Charging using car cigarette lighter adapter with a splitter

[logicalxm]

Hi,

I was thinking about purchasing a 12v/24v Dual Socket cigarette lighter splitterto plug in my car for a possible road trip.
This slitter includes 2 cigarette lighter sockets and two USB ports.

I wanted to find out if using such device and charging multiple devices at once such as:
2 smartphones, GPS, FM transmitter will be too much of a strain on the car's battery or can negatively affect the devices themselves?
I am only planning to use the adapter when the car's battery is running of course.

Anyone has any experience while charging multiple devices using the car's cigarette lighter adapter while using a similar splitter? Is it safe to use?

Here's a link to an eBay listing that has the device. Hope it is ok to post.

Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-Socket...978978?hash=item1c4b5580a2:g:3T8AAOSw2XFUlPyE

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-Socket...248739?hash=item2a404a7863:g:ayIAAOSw9NxTxzL6

 

[CA19100]

You should be fine, but check your car's manual for the maximum power rating. On my Ford Fusion, for example, it says the 12V outlets are rated for a max of 15 amps, or 180 watts.

Figure the two USB ports will draw 10-15 watts depending on load, leaving ~165 watts for the two 12V plugs. My Garmin 765T draws 10 watts max according the specs, so you'd still have a ton of power left over for that last port.

Should be no problem. Enjoy the road trip!


Edit: Also, I might suggest a different adapter, as the 0.5A USB ports (which the one you linked has) are often not strong enough to power and charge a lot of the newer devices. Here's an example of one that can: http://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-2-Socket-Cigarette-Splitter-iPhone6s/dp/B003RQBKLC

 

[JeffMD]

Your devices won't affect your battery at all. The lighter ports are usually passthrough, and usb charging capabilities is up to the quality of the unit, much like any wall outlet charger.

 

[It's Not Lupus]

You might want to also look into power inverters.

 

[logicalxm]

Thank you guys for the replies. I read some conflicting reviews online about using multiple devices. Good to receive some reassurance here.

You should be fine, but check your car's manual for the maximum power rating. On my Ford Fusion, for example, it says the 12V outlets are rated for a max of 15 amps, or 180 watts.

Figure the two USB ports will draw 10-15 watts depending on load, leaving ~165 watts for the two 12V plugs. My Garmin 765T draws 10 watts max according the specs, so you'd still have a ton of power left over for that last port.

Should be no problem. Enjoy the road trip!


Edit: Also, I might suggest a different adapter, as the 0.5A USB ports (which the one you linked has) are often not strong enough to power and charge a lot of the newer devices. Here's an example of one that can: http://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-2-Socket-Cigarette-Splitter-iPhone6s/dp/B003RQBKLC

The owner's manual of my Civic 2001 (quite old I know, but I keep it in a good shape
states the following:

This (power) socket is intended to supply
power for 12 volt DC accessories
that are rated 120 watts or less (10
amps).
Based on that, should assume it will be fine to charge: iPhone, FM transmitter and Garmin GPS?

You might want to also look into power inverters.

I figure I might only need to charge that many devices 2-3 times a year, so not sure if I should invest in an inverter


BTW, I found the following device at my local dollar store. It only costs $3.
Does it look reputable?

 

[sporkster]

You should be fine charging your phone with it.