Cigarette Plug Adaptors & Leads

Some gear only comes with a cigarette plug, and the plug is not something you get to change. The lead is what changes, putting the socket where the gear can reach it.

Rekcharge Cigarette Lighter Extension Lead

Regular price$20⁰⁰

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Cigarette Plug Adaptors & Leads

Overview

Cigarette Plug Adaptors & Leads Overview

About Cigarette Plug Adaptors & Leads

Some gear only comes with a cigarette plug, and the plug is not something you get to change.

The tyre inflator. The dash cam. The small fridge that was a gift. The heated seat cover, the phone mount with the charger built in, the portable pump. None of them arrive with an Anderson, none of them can be rewired without voiding something, and all of them want a socket that is not quite where the lead reaches.

So the lead is what changes. An extension between the socket and the plug puts the socket where the gear needs it to be, without touching either end. That is the whole product. It is not a rewire and it is not a better connector. It is the way to make a fixed plug reach.

Keep it as short as the run allows, because the cigarette standard was never rated for a long run at a continuous load, and every metre is voltage the gear does not see. And keep it out of the way underfoot, because a plug that relies on a spring for its grip is a plug that a kick removes.

FAQs

Cigarette Plug Adaptors & Leads FAQs

What is the maximum amperage limit for a 12V cigarette plug adaptor?

Most standard 12V cigarette plug adaptors are rated for a maximum of 10 to 15 amps. While they are useful for basic gear, pushing them near their limit for long periods can cause the plastic housing to melt or the internal fuse to blow due to heat buildup.

It is a smart move to check the rating of both the plug and the socket before connecting high draw gear like air compressors. If you regularly pull more than 10 amps, moving to a heavy duty connection is a safer and more stable approach for your electrical system. This helps protect your vehicle wiring from excess heat.

Find high current alternatives in our Plugs & Connectors range or browse our collection of Anderson Plugs.

How long can a 12V cigarette lighter extension lead be for a fridge?

You should keep a cigarette lighter extension lead for a fridge as short as possible, ideally under two to three metres. These leads typically use thinner internal wiring which creates significant resistance and leads to voltage drop over longer distances.

A fridge needs a stable voltage to run its compressor effectively. If the lead is too long, the fridge may cut out early or show a low battery error because the voltage arriving at the plug is too low. This can lead to spoiled food and warm drinks during your trip.

Explore our range of Portable Fridge Freezers to see power specs, or check your system health with our Battery Monitors.

Can I convert a 12V cigarette lighter fridge lead to an Anderson plug?

Yes, you can easily convert a cigarette lighter fridge lead to an Anderson plug by cutting off the old plug and crimping on a new 50A connector. This is a popular upgrade for off road travel because it provides a much more secure and vibration proof connection that will not pull out on corrugated tracks.

Anderson plugs also offer lower resistance than standard cigarette sockets, which helps your fridge run more efficiently by reducing voltage drop. This simple DIY modification is a great way to build more stability into your off grid setup before you head into the outback.

Grab the hardware you need from our Anderson Plugs collection.