My car is converted to 12volt. So this should be ok.  Still I am going to test it on an old lighter ( I just bought and NOS lighter )  Also like the idea of extra 12 v element hidden under the dash or maybe just use that .
thanks for all your advice

Richard

Modern electronics, gps, phone, etc usually charge by some form of USB, (the very common small rectangular ports on your computer, many tablets, phones, etc.).  In most cases, you can plug it directly into a computer, with the right cable, and it will charge.  It is low current, I think 5v.  Maybe less voltage, but low enough that even a factory 6v system should be able to charge it.  All you should need is an adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter port.  If you get it for a 6v system, you will want to be sure that adapter will work with 6v.  If a usb device pulls too much current for that port, then something is seriously wrong.


Lawrenceville, GA

My car has been converted to 12 volt but my element must still be 6 because my lighter heats up real quick so I have to keep my hand on it and push it in for just 5-10 seconds. if I get distracted and leave it in when it pops out it shoots all the way on my lap, maybe I should try a 12 volt element but I have been using it for years with no probs, just heats up quicker!

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

The original 6V lighter socket will handle 12 volt powered accessories if the car itself has been converted to 12 volts.  The original cigarette lighter socket works just fine with modern 12 volt accessories including GPS systems.  I've also added another dual socket under the dash so that multiple add on accessories can be used simultaneously. 

I did remove the 6V element from the original lighter so that the grandkids would not play with it and potentially burn something up including the plastic face plates on the instruments.  I did that as a very young kid with my Grandmother's '51 Ford and she reminded me of that years later.  I didn't know she knew for a long time who left the cigarette lighter imprint in the clock face.  Good thing she never told Dad but I eventually inherited that old Ford and had lots of fun with it as a teenager.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

You can get replacement sockets at almost any parts store - NAPA, O"reilly, etc.

I have no problems running my GPS on a regular lighter socket.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

To clarify:  2BigWindow is correct -- IF you are only using the lighter SOCKET for accessory use. My original answer was directed at your use only as a lighter element as your question posed.

 In fact, the 6V socket has a heavier wire feeding it than the 12V design; so, it's actually able to handle more power at 12V for accessory use.  Do NOT use a 6V cigar lighter element on a 12V system, or a fire will occur.

Regards, JLB

55 Ford Crown Victoria Steel Top

Bergmanj is correct, you'll have a fire. You may be able to buy a 12v lighter element for the existing knob. On my 55 'bird I bought the whole 56 unit. But 62bw has a better idea. The lighter sockets where made for the lighter, and often don't make good contact with a modern charger or power unit. Tap one in under the dash, fused. Mine is mounted vertical, so it doesn't show unless something is plugged in

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I'm putting in a couple accessory ports in my 56. I've been told the original lighter wasn't designed to power modern items like GPS. You can pick them up for around $ 12 for a dual unit. Be sure to put inline fuses in if you go that route.

Durham Missouri

It'll burn up, as when you apply twice the voltage to a given resistance (the heating element) it will "take twice the rated current too! So, 2V x 2A = 4 x original design power = FIRE!

Regards,   JLB

55 Ford Crown Victoria Steel Top

Will a six volt cigar lighter handle a twelve volt system. I want to use it for various plug in lighter applications.
Thanks,
Richard