What is the power supply voltage of a dash cam?
2 Answers
The voltage of a dash cam is generally 5 volts, while the output voltage of all ports in a car is 12V DC. Normally, a dash cam can be paired with a step-down cable or a cigarette lighter port, both of which have the function of a DC transformer. Therefore, connecting the dash cam to the cigarette lighter port or using a step-down cable allows the 5-volt dash cam to operate normally with the 12V power supply. If the dash cam is connected to the fuse box using a step-down cable, the advantages include: the step-down cable is longer, allowing for exposed wiring with good concealment, stable voltage, and it does not occupy the cigarette lighter port. Additionally, connecting to constant power via the step-down cable enables the dash cam to have parking monitoring functionality after the car is turned off. The disadvantage is that if the dash cam lacks a low-voltage protection feature, prolonged parking may lead to battery drain. Most dash cams opt for the cigarette lighter port for power supply. The advantages include convenient power access and easy installation. After parking and turning off the car, the car battery stops supplying power, and the dash cam shuts down, which benefits battery charge retention. The disadvantages are that the parking monitoring feature of the dash cam becomes ineffective, using the cigarette lighter port for power occupies the car charger, inconveniencing other electrical devices, and may expose some wiring, affecting the vehicle's aesthetics. In summary, whether using a step-down cable or connecting to the cigarette lighter port, the prerequisite for both is to ensure the connection is made under voltage reduction to guarantee the normal operation of the dash cam.
I've driven quite a few cars and always used dash cams, which typically operate at 5 volts. The cigarette lighter socket outputs 12 volts, but the dash cam converts it to 5 volts via a USB adapter, similar to charging a phone. Once, I used a generic adapter that caused significant voltage fluctuations, leading to the dash cam repeatedly restarting and resulting in intermittent recordings. It only stabilized after I switched to an OEM part. Too high a voltage, such as from incorrect wiring, can fry the device, while too low may prevent it from powering on. During maintenance, I check for cable damage, keep the ports clean, and ensure stable power supply. Under varying in-car temperatures, aging wires can cause voltage instability, affecting recording quality. I recommend beginners consult the manual before installation to confirm the voltage specification is 5 volts and use cable clips to secure the wiring.
