Can you run an amp off of your car's cigarette lighter?

[nevusofota]

This might seem like a stupid question, but I need to know if it would be possible to run a SS amp through a plug adapter in the cigarette lighter in your car. I want to meet a Craigslist seller halfway but need to plug it in to make sure it works. Any thoughts?

 

[glpg80]

you will need a minimum 90W AC adapter to step it up first, but yes you can. i know truck drivers who run microwaves and laptops off of these without problems

however, they are expensive - and probably not worth the investment just to try out a piece of equipment to see if it works.

...in all actuality you would need to calculate the max wattage requirement of the step-up PS otherwise you could be dealing with fire hazard issues over long periods of time. but since this does not meet your criteria - then 90W would be enough for a few minutes.

why not invest in a long extension cord?

 

[nevusofota]

you will need a minimum 90W AC adapter to step it up first, but yes you can. i know truck drivers who run microwaves and laptops off of these without problems

however, they are expensive - and probably not worth the investment just to try out a piece of equipment to see if it works.

...in all actuality you would need to calculate the max wattage requirement of the step-up PS otherwise you could be dealing with fire hazard issues over long periods of time. but since this does not meet your criteria - then 90W would be enough for a few minutes.

why not invest in a long extension cord?

Hey, thanks for the response. I think my friend has an AC adapter I can borrow.

The extension cord thing would be a good idea but where would I tap power in public?

 

[glpg80]

the person you are buying it from does not have power outlets?

you could get creative and find somewhere to plug in just to see if it works man. but if you have a friend who owns an AC adapter that they would let you borrow then that seems like the wisest idea. just dont try it out for any longer than a few minutes and leave the car running.

 

[nevusofota]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. He leaves about 2 hours away. We agreed to meet halfway.

 

[Nico]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. He leaves about 2 hours away. We agreed to meet halfway.

Just stop at a gas station or something and you can plug the thing in....

 

[nevusofota]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. He leaves about 2 hours away. We agreed to meet halfway.

Just stop at a gas station or something and you can plug the thing in....

Thought about that but I don't want to get all the way out there and have the cashier say no, kind of want to have a sure thing.

 

[Mudder]

Power inverter. You might need to plug it right onto your battery but it will do the trick. Check out an auto parts oe camping store for one.

 

[9ball]

you need an inverter. dc to ac. 12 volt to 120.

 

[jet66]

Power inverter. You might need to plug it right onto your battery but it will do the trick. Check out an auto parts oe camping store for one.

+1. Depending on the current draw, going straight to the lighter could burn up the car's wiring that feeds the lighter. A lot of inverters with higher wattage rating will come with a beefier wire set, kind of like little jumper cables, for just that purpose.

 

[nevusofota]

Thanks for all the input

 

[Anonymous]

rent a generator at home depot!