A cigarette charger is a 12-volt power outlet built into most cars

The cigarette charger — officially called a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet — is a socket in your car's dashboard or center console that supplies electrical power to devices you plug into it. It's called a "cigarette" charger because older versions had a heating element that popped out when hot, designed to light cigarettes, though that function is rarely used today. Modern cars use the same socket primarily to power phone chargers, GPS units, dash cams, and other small electronics.

The outlet draws power directly from your car's battery through a fuse in the electrical panel. When you plug something in, the device draws current as long as the car is running or the ignition is in the "accessory" position. Most outlets stop supplying power when the engine is off, though some vehicles have a brief delay before shutting down.

Key Takeaways

  • A cigarette charger is a 12-volt power socket that runs off your car's battery and powers small devices like phone chargers and GPS units.
  • The outlet is protected by a fuse, which will blow if you try to draw too much power and automatically cut the connection to prevent damage.
  • Most cigarette chargers stop working when the engine is off, so leaving devices plugged in will not drain your battery overnight.
  • You can replace a broken outlet yourself if you have basic tools, or take it to a mechanic — the part itself costs between $10 and $30.

How much power a cigarette charger can supply

A standard cigarette outlet supplies 12 volts at up to 10 amps, which equals 120 watts of power. That is enough to run a phone charger, a small GPS unit, or a dash cam, but not enough for high-draw devices like a portable air compressor or a car vacuum. If you plug in something that draws more current than the outlet can handle, the fuse protecting that circuit will blow and the outlet will stop working entirely.

Different vehicles have different fuse ratings — some are 10 amps, others 15 or 20 amps — so check your owner's manual or the fuse panel label to see what your car supports. Plugging in a device rated for more power than your outlet can deliver will not damage the device, but it will trip the fuse and leave you without power until you replace it.

Why your cigarette charger might not be working

If your outlet is not supplying power, the most common cause is a blown fuse. Open your car's fuse panel — usually located under the dashboard or in the engine compartment — and look for the fuse labeled for the auxiliary outlet or power outlet. A blown fuse will have a broken wire inside the clear plastic casing, or the metal strip inside will be blackened. Replacing it with a new fuse of the same amp rating usually restores power when ready.

The second most common cause is a loose or corroded connection inside the outlet itself. If the fuse is intact but the outlet still does not work, try plugging in a different device to rule out a problem with your charger. If multiple devices do not work, the outlet socket may need cleaning or replacement. A mechanic can inspect the connection and replace the outlet if it is damaged.

Replacing a blown fuse yourself

Replacing a fuse is a five-minute task that requires only a fuse puller tool — a small plastic tool that often comes clipped to the inside of the fuse panel cover — or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Locate the fuse panel in your vehicle (check your owner's manual for the exact location), find the fuse labeled for the power outlet, and pull it straight out. Insert a new fuse of the same amp rating into the empty slot and push it in until it clicks.

Before you replace the fuse, unplug whatever device was in the outlet when it blew. If you put a new fuse in and it blows again when ready, something is drawing too much power or there is a short circuit in the wiring. Stop using the outlet and have a mechanic inspect it, because repeatedly blowing fuses is a sign of a deeper electrical problem.

When to replace the outlet itself

If the fuse is good but the outlet still does not work, or if the socket is cracked, melted, or loose, the outlet itself needs replacement. A mechanic can do this in under an hour. The part costs between $10 and $30 depending on your vehicle, and labor typically runs $50 to $150. Some people replace outlets themselves if they are comfortable working with car electrical systems — the outlet unplugs from a connector behind the dashboard and a new one plugs in the same way.

Do not attempt to repair a damaged outlet by wrapping it in tape or trying to solder connections. A faulty outlet can overheat and create a fire risk, especially if you leave a device plugged in for long periods. Replacement is the safe option.

Using multiple devices at once

If you want to power more than one device, a multi-outlet adapter that plugs into your cigarette charger can split the power between several devices. However, the total power draw from all devices combined cannot exceed what your outlet can supply — usually 10 to 15 amps. If you plug in a phone charger, a dash cam, and a GPS unit at the same time, you may exceed that limit and blow the fuse again.

A better approach is to use a power inverter, which converts 12-volt power to standard 110-volt household current and can supply more total power. Inverters range from small 150-watt units that power one or two devices to larger 1000-watt units that can run multiple electronics. Larger inverters draw significant current and may require a direct connection to the battery rather than the cigarette outlet, so check the inverter's instructions before installing one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will leaving something plugged into the cigarette charger drain my battery?

No, because the outlet automatically shuts off when the engine is off. Some vehicles have a brief delay before cutting power, but the outlet will not draw current from the battery while the car is parked. You can safely leave a phone charger plugged in without worrying about coming back to a dead battery.

Can I use a cigarette charger to power a portable air compressor?

Most portable air compressors draw too much power for a standard cigarette outlet. Check the compressor's power rating — if it draws more than 10 amps, it will blow the fuse. Some high-end compressors are designed for 12-volt outlets and will work, but you should verify the amp rating before plugging it in.

What is the difference between a cigarette charger and a USB outlet?

A cigarette charger supplies raw 12-volt power, while a USB outlet has a built-in converter that steps the voltage down to 5 volts for phones and tablets. Many newer cars have both — the USB outlet is more convenient for phones, but the cigarette outlet can power devices that need higher voltage or more current.

Can I install a second cigarette outlet if my car only has one?

Yes, but it requires running new wiring from the fuse panel and installing a new outlet socket. This is a job for a mechanic or someone experienced with car electrical systems. The cost depends on where you want the outlet installed and how much wiring needs to run, but expect to pay $100 to $300 in labor plus the cost of the outlet and wire.