Where is the most suitable place to connect the power cord of a dash cam?
4 Answers
The power cord of a dash cam is most suitable to be connected to ACC. Below are the specific details about dash cams: 1. The loop recording settings of a dash cam generally offer different time options such as 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc. Once recording is completed, it moves to the next segment. 2. When setting the loop recording time for a dash cam, avoid setting it too short or too long. If the recording time is too short, the video will be divided into more segments, increasing the chance of frame loss. Conversely, if the time is too long, the number of stored videos will be very few and quickly overwritten. It is recommended to set it to 3 or 5 minutes for optimal performance. 3. A dash cam is an instrument that records images, sounds, and other related information during vehicle travel. After installing a dash cam, it can record the entire driving process in video and audio, providing evidence in case of traffic accidents.
I've installed dash cams three times and found the cigarette lighter power connection most suitable for beginners. Simply plug it into the cigarette lighter socket, and it automatically powers on when starting the car. Remember to buy a short right-angle power cable, route it along the top of the windshield and tuck it into the A-pillar rubber trim, then secure it with clips. This way, only a small section of the wire remains visible, maintaining clear visibility while allowing easy plugging and unplugging. However, if the cigarette lighter position is too far forward, the steering wheel might interfere with the cable. Once during rainy weather, I forgot to unplug it, and the circuit shorted and smoked upon startup—later I learned that cigarette lighter circuits have protection and are relatively safe. For DIY installations, I recommend this method; if it doesn't work out, consider having a modification shop connect it to the fuse box for a cleaner look.
As a frequent visitor to auto parts stores, I find tapping power from the fuse box to be the most discreet and professional method. Locate the fuse box under the steering wheel, use a fuse tap to connect to the ACC position fuse (choose one with lower power rating), then link it to the dashcam via a voltage reducer. This completely conceals the wiring and automatically cuts power when the engine is off to prevent battery drain. When helping friends install, I also added a ground wire connected to the car's metal frame. However, this requires understanding circuit diagrams and using a multimeter for testing - incorrect connections can easily blow fuses or damage the electrical system. I recommend average car owners avoid DIY attempts and opt for professional paid installation instead. Newer car models often have deeply concealed fuse box locations, and you might spend hours struggling to find the access point.
Just dealt with the ‘spider web’ wiring in my girlfriend’s car last week. The dangling power cord from the cigarette lighter was affecting driving in the front row, so switching to the USB port in the center console turned out to be unexpectedly good. The wire runs under the driver’s seat to the back and connects to the center console, completely hidden, with the fast-charging port for the phone left free for use. However, it’s necessary to test whether the USB port turns off when the engine is off, as some cars continue to supply power and drain the battery. I measured her car’s USB port at only 5V1A, just enough for the dashcam. A new discovery is not to tie the wiring along the A-pillar too tightly, as it could be dangerous if the airbag deploys. It’s recommended to use soft tubing to sleeve the wiring to avoid friction noise.
