Are 12v cigarette lighters bad for my laptop?

[Goofygiggles]

So I'm considering buying a 12v power inverter for some trips in a car and obviously I only would use it on trips and not much else.. But I'm wondering if its bad for laptops and other electronic equipment because I heard it is. The inverter I'm looking at is https://www.amazon.com/SNAN-Power-Inverter-Outlets-Charging/dp/B01DNV30HM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1472169715&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=12v+power+inverter&psc=1
because I don't have much money for it. Thanks!

 

[InvalidError]

Some manufacturers actually make their own car adapters for their laptops. It makes a lot more sense to send DC to DC since the PSU is actually re-converting it back into DC. No need for an inverter and probably safer for all.

Two good thing with inverters is that their output is usually isolated from their input and even when they aren't, the voltages involved are higher than any fault voltage likely to appear in the car's electrical system. If something nasty such as a load dump happens on the car's electrical system, the worst thing that is likely to happen is a fried inverter.

With a direct DC-DC adapter, you'd better make sure the adapter has adequate input protection to survive 100V for several milliseconds. If it doesn't, a load dump may fry the adapter and everything powered from it.

 

[ledhead11]

Some manufacturers actually make their own car adapters for their laptops. It makes a lot more sense to send DC to DC since the PSU is actually re-converting it back into DC. No need for an inverter and probably safer for all.

Two good thing with inverters is that their output is usually isolated from their input and even when they aren't, the voltages involved are higher than any fault voltage likely to appear in the car's electrical system. If something nasty such as a load dump happens on the car's electrical system, the worst thing that is likely to happen is a fried inverter.

With a direct DC-DC adapter, you'd better make sure the adapter has adequate input protection to survive 100V for several milliseconds. If it doesn't, a load dump may fry the adapter and everything powered from it.

I admit I hadn't thought of that. Another issue, though, is be careful if the plug connects directly to the battery w/o the ignition switch then it would be possible to drain the battery all the way.

I don't know if this laptop has an easily replaceable battery but another option may be just to get another one, swap 'em out to charge both up and you won't really need another power source. It's pretty much a win-win with little or no risks for anyone.

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

The original inverter linked to by the OP actually has a conveniently located, user replaceable fuse, right in the 12V accessory plug end. I would go with the original inverter and taking InvalidError's suggestion of replacing the inverter's 15A fuse with a 10A or lower rated fuse. Problem solved, simply and cheaply.

 

[Goofygiggles]

Some manufacturers actually make their own car adapters for their laptops. It makes a lot more sense to send DC to DC since the PSU is actually re-converting it back into DC. No need for an inverter and probably safer for all.

Two good thing with inverters is that their output is usually isolated from their input and even when they aren't, the voltages involved are higher than any fault voltage likely to appear in the car's electrical system. If something nasty such as a load dump happens on the car's electrical system, the worst thing that is likely to happen is a fried inverter.

With a direct DC-DC adapter, you'd better make sure the adapter has adequate input protection to survive 100V for several milliseconds. If it doesn't, a load dump may fry the adapter and everything powered from it.

I admit I hadn't thought of that. Another issue, though, is be careful if the plug connects directly to the battery w/o the ignition switch then it would be possible to drain the battery all the way.

I don't know if this laptop has an easily replaceable battery but another option may be just to get another one, swap 'em out to charge both up and you won't really need another power source. It's pretty much a win-win with little or no risks for anyone.

Ok

 

[Goofygiggles]

Do you know of any inverters that dont draw more then 10 amps for under $30 though?

Take any inverter with a user-replaceable fuse and put a 10A fuse in it. There you go, it won't be able to draw much more than 10A for very long.

Oh, thats a good idea, Thanks!

 

[Goofygiggles]

The original inverter linked to by the OP actually has a conveniently located, user replaceable fuse, right in the 12V accessory plug end. I would go with the original inverter and taking InvalidError's suggestion of replacing the inverter's 15A fuse with a 10A or lower rated fuse. Problem solved, simply and cheaply.

Cool, thanks!

 

[Goofygiggles]

The original inverter linked to by the OP actually has a conveniently located, user replaceable fuse, right in the 12V accessory plug end. I would go with the original inverter and taking InvalidError's suggestion of replacing the inverter's 15A fuse with a 10A or lower rated fuse. Problem solved, simply and cheaply.

Im Looking at this inverter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DNV30HM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3BVVW711G7EUD

And I cant seem to find what type of FUSE I need to look for

 

[InvalidError]

And I cant seem to find what type of FUSE I need to look for

Zoom in on the plug. It looks like either a mini or ATO automotive fuse. The same fuse types commonly found in vehicles for the past 20+ years.

 

[Goofygiggles]

And I cant seem to find what type of FUSE I need to look for

Zoom in on the plug. It looks like either a mini or ATO automotive fuse. The same fuse types commonly found in vehicles for the past 20+ years.

Ok.. Thanks!