Just like the topic says, whenever I plug a tire inflator into my cigarette lighter, it inevitably blows a fuse. I realize now that I should probably start the car when using the inflator (so it runs at a higher voltage and perhaps draws less amps), but still, is it just a problem of the circuit being too weak to handle anything drawing more than a few amps? I don't have any issue with cell phone chargers, but tire inflators seem to blow the 10amp fuse pretty easily.

I'm a little confused on the electrical wiring in the car. The same circuit powers the headunit and the cigarette lighter? Or is the cigarette lighter circuit just used to trigger the headunit on/off? It's pretty irritating to say the least.. Thanks for any help.

 

Yes, the same fuse protects both the audio and 12v outlet. Sounds like the same problem here. I keep one of these along with the tire inflator.

http://www.amazon.com/Custom-Accesso.../dp/B000CMJW46

 

Aphex, Thanks for those links!

I guess I understand why people install that second cigarette lighter in the car, as the main one is so weak. I think I'll probably just pick up that battery adapter, that'll certainly do the trick should I need to use a tire inflator.

 

Doesn't really help the OP but I use one that has battery clamps.