Speak to me about current draw please!

[PTK]

I remember reading somewhere that the cigarette lighter plug is stepped down to 12v. Is this correct? How many amps does it put out?

what gauge extension wire do I need if I were to draw approx 5 amps from cig lighter plug? Does length of extension wire matter?

Thanks in advance!

[Hank]

Yes, length of extension cords matter; longer cords have higher voltage loss.

As for amperage, check your circuit breaker. I think mine is 5A.

[carusoam]

Peter,

Some cigarette plugs are stepped down, after 1994.  There would be a transformer mounted to do the deed...

if you have a portable 12/24V Garmin device plugged in, you can check the voltage on it.  My 2001 G186 portable has it on one of the info pages...

I have not needed to add that technology, yet.  Anything I plug in is 24V capable.  The next thing I install may have USB plugs.

-Sky radar

-iPad 

-i phone

- G186

Keep in mind the cigarette lighter will have an amp rating for it, but it may not be switched off with the main circuit breaker.  Leaving the sky radar plugged in will result in one dead battery...

Source: Ovation electrical experience...

Best regards,

-a-

[Godfather]

The 12 volt outlet on my 2001 is very limited and it automatically interrupts power if the current is too high.  The problem is not the wiring it is the converter.  

[PeytonM]

I checked the cigarette lighter voltage on my 1989J; it's 24V. 

[Alan Fox]

1 hour ago, PeytonM said:

I checked the cigarette lighter voltage on my 1989J; it's 24V. 

Actually it is 14 volt , the DVOM meter you used doesn't draw enough current for the voltage converter to work ,    once you put a load on it , it will drop to 14 volts..... If not there is something very wrong.....

[buddy]

I have a 2005 m20R and my cigarette lighter is stepped down to 12v. I plug my I-pad in have no problems.

[Jerry 5TJ]

2000 Ovation has a 14 volt "cigar lighter" outlet.  Voltage is dropped from 28 Volt system by a converter.  POH says it is capable of 14 volts at 3 amps output continuous, 5 amps intermittent.  

In my plane the converter is on bulkhead behind baggage area, accessible through avionics hatch on L side.  

The POH for earlier Ovations through SN 29-0199 Section VII Item 49 reads "CIGAR LIGHTER (CAUTION 28 volts)" so SOME of the fleet are 14, some 28. 

 

[carusoam]

It is better to have a transformer back there than a few pounds of Charlie weight...

Best regards,

-a-

[N601RX]

LoneStar sells some step down converters that have higher current capacity and are TSO approved. I've had one of their step up converters in my plane for several years and it's never given any problems. 

http://www.lonestaraviation.com/Step-Down-Conveter-24V-to-13.8-Volts.html