A 12v lighter would probably not get hot enough
in a 6v system to do the job it was designed for.
A 6v lighter would get hot REAL FAST (and maybe
burn out after not very many uses) in a 12v system.
If the 12v system were protected by a fuse the
fuse may blow because the 6v lighter draws more
current (amps). Also, if the wiring in the 12v
system may be undersized to use with the load
placed on it by the 6v lighter.
The "heater element" in a 6v lighter system has
less resistance (ohms) and therefore draws more
current (amps) to produce the same amount of
heat (watts) than a 12v lighter system.
Putting a 6v lighter in a 12v system maintains
the same resistance but doubles the voltage.
The formula for power (heat of the element) in
watts is watts = voltage X voltage / resistance
I don't know what the resistance of the lighter
element, but I do know it is probably less than
one ohm. For the sake of the argument let's
say that it is one ohm. Then using the formula
above the power consumed by the lighter element
and turned into heat on this 6v system would
be 6*6/1 or 36 watts. Putting the same lighter
in a 12v system would cause it to consume
12*12/1 or 144 watts and probably have a very
short life.
LOOK OUT! PRESS THE DELETE KEY NOW IF YOU ARE OFFENDED
BY OFF TOPIC COMMENTS.
A better solution to your problem would be to
leave the power disconnected from the lighter
socket and quit smoking.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jon Kunkel [mailto:jonkunkel@home.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2000 6:33 PM
To: old-chevy-truck@egroups.com; oletrucks posting
Subject: [oletrucks] 6V or 12V lighter
Does anyone know the difference between a 6V and 12V lighter element? I am
working on getting ready to put in the wiring harness and was wondering if a
6V lighter would work with 12V power or a 12V lighter element work in 6V
environment.
I looked at both elements and cannot see a physical difference. They both
appear identical. Any good electricians out there that can identify the
difference in the 2 lighter elements.
Jon 50 3104
Chicago burbs
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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