High Current Cigarette Lighter Connector Test | Voltlog

High quality PCB Services pcbway.com/g/01s7lR Welcome back to Voltlog! In this exciting episode, we delve into the reliability of various cigarette lighter connectors, a crucial aspect for those of us relying on these accessories to power our devices on the go. Cheap connectors from platforms like AliExpress often claim high current ratings but fail to deliver when put to the test, posing potential safety hazards.
→Cigarette Connector #1 voltlog.com/y/j8gyz
→Cigarette Connector #2 voltlog.com/y/gleja
→Cigarette Connector #3 voltlog.com/y/20x5s
→Cigarette Connector #4 voltlog.com/y/20x5s
→Cigarette Connector #5 voltlog.com/y/rih69
→Cigarette Female Socket voltlog.com/y/esxwg
→Timeline
00:05 Introduction
05:27 Connector #1
06:11 Connector #2
07:15 Connector #3
07:56 Connector #4
08:53 Connector #5
10:24 Results
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#Electrical #Thermal #Connector
Join us as we rigorously examine five different connectors, each with its own promises and price points. From a 2019 AliExpress find labeled as "Brand New High Quality 12v 24v 10A Male Accessory Car Cigarette Lighter Plug Socket" to a Digikey-acquired connector with a datasheet and a 20A continuous duty rating - we leave no connector untested.
Our testing setup involves a 12V server PSU capable of delivering 20A, ensuring a robust evaluation of each connector's ability to handle its specified current. Using a Uni-T thermal camera, we monitor the temperature, with a focus on the positive terminal, the hotspot of interest.
Discover the surprising results, from connectors that started smoking at their claimed ratings to unexpected champions running cooler than expected. We even explore the internal meltdown of a seemingly genuine 20A-rated connector.
Don't miss out on this insightful investigation into the world of cigarette lighter connectors. If you've had experiences with these connectors, share your insights in the comments below. Subscribe, hit that thumbs up button, and stay tuned for more fascinating content on Voltlog!

[@2000jago]

Hooray for non-sponsored content! I have gone through several of these myself, can't wait to see who the winner is...

[@nobodynoone2500]

I use the female connectors from junkyard cars. Some are better than others. They are made way better, usually all-metal in the 80s and 90s, and seem to stay cooler longer than the modern molded plastic ones. Can usually scrounge tons of other 12v stuff too, often soundsystem wiring, relays, lights and fixtures, displays, and all kinds of accessories that get left behind. I used to use one for a removable "1200w" subwoofer in my SUV, and it never had any issues, with the amp going thermal before the plug could.

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

Great real world testing. 👍My biggest worry would be that when you reorder the part you settled on, you get something that's not consistent with your test sample. I've noticed this with lots of injection molded parts. Same mold, but from batch to batch, they seem to run whatever the cheapest plastic they can find that week. I'd assume the same goes for the mechanical bits. Makes it difficult to maintain consistency.

[@executive]

most car cigar sockets are rated (and fused) for 60W or 5A. I don't think the connector design was ever intended to be used for 10A or more. Even my 60W stuff gets unreasonably hot. When things did melt, the culprit was the ground connections. If you need more power than that, just use a connector that makes more sense. These are far too bulky anyway. It was designed around the cigar, not electronics.

[@PhG1961]

I work a lot with these plugs, however, I would never use them for the rated current. 3A is more than enough!

[@user-mt5bc3bt2g]

If I need connect inverter or something i solder all connections inside of that connector. Worst connection is through metal spring. In proper stuff where is spring loaded fuse, fuse always touches plates with wires and spring is behind one of the plate. So sometimes I solder wires to the fuse...

[@mindshelfpro]

Thank you for this video. I want to run a 100W Amateur Radio (and possibly 2 other radios plus accessories) from a cigarette lighter. I will explore the internals and performance of connectors I plan to use.

[@michaeltempsch5282]

My current choice would probably be a panel mount XT60 which is small but rated for 30A (XT60 and relatives are commonly used for battery packs in the RC world), but it depends if you can find an acceptable/workable (or are allowed to ooke holes - maybe a lease) spot to mount it.

[@mindshelfpro]

@@michaeltempsch5282 I can't make any changes to the car, so it has to be from the cigarette outlet (then maybe a power pole/XT60 pig tail)

[@allenlutins]

You will probably have to dial that 100W back a bit.

[@michaeltempsch5282]

@@mindshelfpro What about non-permanent things like taking +12V from a fuse Y adapter (remove original fuse from slot, insert adapter, insert original fuse in adapter which also has additional fuse to a new wire end for your needs). Ground to some easily accessible screw/bolt. Everything easy to remove w/o marks.