What is the method for connecting a dash cam to the fuse box?
3 Answers
Method for connecting a dash cam to the fuse box: After locating the fuse box inside the vehicle, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry open the fuse box cover. Use the small clip inside the cover to remove the fuse. Connect the positive wire of the power cable to the positive wire of the voltage reducer using a connector. After connecting the positive wire of the voltage reducer, connect the negative wire of the voltage reducer to the ground wire fork, and secure it to a metal screw inside the vehicle. Most car owners directly plug their dash cams into the cigarette lighter socket, which is a quick and straightforward method, but the downside is that the cigarette lighter socket will be occupied for a long time. Besides plugging directly into the cigarette lighter socket, you can also connect the dash cam by drawing power from the fuse box.
I recently installed a dash cam myself by directly connecting it to the fuse box, which feels much more convenient than using the cigarette lighter. When parked in a garage or safe place, I disconnect the negative battery terminal after turning off the ignition for safety to avoid electric shock. After opening the fuse box cover near the driver's seat, I found a slot labeled 'ACC' among the cluster of small fuses – this is the port that powers on when the car starts. Using a fuse tap bought online, I inserted one end into the ACC fuse slot and connected the other end to the red wire of the dash cam. The black wire must be grounded, so I found an exposed metal screw and securely fastened the wire to it; poor grounding will prevent the dash cam from working. After reconnecting the battery for testing, the dash cam should automatically turn on when starting the car and shut off when the engine stops. All wires were neatly tucked away post-installation, keeping the car interior tidy and preventing battery drain. If unsure about the steps, there are plenty of tutorial videos online to follow along.
Use a multimeter to measure the fuse voltage to ensure the ACC position is suitable for connecting the dash cam, so it turns off when the key is removed to protect the battery. Prepare the tools for the operation: a screwdriver to loosen screws, a fuse tap to insert into the fuse box, connect the red wire to the ACC port, and the black wire to a grounding point on the car's metal frame. The key is to choose a low-current fuse, avoiding important circuits like headlights or brakes. After installation, test whether the dash cam turns on/off properly—if there's no response, the fuse might be blown or the grounding might not be secure. The benefits of this installation are a clean interior with no messy wires and more reliable automatic control of the dash cam. I've DIYed this a few times and found it easy, but remember safety first—disconnect the battery before working to avoid damaging the circuit. If you have a tool kit, it’s more convenient; you can buy a complete set of small accessories online, including fuses.
