Cigarette Lighter As A Power Source?

[USNA1969]

In the old days, you plugged things that needed power into the cigarette lighter. However, most modern cars have designated power outlets in addition to cigarette lighters. Is there a difference in the outputs?

Does anyone know if I can plug in an iPod fm transmitter into my cigarette lighter without burning it up?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[jldecke]

I used one in my 69 Camaro and it worked just fine but, i'm not for sure if there is any difference in the power output of a cigarette lighter and a new power outlet. I would think there all the same voltage but i'm no professional.

 

[JohnZ]

They provide exactly the same voltage, but they're usually fed differently; lighter receptacles usually run from the battery circuit (hot all the time), and "power outlets" usually run from ignition-switched power. Check with a test light to be sure - not all manufacturers do them that way.