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I am curious how much wattage I can pull from the 12v cigarette lighter ports in my 2003 Expedition EB to possibly be used for charging a computer and/or running a ham radio?
I am also curious if I would be able to install a 110v, wall style outlet in the vehicle for the same purpose and how much wattage would I be able to draw from it?
I believe this is the fuse that is for the cigarette lighters in the truck if that helps. It is 20a, and handles the OBD2 port and the cigarette lighters if I'm not mistaken.
Thanks for any help you can provide me!
I wouldn't try and draw 20A from the cigarette lighter though. The math is correct, but doesn't take into effect the wiring that is in there. I'd limit to around 10A max or you may find a smoldering pile of metal that used to be an expedition. especially on an older truck that the wiring may be starting to get brittle on.
just make sure you get the correct one for your laptop model.
If you want to drive a higher wattage inverter, hard wire some good 8 guage wire with a good quick-connector right to the battery and feed it through the firewall. that way you can keep the inverter and battery in the locked truck.
Follow up: Would I be able to install USB ports for charging my phones?
of course you can, the fuse will blow up first if you're over the maximum load. As long as the fuses are the correct ratings don't be scared of causing fires or overheating. The fuses are designed to prevent that kind of accidents unless somebody put the wrong kind of fuse (putting 30A on a 20A circuit)
Personally, if I were to install something which draws a high amperage, I would make a dedicated circuit for this unit directly from the battery through a proper fuse and a relay controlled by the ignition. I would not rely on stock wiring to supply a permanently mounted inverter which is more than 100W in power.
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