Cigarette lighter adapters

	Shenzhen Jeasun's JE-CLA1005 model comes with up to three sockets and a USB port.

Recent releases feature at least two sockets, which can support devices with voltages ranging from 12 to 26V.

Responding to the growing number of electrical and electronic appliances being used in cars, suppliers of cigarette lighter adapters are coming out with models that have two or more outlets. Among the latest designs, many also have USB ports for portable media players, PDAs and video game consoles.

Each socket can typically power a 12 to 24V gadget. Some companies, however, have developed units that can support even 26V devices.

Adapters with the aforementioned upgrades in functionality are primarily for the midrange and high end. Makers are currently concentrating R&D efforts on these segments, anticipating that demand will grow as the global economy recovers.

A number of enterprises are expecting an upturn in exports within the year. This trend is in contrast to previous months, when most saw overseas shipments fall 20 to 30 percent.

At Shenzhen Jeasun Technology Co. Ltd, recent releases include several models fitted with three sockets and a standard USB interface for portable media players, PDAs and game consoles. One of these, JE-CLA1001, can produce a maximum of 5A, while its port has an output current of 500mA.

Dipa Products Ltd has introduced DPV-180, a cigarette lighter adapter with two outlets and two 5V, 1.2A USB interfaces. The former is suitable for 12 or 24V appliances, while the ports can support audio players, mobile phones, digital cameras and GPS devices. The product can bear a maximum load of 8A.

Hangzhou Dongsong Power Device Co. Ltd has launched a triple-socket adapter for use with 12V gadgets. The AA-105 comes with a 10A fuse for overload protection, while LED lights indicate the status of the battery being charged.

At Yuyao Jiajia Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd, a triple-outlet model with two USB ports has been released. The sockets have an output voltage of 12 to 24V, while each USB interface can produce 5V. The product complies with CE, RoHS, E-Mark and REACH requirements.

To make their cigarette lighter adapters stand out further, several companies are offering units in colorful housings. The triple-socket HP940 design from Huachang Electrical Appliance Mfg Co. Ltd, for instance, is available in white, purple and yellow. Transparent and opaque hues are options as well.

	Dipa offers the DPV- 180 model with two sockets and two USB ports.

Car cigarette lighter adapters from China typically come with PC, ABS or Bakelite housings. For other components, copper and iron are the main options.

Models generally do not exceed $3. Prices depend largely on the number of sockets and functions incorporated in the product.

Units fitted with only one socket are considered low-end. Quotes for these fall between $0.50 and $1.

Midrange designs priced up to $2 have two or three receptacles. A USB port is an option in this category for an additional $0.50 or more.

Upscale adapters come with at least three sockets and two USB ports. These are often compliant with RoHS and REACH requirements, and have been tested for PAHs content.

Some units in this category can provide power for charging car batteries. Such models can reach $20 each.

Cigarette lighter adapters are available from an estimated 250 companies in China. Suppliers typically offer the line together with automotive accessories such as air compressors, battery chargers and DVD players.

Exporters constitute about 80 percent of the industry. Of this sector, the majority Small and midsize enterprises account for the majority of this sector.

Makers operating on a small scale generate less than $1 million from overseas shipments annually. They have fewer than five workers in R&D and QC.

At midsize companies, the annual export revenue can reach $5 million. Up to eight employees each are assigned to product development and quality management.

Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces are the primary sources of cigarette lighter adapters in China, with the former accounting for more than half of output.

Models from Zhejiang are generally less expensive than those from Guangdong, as suppliers have relatively lower costs. In addition, suppliers in the latter typically target the high end, leveraging their convenient access to providers of consumer electronics.