And the cigarette lighter-splitter is mounted quite simply. Car cigarette lighter couplers have 2 ends, one of which connects the source of current, and the second serves as a socket-tee. Thus, we get 2 or more functioning devices from one cigarette lighter.

Can I plug in devices with a capacity of 220 volts?

No, unfortunately, the usual cigarette lighter is not able to generate such amount of energy. The maximum that can be obtained from it, is the power of 12 V. If you need more, car enthusiasts use special voltage converters. Thanks to them you can connect a standard TV, a hair dryer and even a coffee grinder. However, the battery is unlikely to be able to retain a good charge for a long time under such conditions.