Car fuses - change 20 to a 25

Question

The cigarette lighter socket that powers my kid's game system keeps blowing the fuse (20) under the hood. Can I replace it with a larger fuse (25 or 30), or does that create a problem?

Answer 1

going to a 30 isn't going to cause a problem...99 times out of 100

your kids are drawing a lot of current...that's all

if you want to be on the safe side, wire a power inverter directly to the battery via it's own high current fuse, that way you won't be overloading your stock wires, and you won't be blowing fuses...

Answer 2

The reason it keeps blowing is because it's overloaded so yes, it can potentially be a problem. If you increase the size of the fuse the wires may over heat. It will work but I wouldn't recommend it

Answer 3

The fuse protects the vehicle wiring.  It's much easier and less expensive to replace a blown fuse than damaged wiring.  You'll be endangering the wiring by increasing the fuse size.

Are you using a power inverter for your game system?  If so, I'd suggest wiring the inverter directly to the battery with a 10-gauge or larger wire kit.  If your inverter doesn't support direct wiring, get one that does.

If you're using a game system with an adapter made for 12 volts, it shouldn't be drawing more than 20 amps.  There may be a problem with the game system or power adapter (or lighter circuit).

Answer 4

Do not do it. The fuse is meant to be the weak link in the system. The wires used in that circuit can not handle much more then 20 amps. If you use a larger fuse you can end up with melted wires in the harness. It is never a good idea to use a larger fuse then what the car calls for.

Is it a single item pulling all that current or are there multiple items plugged in? If there are multiple items I would install a second power outlet. Just runs the wires to it right to the battery but make sure it has an inline fuse. The problem with this kind of setup though is it will be active all the time, even when the vehicle is turned off. If you need it to turn off when the car is shut off install a relay in line with it and have the relay activated when the ignition switch is turned on.

Greg B and KZ - I love some of the people on this site. You guys gave a good answer and some jerk gave you each a thumbs down. Talk about stupid.