Do cigarette lighter sockets put out a steady 12V? Is 14.5V out of range?

[IronWing]

I have a light that with a cigarette lighter plug on it. I also have a battery pack with a cigarette lighter style socket on it that works fine for charging cell phone batteries, iPod, etc. The voltage on the battery pack can be up to 14.5V (9 AA alkaline batteries in series). The voltage drops as the batteries drain. Before I plug my somewhat expensive light into the battery pack I was wondering if 14.5V is within the range of variation on automobile cigarette lighter sockets? The light can pull up to 3 amps though 1.5 amps is more typical.

I'm posting this in The Garage as I figure folks here would be likely to know about automotive electrical systems.

 

[NutBucket]

You'll get alternator output so approximately 14V or so. If its a decent light there should be a charger circuit built in to the light itself.

 

[LTC8K6]

It's probably only 14.5V without a load on it. When you plug your light into the battery pack, it will likely drop well below 14.5V from the load.

 

[Eli]

I've never heard of a regulated cigarette lighter socket in a car, so it will vary from battery voltage to alternator voltage. Should be fine.