How to Use a Car Power Adapter

With laptop computers and cell phones, anyplace can be an office. A power inverter or power adapter can turn a car into a mobile office, making time on the road more productive. Here's how to make use of a car power adapter and inverter.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Using a Dedicated Adapter

1. Check to see that the output cable connector matches the AC jack on your computer or cell-phone charger. Some universal adapters come with a set of connectors to match the most common jacks. If you're using a proprietary adapter, be sure it's the same brand as the appliance to which you're connecting it.

2. Connect the adapter to your device.

3. Place your vehicle's ignition key in the "on" or "accessory" position.

4. Remove the vehicle's cigarette lighter and insert the adapter's 12-volt connector into the lighter socket.

5. Ascertain if the indicator light on the adapter, if any, is lit. If not, recheck the connection to the cigarette lighter. The plug may have pulled out, your key may not be in the correct position, or the lighter fuse may need replacing. If none of these is the case, you may need to replace the adapter.

6. Turn on the device.

Using a Power Inverter

7. Place your vehicle's ignition key in the "on" or "accessory" position.

8. Plug the inverter's connector into your cigarette lighter socket.

9. Turn on the inverter.

10. Plug the power cord for your device into the inverter's plug. Some inverters may feature a single plug, while others may feature two.

11. Connect the power cord to your AC device's jack.

12. Turn on your device.

Tips & Warnings

• When buying a power inverter, look for its wattage rating. Be sure it will handle the devices you plan to power it with. If you regularly run loads over 150 watts total, consider getting a permanent unit.
• Consider buying a multiple-outlet splitter if you typically run several devices off your car's battery, such as a computer, cell phone charger, and portable CD player and each has its own adapter.
• Connecting and using too many devices while your car is stopped will drain its battery. You may have to run your car for brief periods of time so the alternator can recharge it. When doing so, temporarily disconnect your devices to avoid damage from power surges.

Resources

• Buy power inverters at NexTag.
• Buy a universal power adapter at Meritline.