I have a laptop in my car (with a cigarrete lighter inverter) as well as an iphone. Both plugged into the lighters, one on each. My fuse keeps blowing, I replaced it twice in two days. Now, the fuse I use is labled 15, my question is, can I buy a 20, or 25? It should give it a little more power, which is all I need. that shouldn't be any problem will it? the default cigarrette lighter fuse is 15 btw. Thanks any help will be appreciated. I got an 04 350z

 

I know its late at night, but if anyone's awake, any help would be great.

 

Don't plug so much in.


A stronger fuse CAN lead to wire damage. The fuses are rated for a reason.

 

damn, ok. I'll plug in my iphone to the computer's USB. No matter how many usb you have plugged into the comp, it should still pull the same power right?

 

If it was ME I would up the fuse and not worry about it. The manufacturer sets the limits well within a safe limit and upping it shouldn't bother the wiring. Now like I said that is what I would do but it is not recommended.

 

For a lap top i would run a dedicated/hardwired connection a/c adapter to the battery....

Not use the cigarette lighter with an ac inverter plugged into it?

-J

 

^^ what he said.

run a fused power line to the battery, switched on with accessory power. (unless you want it powered all the time). size the wire properly and you'll be all set.

 

goin up from 15amp to 20 amp should be a problem but if u find u still need a higher rated fuse, you would most likely be going past the wireings rating. if that becomes a problem, wireing in a converter would be the best. its easy to do. and if u dont want to do it ureself. take it to ure local audio shop, install should be cheap.

 

Alright, i just bought the 15 fuse replacement. Im gonna take off the iphone and see if it works. If it blows, I'll put a 20. If that doesn't work then im gonna hardwire it like you guys said. Thanks for the advice.

 

AT LEAST, in automobile applications, a higher amp fuse is NOT recommended, 'cause it may not "melt", causing a fire due to overheating. Take your ride to the nearest auto electrical shop, dude! Don't take chances.

 

In ALL applications, installing a higher rated fuse is a BAD ("dangerous") practice. Fuse ratings are matched to the circuit wire size, as well as the allowable circuit load.

bill (licensed electrician)