Does adding multi-outlet to 12v outlet diminish output?

[Kudzu Asheville]

Hi All,

My new RV has a single 12v outlet. I can envision wanting to run a fan in addition to charging one or more devices at the same time. If I plug in a multi-plug such as one of the items below, will there be more diminished electrical flow than if I had separate outlets? I'm wondering if I'm better off having additional outlets added.

Thanks!
Leslie

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[David Tilston]

Low power devices like a 12 VDC cell phone charger don't draw much power, so should be fine to use with a 12 VDC splitter. Your fan draws more, but still not much. Something like an electric blanket, or an inverter can draw lots of power. If you do install a new 12 VDC outlet, it is best to wire it back to your fuse panel and give it it's own fuse.

The amount of power supplied by a 12 VDC outlet is dependent on the size of wire used to feed it, as well as the rated capacity of the outlet. You should match the outlet to a wire that will carry the rated output.

According to National Electrical Code:
"Unless specifically permitted in Section 240.4(E) through (G), the overcurrent protection shall not exceed 15 amperes for 14 AWG, 20 amperes for 12 AWG, and 30 amperes for 10 AWG copper"

[Roger C H]

E (Electromotive Force/Volts) = I (current/amperes) x R (resistance/ohms)

Items wired in series share voltage.

Items wired in parallel (your case) share amperage.

One needs to know the amperage draw of each item being plugged in and then add them up to determine if the circuit can handle them. Probably need to look at the fuse for the circuit.

In all things electrical, amperage is the bad boy. Amperage yields power quickly

P (power) = I ^2^ (amperage squared) x E (voltage)

Notice that in the power equation the amperage factor is squared. This leads into difficulties very quickly.

Voltage is best explained by walking across a carpet and then touching something grounded. That shock you get could be a couple thousand volts, but the amperage is so low, micro or mini amps so that no harm is done.

[Kudzu Asheville]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

If you do install a new 12 VDC outlet, it is best to wire it back to your fuse panel and give it it's own fuse.

The amount of power supplied by a 12 VDC outlet is dependent on the size of wire used to feed it, as well as the rated capacity of the outlet. You should match the outlet to a wire that will carry the rated output. "

Thanks David! That is good to know.

[Kudzu Asheville]

Originally Posted by Roger C H

One needs to know the amperage draw of each item being plugged in and then add them up to determine if the circuit can handle them. Probably need to look at the fuse for the circuit.

Thanks Roger! That is helpful.

[MCDenny]

You won't have diminished electrical flow unless you blow the fuse.

A couple of cell phone chargers and a tablet would probably not blow the fuse.

[frankcfx]

Most cigarette lighter outlets are good for 10-20 amps max. Add up the AMP ratings on the the devices you are going to plug into the multiple adapter to determine if you will overload the lighter socket.
Frank

[KenjiFox]

Every connection adds a point of resistance. The more splitters and connections you have along the line the more points of heat and voltage drop. This isn't typically an issue with 120 volts, but 12V is far worse AND the cig connectors pretty much suck.

However for your intended use it will be fine. You could plug as many splitters and phone chargers as you need. Just beware of things like inverters electric coolers ovens etc.

[padlin00]

Waiting for this one I ordered last week. My wife's Corolla only has one 12v socket, frequently need to charge phones or tablets while using the GPS, I was looking for one with the higher USB amperage. I like the mounting options in case I want to use it in the trailer too.

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