What current is a car cigarette lighter good for?

Yes.

HN

The restriction is likely to be placed by the plug you use, rather than the wiring. Many are rated at 10 amps peak, but rather less than this continuously.

I think so. Ages ago I wired one into an old Escort I had, and I think someone recommended 30A cable. P=VI, so current a 100W load would draw on a

Peter

For a short time. The wiring will usually take it for ever but the socket/plug centre contact is often poor especially if the device has ever been used for lighting cigarettes. The resistance between the centre pin and pad will cause local heating and whilst the lighter is designed to cope with this for a short time over any length of time damage to the plug and wiring will often occur.

As no one else has asked...what the devil are you thinking of running that sucks 100w? I know it's quite easy to get lost when driving at night, but Shirley a 100w bulb is overkill for map reading? :-)

Tom.

or 12 volt cool box

Tony.

I really must get one of them for my van. Especially if I could mount it under the passenger seats. Or I might just take them out (as no-one ever sits in them) and put it there. Or I could put a full size fridge there, leave it open, and bingo, air-con :-)

Peter

I would've thought it could, but it won't be very stable. If it needs a constant 12V, then it may not work too good. It'll be particularly bad when you turn the lights on/off etc.