AC outlet limits (115V vs. 120V?)

[leo]

I have a 2008 V6 Ltd, with the standard AC outlet in the storage compartment between the front seats, and the standard on/off switch far left side of dash (left of steering wheel).

I've gone camping a few times, and I wanted to use the outlet for some small kitchen appliances (small coffee maker, etc.). But, it wouldn't power the appliance.

I know the outlet is functioning, as it powers my iPhone recharger. I don't know much about electronics/electricity or A/C, but...


I see that my iPhone charger has 100-240V written on it... and this small coffee maker has 120V written on it. Is this the answer? Does the outlet only power items rated less than 115V, as opposed to 120V? I thought most houses in U.S. have 110V power, so what's with appliances that need 120V?

Any adapter or change I can make? (I'd hate to have to carry a space-taking converter and use the lighter power since the 4R comes with an A/C outlet...).

Thanks!

 

[drmorbius]

I have a 2008 V6 Ltd, with the standard AC outlet in the storage compartment between the front seats, and the standard on/off switch far left side of dash (left of steering wheel).

I've gone camping a few times, and I wanted to use the outlet for some small kitchen appliances (small coffee maker, etc.). But, it wouldn't power the appliance.

I know the outlet is functioning, as it powers my iPhone recharger. I don't know much about electronics/electricity or A/C, but...


I see that my iPhone charger has 100-240V written on it... and this small coffee maker has 120V written on it. Is this the answer? Does the outlet only power items rated less than 115V, as opposed to 120V? I thought most houses in U.S. have 110V power, so what's with appliances that need 120V?

Any adapter or change I can make? (I'd hate to have to carry a space-taking converter and use the lighter power since the 4R comes with an A/C outlet...).

Thanks!

The specification you want to look at is WATTS. The outlet is good for about 150 watts which will only do chargers and other low wattage items.

 

[Larry77]

You could easily install a power inverter and keep it either under a seat or in the back...that plug in between the seats basically will only power things that could be powered by the 12V plug...sorry no drying your hair

 

[offshorebear]

AC power in the US is supposed to be between 110 - 120 volts. Your Iphone charger is rated to 240 volts for use in Europe and other places. Volt's don't really matter if everything is suppposed to run in the 110 - 120 volt range.


The built in inverter doesn't have near enough power for the coffee maker. I imagine the coffee maker is around 1000 watts, which is a pretty big load. Your cell phone charger is probably around 50 watts, if that. The plug can only handle 150 watts.

 

[leo]

Ah, watts, yes, now I understand.
Thanks for the replies!