Philips Respironics 12 Volt DC Power Cord (Connects CPAP to Cigarette Lighter Socket)
Top Review
"
VERIFIED CPAP.COM CUSTOMERI was able to use my CPAP out camping. This was very useful."
July 22, 2006
Product Overview
Manufactured by Philips Respironics.
Product Features
The 12 Volt DC Power Cord (Connects CPAP to Cigarette Lighter Socket) is a 6 foot long cable that connects a DC-compatible CPAP machine to any 12 Volt battery source. One end attaches to the machine's 12 volt jack and the other plugs into a socket similar to a car's cigarette lighter outlet. The 12v jack that connects to the machine will fit several of our most popular CPAPs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This cord is NOT compatible with the PR 60 Series line of machines. Please refer to the Important Tips and Video & FAQ tabs of this page for steps to identify the differences between 50 and 60 Series machines.
This 12 Volt DC Power Cord is compatible with the following units:
- All Respironics M Series Machines
- All 50 Series PR System One Machines EXCEPT 60 Series Models
- Respironics REMstar CPAP/APAP Machines (No REMstar BiPAP units)
- Respironics Synchrony Machines
- All Sandman Series Machines
- GoodKnight 425/425 ST BiPAP Machines
This cord CANNOT be used with PR System One 60 Series machines.
The Synchrony BiPAP and BiPAP ST use this cord, but the fuse within the cord's connector must be changed to use the 7amp fuse supplied within the package.
If you wish to run directly off the battery terminals, you will need this cable and the 12 volt Battery Adapter Cable, which has battery clamps on one end.
This cable cannot be used with the Respironics REMStar BiPAP Auto, BiPAP Auto ST, BiPAP Pro 2 or the BiPAP Plus. You will need to purchase the RP-DC Power Adapter Kit.
This cable cannot be used with the Puritan Bennett GoodKnight 420 series of CPAP machines. You will need to purchase the GoodKnight 420 Series 12volt DC Power Cord.
Word of Caution to RESmed S8 and S8 II Machine Users
YOU MUST USE THE DC12 Converter for S8 Machines in conjunction with any battery source, when using an S8 or S8 II machine. Failure to do so can result in damage to your CPAP.
Return On Warranty Issues Only
Specifications
This Product Includes...
- Shielded DC Power Cord
- 3A Fuse Installed
- 5A Fuse
- 7A Fuse
- Instruction Booklet
Product Specifications
Cord Length (Excluding Power Outlet Adapter): 6 Ft
Cord Length (Including Power Outlet Adapter): 6 Ft 4 In
Entire Cord Weight: 10 Ounces
Battery Requirement:12 VDC
Fuse Replacement: Use ONLY Respironics 7 Amp; 5 Amp; 3 Amp
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Manufacturer Note
- Philips Respironics products are for sale only to patients within the U.S. and not to other third parties or businesses.
- All services provided by CPAP.com, including advertisement, ordering, sale, delivery, instruction, and setup of the products are performed solely by CPAP.com and independently of the manufacturer.
Important Tips
IMPORTANT NOTE: This cord CANNOT be used with PR System One 60 Series machines. Visit this page if interested in a DC cord for a 60 Series machine- Shielded DC Cord for PR System One 60 Series Machines.
Vehicle Safety Tips
These vehicle safety tips are written according to statements from the manufacturer.
- When the device is not in use, the Shielded DC Cord should not be plugged into the vehicle.
- When DC power is being drawn from a vehicle battery, the manufacturer suggests only using when the vehicle's engine is turned off. Please observe battery capacity to avoid draining the vehicle's battery.
- The alternator, which runs when the vehicle is in use, can cause voltage spikes that will potentially damage the DC cord.
- The 12 volt is intended to be used with systems that are either "positive hot" or "negative ground" only. If these details are unknown, speak with the manufacturer of the vehicle.
How to Tell the Difference Between a 60 Series and 50 Series Machine
- Color
- PR System One REMStar 60 Series Machines and Heated Humidifiers are charcoal gray with metallic silver side and instrument panels.
- Original 50 Series PR System One units are dark gray with ivory colored side and instrument panels.
- Branding
- The PR System One REMStar 60 Series Machines have the words "System One" in raised or embossed letters stamped in silver on both the machine and humidifier.
- Original 50 Series PR System One units do not have raised lettering, the branding information is painted onto the unit.
- Machine and Humidifier Connections
- PR System One REMStar 60 SeriesMachines and Heated Humidifiers have a 6 pin connection between the machine and humidifier.
- Original 50 Series PR System One Units have a 4 pin connection between the machine and humidifier
- PR System One REMStar 60 Series Machines and Heated Humidifiers have a mechanical connection between the machine and humidifier
- Original 50 Series PR System One Units have 2 tabs on the humidifier that fit into 2 slots on the machine.
- Model Number Reference
- PR System One REMStar 60 Series Machines label identification example: the label on the bottom of the PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP lists: "REMStar Auto"; "REF" of 560P; and Serial Number identified by "SN". The number 560 references the part number of the machine.
