Where is the best place to connect power for a dash cam?
4 Answers
Dash cams can be powered through the cigarette lighter, reading light, or fuse box. Below is an analysis of the pros and cons of different power connection methods: 1. Cigarette lighter power: The advantage is simple wiring, while the disadvantage is that it affects aesthetics, occupies a cigarette lighter port, and since the cigarette lighter is generally connected to ACC, it only has power when the car is on, making 24-hour parking monitoring impossible. 2. Reading light power: The advantage is relatively stable voltage supply, safe and reliable, but the disadvantage is that incorrect modifications can easily cause electrical short circuits. 3. Fuse box power: The advantage is no exposed wires, making it more aesthetically pleasing, and since the fuse box is usually directly connected to the car battery, it enables 24-hour parking monitoring. The disadvantage is that it's more complicated and usually requires professional installation. Car owners can choose based on their actual needs.
When installing a dash cam, I highly recommend connecting it to the cigarette lighter socket because it's simple to operate and easy to plug/unplug, making it ideal for daily use by regular car owners like us. The dash cam automatically turns on when you start the car and shuts off after parking and turning off the engine, eliminating the hassle of manual operation while also preventing battery drain from forgetting to turn it off. For wiring, I routed the cable along the top edge of the windshield to the A-pillar and then tucked it into the interior trim seams, keeping the cabin much neater. Although the cigarette lighter doesn’t support parking mode, it’s perfectly sufficient for daily driving, and even beginners can handle it easily. A quick reminder: check whether your cigarette lighter is a standard 12V socket, as some newer cars use USB ports that may not provide enough power. Overall, based on personal experience, the cigarette lighter is the most user-friendly and practical choice.
I'm a car modification enthusiast myself, and I think powering the dash cam from the fuse box is the most ideal solution, especially when connected to the ACC (accessory circuit) fuse. This way, the power is supplied when the car starts and cuts off when the engine is turned off. The wiring can be completely hidden behind the dashboard, with no exposed wires, making it both aesthetically pleasing and professional. When using a hardwire kit for connection, ensure voltage stability to avoid damaging the dash cam's circuit. It's best to purchase a voltage reducer accessory to prevent issues when converting 12V directly to 5V. For parking surveillance, choose a dash cam with voltage protection or connect it to the OBD port, but the fuse box method offers more customization. When working on it, use a multimeter to test the fuse location and find the correct grounding point. Although it's a bit more complicated, it's reliable in the long run and worth the effort.
I focus on vehicle safety, and powering a dash cam through the OBD-II port is the most reliable method, as it provides continuous power to support parking surveillance. It automatically records when the car is scratched while parked, effectively protecting the vehicle. The connection is simple—just plug it into the diagnostic port under the dashboard, eliminating the need for wiring modifications. However, it's important to set the dash cam's voltage threshold to prevent excessive power consumption and battery drain. Choosing this solution ensures driving safety and avoids blind spots.
