Power and Grounding Description and Operation

The cigar lighter is for use in lighting cigars and cigarettes, and for use as a power outlet. The intent is to provide a lighter that is usable with as little distraction as possible.

Operation

Battery voltage is applied at all times to the cigar lighter through a 20 amp (LIGHTER) fuse (located in the instrument panel fuse block). When the cigar lighter knob assembly is fully seated, it closes a switch which allows current to flow through the heating element. Current flows through the circuit to the winding inside the cigar lighter, to the lighter shell, to ground. Once the element reaches its heating temperature, a bi-metal latch releases and opens the switch, current stops flowing and the knob assembly will return to its original position.

Components

A complete system of components including element assembly, a receptacle, and mounting ring.

As assembly containing a heating element and knob, a shield or ash guard. Commonly referred to as the popout or knob/element assembly.

That portion of the system constituting the element well, the electrical connections, the over-temperature device, and thermal release mechanism. This device receives, heats, and stores the element when not is use. Alternatively called the housing or switch base.