- Original 50 Series PR System One Machines label identification on the bottom of other versions of System One machines lists: Machine name; "REF" that does not have the number "6" in the second position from the left; and Serial Number identified by "SN". For example the label on the bottom of a PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine with A-Flex lists "REMStar Auto" and "REF" of 550P. The number 550 references the part number of the machine.
REGARDING HEATED HUMIDIFIERS:
Please Note:
When using a heated humidifier with a CPAP, the fuse in the Philips Respironics DC cable MUST be changed out from the 3AMP to 7AMP. If this is not done, the 3AMP fuse will blow out and the DC cable will no longer function.
Word of Caution to RESmed S8 and S8 II Machine Users
YOU MUST USE THE DC12 Converter for S8 Machines in conjunction with any battery source, when using an S8 or S8 II machine. Failure to do so can result in damage to your CPAP.
ResMed VPAP Auto 25 and VPAP ST
The ResMed VPAP Auto 25 and VPAP ST use a different cord, DC-24 Converter For ResMed. Refer to the Respironics Battery Kit for ResMed VPAP Auto 25, VPAP Malibu & VPAP ST Machines for a battery kit for these machines.
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CPAP Video & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What type of power does my CPAP need?
- Most CPAP, APAP and BiLevel machines today are designed to operate on both AC and DC voltage. In the United States, the AC current from a wall outlet is 110 volts. Overseas, the AC current is usually 220 or 240 volt. Most batteries produce 12 volt DC current.
We include information about the power needs and capacities on the CPAP.com pages our products. Please see the "Power" tab on any machine product page for this information. You can also see a summary of the voltage range and whether it is DC capable on our Compare Charts.
Here is a video explaining differences in power cords and power supplies of various CPAP machines:
- Will my CPAP operate on DC / battery power?
- All CPAPs will operate on DC power with the use of an Inverter to change the current from DC to AC before it reaches the machine. However, many will operate on DC power without the need for an inverter, just a power cord that plugs into the CPAP and ends in a cigarette lighter plug.
Inverters do require a lot of power. If you need to use an inverter to run your machine on battery power, the inverter will probably take about half the life off the battery.
To determine if your CPAP will operate without an inverter, look for a DC outlet on the machine, either at the back or on the side, with a single opening directly in the center. It should be labeled "DC Power" or similar term. You can also review our Compare Charts to see if your machine has a optional DC cable option.
Here is a video describing different DC cable and battery options for various machines:
- Will my CPAP operate overseas?
- An adapter may be required to plug a US power cord into a wall outlet in a foreign country. CPAP.com sells an assortment pack of World Traveler Power Adapter Plugs, which allow CPAP machines to plug into different types of wall sockets found in different countries.
All the models CPAP.com sell contain power converters that enable the machine to operate on any AC current from 100 to 240 volts without any adjustment. - How do I use a battery to operate my CPAP?
- All machines can connect to DC power. Some machines are configured to operate on DC Power and have a DC power outlet. Other machines require AC power and will need an Inverter that turns DC power to AC power.
Having the proper equipment is the biggest key to successfully operating the machine from a battery. For example, if your machine does have a DC outlet and you want to run your machine from a marine battery, be sure to get the correct DC cable for the machine, as well as an adapter cable with alligator clips that fits over the cigarette lighter plug.
CPAP.com sells complete battery kits with everything you need for many machines including the correct cables for those machines and batteries. You can see if there is a battery kit available for your machine Here. If you have questions about the specific power needs of your machine, review the 'Power' tab found on the machine's product page, or give us a call at 1-800-356-5221. - What type of battery should I use?
- For longer battery use, we suggest using a deep-cycle marine battery to power the machine. A deep-cycle marine battery is heavier than the ordinary battery, but it has many advantages. The battery is easily found at auto shops and it provides power to the machine for an extended period of time. For example, a CPAP machine set at 10 cm H20 and charged on a deep-cycle marine battery will usually last three nights before it needs to be recharged.
There are small, portable battery packs that will operate a CPAP set at 10cm for at least one night, or about eight hours. CPAP.com sells full Battery Kits that come with everything needed to run your machine off battery power including the correct cables needed for your machine and a battery. You can find the battery kit for your machine Here. On each battery kit page, you can input your machine and pressure setting to see an estimate battery life for your machine.
Some machines have batteries created to be used specifically with them only. Here are some of the machines we carry with integrated or specialized battery options:
Transcend EZEX miniCPAP™ Machine
Z1 Travel CPAP Machine
Transcend Auto miniCPAP™ Machine with EZEX
Z1 Auto Travel CPAP Machine - How do I prepare for power outages with CPAP?
- There are a lot of back up battery choices out there that can give you peace of mind in case of a power outage. The Transcend Travel CPAP Machine has Battery Options available that can set up as a fail-over, back up battery. Review the 'Power' Tab on the machine page.
CPAP.com sells Battery Packs to accompany your machine if an integrated battery is not available. Visit CPAPtalk for more advice specific to your needs, or view this past thread on the topic here.