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How much power can u get from the 12v socket? 🧐

Started by SirDavidAlhambra, July 30, 2020, 12:46:25 AM

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July 30, 2020, 12:46:25 AM
Hello friends!

So, my question is as follows:

How much power can you draw from the 12v sockets? (The one at the front and separately the one at the back if different).

Iââ,¬â,,¢m interested in what the continuous load rating is. Basically Iââ,¬â,,¢d like to run an inverter (changes 12v lighter socket to 240v mains) for extended periods (like 1 or 2 hours) while the car is idling, to power things like computers and TVs. My inverter is rated at 350w but how much power can I safely draw from the cigarette socket while the car is idling? Does the front socket give out more power than the rear one?

I know a dedicated generator would be better but Iââ,¬â,,¢d like to focus on this particular use case please. He he.

The car is a MK2 Alhamb (nice!) with the 1.9 Diesel engine.

Thank you very much!

8-)
I drive a Seat Alhambra 1.9Tdi which has 115bhp and an automatic gearbox.

I am happy to help you with all your questions. I am not a qualified mechanic but seem to be better at fixing my car than even the most experienced garages.

I have lots of friends here and very much enjoy talking with you all. Always remember, a motor car is a serious tool and should be treated with respect. Put your safety first, always.
July 30, 2020, 06:54:59 AM #1
Given the front socket has a 25 amp fuse the max watts is around 300, rear socket is 15 amp so max 180 watts.

Idling a diesel for extensive periods is not a good idea, you will end up clogging EGR,cat etc. When idling a Diesel engine the combustion temps are lower causing poor combustion this causing increased soot and also can cause oil dilution.

We have issues at work with excessive idling of the MTU GUââ,¬â,,¢s we refer to it as wet stacking and it basically results expensive components needing to be replaced. SCR etc. The software logs running time with no load and sends a message out when certain amount of hours have been reached.
Should also mention the emissions that are being dumped out the back for good reason.
July 30, 2020, 10:20:03 AM #2
You'd probabbly be better to look at using a leisure battery for that sort of use. You might want to carefully look at the inverter to see if it can cope with being run that long as well though.
July 30, 2020, 10:51:00 AM #3
Quote from: johnnyroper on July 30, 2020, 06:54:59 AM
Given the front socket has a 25 amp fuse the max watts is around 300, rear socket is 15 amp so max 180 watts.

Idling a diesel for extensive periods is not a good idea, you will end up clogging EGR,cat etc. When idling a Diesel engine the combustion temps are lower causing poor combustion this causing increased soot and also can cause oil dilution.

We have issues at work with excessive idling of the MTU GUââ,¬â,,¢s we refer to it as wet stacking and it basically results expensive components needing to be replaced. SCR etc. The software logs running time with no load and sends a message out when certain amount of hours have been reached.
Should also mention the emissions that are being dumped out the back for good reason.

Meant for *no* good reason
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