12 V aux outlet aka lighter shorts out appliances

[Piotr]

12 V aux outlet aka lighter shorts out appliances -UPDATE

Recently, I installed a 12V outlet for auxiliary plugs (ipod and phone chargers, GPS, etc.). It came with an electric lighter that doubles up as a night light. The lighter and night light work great, but when I plug other stuff (mentioned above), they either don't work or blow internal fuses. The outlet I installed state specifically that it's for use with 12 volt devices. Any idea why it's doing it???

 

[flynfol]

Check the polarity.........

 

[timebandit]

What he said!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Also make sure the wiring to the plug is adequate.

 

[Piotr]

Check the polarity.........

If the polarity was reversed, then the lighter/night light wouldn't work, would it?

 

[Piotr]

What he said!

What I replied to what he said.

 

[Piotr]

Also make sure the wiring to the plug is adequate.

I used what was provided with the outlet. NONE of the 12v appliances work... and I think the lighter draws more power and more amps then a GPS.

 

[Maine Sail]

If the polarity was reversed, then the lighter/night light wouldn't work, would it?

These are resistive non polarity sensitive devices. Cell phones etc. ARE polarity sensitive. The center / tip is RED/+ and the side contacts / socket barel are black/-.. If you have it reversed you will FRY polarity sensitive devices..

 

[catsailor]

These are resistive non polarity sensitive devices. Cell phones etc. ARE polarity sensitive. The center / tip is RED/+ and the side contacts / socket barel are black/-.. If you have it reversed you will FRY polarity sensitive devices..

Careful... You're using big words.

 

[Piotr]

These are resistive non polarity sensitive devices. Cell phones etc. ARE polarity sensitive. The center / tip is RED/+ and the side contacts / socket barel are black/-.. If you have it reversed you will FRY polarity sensitive devices..

i'll double check. thanks.

 

[Piotr]

As it turned out, it was the reversed polarity. Thanks all for your help!!

 

[timebandit]

Always remember rule #1

The last thing you mucked with is the first thing to mess up.