Are car outlet splitters safe?

[SandEagle]

i currently have 3 outlets: 2 front, 1 rear. the total power when using all outlets is 120w/max.

the rear one is used for a dvd player and can stay as is. however, 2 in front isnt enough. i have a gps, cam, lcd monitor, phone charger, and cb radio all up front. can i plug one of those 3-way splitters into each outlet for a total of six outlets or would that kill my battery quick?

 

[Gillbot]

depends on load, not number of outlets. if the power draw doesn't exceed the limits of the outlet or splitter you should be fine.

 

[SandEagle]

depends on load, not number of outlets. if the power draw doesn't exceed the limits of the outlet or splitter you should be fine.

thanks. i guess i will have to figure out what the power draw is on each gadget.

 

[Gillbot]

I have an inverter in my van to power the kids' screens and media player. I have a power strip plugged in to the inverter since it only has one outlet. It's not an issue though since the inverter can easily power all 5 things I have plugged in to it.

 

[alphatarget1]

I think a lot of cigarette lighters have 15A fuses. I suppose that means you can safely draw close to 15A on 12VDC?

 

[Gillbot]

I wouldn't want to max it out, but theoretically yes.

 

[thomsbrain]

I have a 4-way splitter spliced into the wires that go to one of my outlets in the accord. The splitter is in my glovebox and powers cables that go to cell phone chargers and GPS. I plug my radar detector into the normal outlet, left untouched because I spliced into the wires. There's one more outlet in the center console left over for temporary stuff like ipod chargers, etc.

 

[WackyDan]

On a 12 volt circuit, 120 watts is basically 10 amps... you do the math.

 

[vshah]

I think a lot of cigarette lighters have 15A fuses. I suppose that means you can safely draw close to 15A on 12VDC?

many smaller cars have 10A fuses as well. OP's must since total load is rated at 120W

 

[SandEagle]

On a 12 volt circuit, 120 watts is basically 10 amps... you do the math.

well i suck at math. i still can't figure out what i should do.

can i put a 3-way in each 2 in front for a total of 6 outlets or is this dangerous?

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9878587/

and what's a good one to go with? or a 5 in 1 charger? http://www.amazon.com/Car-Charger-port-Socket-Duplicator/dp/B004VBA4R8/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_0_0

 

[WackyDan]

well i suck at math. i still can't figure out what i should do.

can i put a 3-way in each 2 in front for a total of 6 outlets or is this dangerous?

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9878587/

and what's a good one to go with? or a 5 in 1 charger? http://www.amazon.com/Car-Charger-po...sxp_grid_i_0_0

Considering you haven't stated what the indicated max draw is of each individual device you plan on running concurrently off of the same circuit...

My answer to you is NO. Add up the draw of all the devices you expect to use at one time, and there is your answer.

HINT: Look at the devices AC wall units or see if it is printed on the 12 volt cord or device itself.

Extra credit hint: Look at the fuse in each 12 volt adapter for each device and go with that as an answer. You will find fuses in the 1 to 5 amp range... and you will find that you will not/should not try to power all at once. You can certainly try, but the moment one draws more on start up or has an issue... you will blow the entire circuit... Which is more inconvenient? Not charging/using all at once or a blown main fuse on some back road at 4 am?