12V outlet power question

redleader74 said:

So I recently bought a 12v vacuum for use in the car. Something small I can store in the car to clean up occassional messes. The instructions say that for better power to the vacuum to start the engine (as opposed to just turning on the car to accessory mode). So my question is, what is it about the 12v power supply that running the engine would give it more power?

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thats probably to cover themselves on draining the battery.
no auto accessory will ever recommend using it when cars off

Operating just off the battery you'll be somewhere around 11.5 - 12.5 volts.
With the engine running (and alternator charging the battery) you'll be around 13.5 - 14.5 volts.

Thing is.. in a CRV... the 12V plug is not powered unless you either start the engine or at least switch to accessory mode... and as you noted.. you could do accessory mode.. but the battery in the CRV is on the small side in my view, and the car has a lot of systems that make demands on it when in accessory mode too.

As for the advice.. yeah.. they are simply pre-communicating to the consumer.. to avoid complaints about said item discharging the consumers battery, or complaints about the device not vacuuming well due to low voltage. Not all batteries are up to full snuff.. so someone with a weak battery, who then plugs in something that draws notable current (and a vacuum has a motor.. so current will be notable) will quickly find their battery drained if they do a long vacuum cycle.

Thanks....on a side note, here's the vacuum I bought:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079L6RX8Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

More of a lesser of all evils kind of a choice. I couldn't find a 12V powered vac that was: small, powerful, and versatile (attachments).

redleader74 said:

Thanks....on a side note, here's the vacuum I bought:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079L6RX8Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

More of a lesser of all evils kind of a choice. I couldn't find a 12V powered vac that was: small, powerful, and versatile (attachments).

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Looks like a nice vacuum. 110W @ 12vdc..... yeah.... that thing is going to draw around 10 amps from the battery.

williamsji said:

that thing is going to draw around 10 amps from the battery.

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...which is what the specifications at the bottom of the Amazon ad says.

I thought that Honda fused their 'lighter sockets' (AKA Power Points) at only 10A? Maybe more, momentarily, at start up...

Carbuff2 said:

...which is what the specifications at the bottom of the Amazon ad says.

I thought that Honda fused their 'lighter sockets' (AKA Power Points) at only 10A? Maybe more, momentarily, at start up...

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From the owners manual, page 215:
The accessory power socket is designed to supply
power for 12-volt DC accessories that are rated 180
watts or less (15 amps).

If you got the cash this thing is a beast and you don't have to worry about a power cord or the cars battery.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FL32CLZ

I let my wife use it in the house and now she is using it all the time to vacuum the couches and the cabinets. I am really pleased with the suction and how well it works. I don't think i could go back to a normal 12V car vac after using this.

Rob

I use a small vac like that and I do not run my engine but I am uncertain of the Amps on mine yours is 9.1Am on a 15 A fuse...

robbyg said:

If you got the cash this thing is a beast and you don't have to worry about a power cord or the cars battery.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FL32CLZ

I let my wife use it in the house and now she is using it all the time to vacuum the couches and the cabinets. I am really pleased with the suction and how well it works. I don't think i could go back to a normal 12V car vac after using this.

Rob

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Good trick. Make her think it's a treat or a dare to use your vacuum to clean the house. I just my Dyson attachments.