when this fan is plugged into my car's cigarette lighter, do I need to have the engine running for it to work ?
1466659
That would depend on the capacity of you car's battery and the power requirements of the fan.
1466660
Nope, I run mine with the engine off (F-250 6.0l diesel). Just remember tho it's about a 4 amp draw so keep a periodic eye on the juice left in the battery.
1466661
Depends on how is your cigarette lighter wired. Most cars need the key to be turned to "accessories" in order for the cigarette lighter to have power. Once you have power you can run the fan, how long depends on your car's battery capacity. If you run the fan too long you will drain your car battery. If you do not want to drain your car battery, then you need to run your engine in order to recharge the battery as the fan drains it. So for short periods of time, no you do not need to run your engine, if you want the fan to run overnight, then most likely without running the engine you will drain your battery.
1466662
Depends on how is your cigarette lighter wired. Most cars need the key to be turned to "accessories" in order for the cigarette lighter to have power. Once you have power you can run the fan, how long depends on your car's battery capacity. If you run the fan too long you will drain your car battery. If you do not want to drain your car battery, then you need to run your engine in order to recharge the battery as the fan drains it. So for short periods of time, no you do not need to run your engine, if you want the fan to run overnight, then most likely without running the engine you will drain your battery. Depends on how is your cigarette lighter wired. Most cars need the key to be turned to "accessories" in order for the cigarette lighter to have power. Once you have power you can run the fan, how long depends on your car's battery capacity. If you run the fan too long you will drain your car battery. If you do not want to drain your car battery, then you need to run your engine in order to recharge the battery as the fan drains it. So for short periods of time, no you do not need to run your engine, if you want the fan to run overnight, then most likely without running the engine... » Read More Depends on how is your cigarette lighter wired. Most cars need the key to be turned to "accessories" in order for the cigarette lighter to have power. Once you have power you can run the fan, how long depends on your car's battery capacity. If you run the fan too long you will drain your car battery. If you do not want to drain your car battery, then you need to run your engine in order to recharge the battery as the fan drains it. So for short periods of time, no you do not need to run your engine, if you want the fan to run overnight, then most likely without running the engine you will drain your battery. « Show Less
1466663
Only if your power outlet only works when you have the key in the on or power position. Most cars do have a power outlet that works without the engine on.
1466664
That depends on whether the power is available at the cigarette lighter when the engine is off. My truck has two 12 volt power sources. One is always powered. The second one is only powered when the engine is running. You should check this first. I use a separate battery with a small cigarette lighter adapter to run my fan. It's a little heavy but it works great in my tent!
569457
It will NOT work. The intake and exhaust fans need power as does the electronic igniter.
758704
I do not have an adapter for my car but I believe it would be easy to set up. The fan comes with a 110V transformer, cord and fan plug. All you would need to operate from a car is a cigarette plug for your car (to fit into the car electrical outlet) and enough cord to fit your needs plus a small plug to fit the fan. Purchase a small plug similar to the one on the end of the current 120V cord that will fit the fan and attach it to the cord with the cigarette plug already mentioned. Since the fan operates off 12V it should work fine. Be aware that it will eventually run the car battery down. You will need some basic electrical knowledge to make this cord up. If your basic electrical knowledge is limited suggest you find a friend who could help. Good luck.
1070021
Yes, because most vehicles AC power or cigarette lighter ports are not hot or on when the key is not in it. But if you turn your radio on by turning your key to the AC on the car will not be on but the power will be and yes it will work then.
292522
mine is dc. I had battery drain problem. Wired it from a toggle switch to disconnect neg. batt cable. only energised with engine running problem solved. I don't know why it would't work for a fan
1928991
probably too late to give you some advice, but a computer case fan is 12v and can be wired to run directly into a vehicle cigarette lighter outlet. you could hook up quite a few before you would draw anywhere close to what a 110v fan will draw.
1573433
I don't think I would do that because the plug contains the on/off switch as well as speed control. And it also contains a fuse in the part that goes into the lighterAlso wherever you get power from make sure it's on its own circuit because I pop fuses with this fan a lotIt draws very much electricity
823013
If the ignition is connected to the power module is easy.Because the fan is running in.
768798
No, your vehicle needs to be running, or your ignition key turned to the AUX position.
1069256
Not unless you want to. It runs off the car battery as supplied through the cigarette lighter (accessory power outlet). Depending on he vehicle, you may have to have the ignition key turned to the on position to have access to battery power, but you don't necessarily have to have the engine running. I would only run the engine if your battery power is low or if you're going to spend forever inflating multiple items.
1357487
you need to hook it up to a power source that comes on when the ignition comes on
1453631
The two small terminals are the trigger, or coil wires. When 12V is applied to these, it closes the contact making a connection between the two large terminals. Run a wire from the battery negative, or a chassis ground point to either of the small contacts. You'll need to find a 12V + source that cycles on-off with the ignition switch. Run a wire from this point to one side of the toggle switch. Run a wire from the other terminal on the toggle switch to the remaining small contact on the relay. This will allow you to cycle the fan on & off with the toggle switch but will also cut the fan off automatically when you cut off the car to keep from running down the battery if the toggle switch is left on. Run a wire from the battery negative to the fan negative input side. Next run a wire from the battery positive, using an inline fuse, to either of the large terminals on the relay. Lastly run a wire from the remaining large relay terminal to the positive input wire on the fan. The wire to the relay coil, or trigger can be #16 or even #18 wire and will be fine. Depending on the fan size, the wires to the large terminals, and to the fan will need to be #14, or even #12 to carry the load, if you've got some #10 that would be fine as well, bigger is better up to a point here!
1798579
Hello, Yes you are able to run it where ever power is. If you do, you might need to look at if your lighter is continuous power or does it shut after you shut the car down. but either way Answer is yes.
924233
You need an electrical outlet for the fan to plug into, otherwise you can hard-wire it to a electrical source.
1838555
Yes it needs to be plugged in to a regular household outlet. It has both an electronic ignition and a blower fan for the heat exchanger.
1881555
Hello,It is a menu selection. It must be set to run from external power. The vehicle's cigarette lighter port must only be energized when ignition is in the "on" position. By the way, mine began to malfunction after sitting in the hot sun all summer. The distributor did repair/replace it (I had to send it back), but I am going to make a little sun shield for it for when I am not driving.Good luck!Rick
855890
Oh, whoops. I used mine while the engine was running with no problems. My 12-volt ports aren't powered unless my car is at least in accessory mode.If you're really afraid of your battery dying, you're probably ok using it with your car on. Just wait until your car is started before plugging it in (to prevent a surge) and make sure your parking brake is engaged.