Someone with good electrical knowledge please answer!?

Question

basically i want to put neons in my room however there for a car (12V DC). i was thinking of getting a plug which at the other end has a cigeratte lighter input so i can plug them in but is it safe?

The neons are:- Input voltage: DC 12V, Current draw: 0.5A

The plug - cigarette lighter input:- Input: AC 90v - 240v \ 50\60Hz 80mA, Output: DC 12v \ 450mA

the 2 products and specs are shown below...

Neons:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110261902281&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001

Home adapter:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-In-Car-Charger-to-Mains-Charger-Adapter-Adaptor-UK_W0QQitemZ180254611699QQihZ008QQcategoryZ68031QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Answer 1

Yes, get a higher amp rating for that neon. Also, you may need higher current adapter for future projects.

Answer 2

Your power supply is rated at 450ma, so it's going to be fuse protected for 450ma.  But your lights are going to draw 500ma, which will continually pop the fuse.

Actually, your fuse is probably rated for a ½ amp or higher, so technically, you can get away with it.  But you sure won't be able to add anything else without going over the top and popping the fuse.

42 really does have the better answer.  Mine only says that you can get away with it, but for how long?

Answer 3

I would up the home adapter current spec. Neons have a tendency to drift and draw more current as they age. A 1 A would not be out of line. As it is you most likely will get a few months before they pop.