What is the voltage of a dash cam?
2 Answers
The voltage of a dash cam is generally 5 volts. The power cable of the dash cam has a voltage reduction function to meet the 5V voltage requirement of the dash cam. All output ports in a car provide a 12V direct current (DC). If a 5V dash cam is connected to a 12V power source, the dash cam will be damaged. However, under normal circumstances, dash cams can be paired with a voltage reduction cable or a cigarette lighter port, as both have the function of a DC transformer. Of course, a dash cam can also be connected to the fuse box using a voltage reduction cable. The advantage is that the longer voltage reduction cable allows for concealed wiring, providing better concealment, stable and safe voltage, and it does not occupy the cigarette lighter port. Additionally, connecting the voltage reduction cable to a constant power fuse enables the dash cam to have a parking monitoring function after the vehicle is turned off. However, the downside is that if the dash cam does not have a low-voltage protection function, prolonged parking may result in a drained car battery.
Most dash cams actually operate at 5V DC, although the car's cigarette lighter socket typically provides 12V. Therefore, the included cigarette lighter plug is essentially a small transformer specifically designed to step down the voltage from 12V to 5V. I've installed three different brands of dash cams in my own car, all of which were 5V devices. Once, I mistakenly bought the wrong power cable and connected it directly to 12V, causing it to smoke and resulting in significant losses. Nowadays, many people opt for wiring from the fuse box for a cleaner installation, which requires a voltage step-down cable as an essential accessory. However, it's important to note that the cigarette lighter socket may cut power after the engine is turned off, whereas a constant power connection from the fuse box requires a voltage step-down cable with voltage monitoring to prevent battery drain.
