Where to Plug in the Power Cord of a Dash Cam?
2 Answers
There are three common locations to connect the power cord of a dash cam: 1. The dash cam can be powered via the cigarette lighter socket, which converts 12V to 5V DC. It automatically starts recording when the vehicle's power is turned on. The advantage is easy wiring installation (users can route the cable themselves), and the adapter usually comes with the dash cam. The drawback is that the dash cam stops working when the power is turned off, preventing continuous recording after leaving the vehicle. 2. The dash cam can be directly connected to the car battery. This requires routing the cable from the cabin to the engine compartment and connecting it to the battery terminals. However, this method makes it difficult or inconvenient to manually turn off the power, and there's a risk of over-discharging the battery. 3. The dash cam can be powered through the ACC fuse box. This method involves hiding exposed wires along the A-pillar, locating the ACC fuse, and using a "fuse tap" to connect to it (refer to the user manual to identify the correct fuse number). This approach doesn't interfere with the vehicle's original power supply, and the dash cam starts recording when the car's main power is activated.
When I first bought my car, I didn’t know where to plug in the dashcam power cable. Later, a friend told me that most of them can be directly plugged into the cigarette lighter socket. The cigarette lighter socket is that round socket in the car, usually located near the front center console—just plug it in, and it automatically powers on. It’s super simple, no need to worry about reverse polarity. I also found out that if the cigarette lighter socket is already in use, you can buy a splitter to expand it. When routing the power cable, it’s best to tuck it into the seat seams to avoid a messy look and obstructing your view. If you’re DIYing, avoid using tape to secure it, as it might damage the interior. When switching cars or moving the dashcam, just unplug and re-plug—perfect for people like me who prefer hassle-free solutions.
