In an age where road safety and security are paramount concerns for drivers, dash cameras have become an indispensable tool. These compact devices record footage of your journeys, offering valuable evidence in the event of accidents, vandalism, or other incidents. While dash cameras typically come with a cigarette lighter adapter for easy installation, there’s a better way to power them: hardwiring. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of hardwiring your dash camera and provide a comprehensive guide on how to do it.
Why Hardwire Your Dash Camera?
1. Continuous Power: By hardwiring your dash camera to your vehicle’s electrical system, you ensure it receives power whenever the engine is running. This means uninterrupted recording without worrying about battery life or manually turning the camera on/off.
2. Neat Installation: Hardwiring allows for a cleaner and more concealed installation. Unlike using a cigarette lighter adapter, which often leaves unsightly wires dangling, hardwiring keeps everything tucked away, enhancing the aesthetics of your vehicle’s interior.
3. Parking Mode: Many dash cameras offer a parking mode feature, which monitors your vehicle even when it’s parked. Hardwiring enables this feature by providing constant power to the camera, allowing it to detect motion or impact and record incidents while your vehicle is unattended.
4. Power Loss Prevention: Some vehicles cut power to the cigarette lighter socket when the ignition is turned off. Hardwiring eliminates this issue, ensuring that your dash camera remains powered at all times, thus avoiding gaps in recording due to power loss.
How to Hardwire Your Dash Camera
Before you begin the hardwiring process, gather the necessary tools and materials:
- Dash camera hardwire kit (or fuse tap kit)
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape
- Multimeter (optional but recommended)
- Fuse puller (optional)
Now, follow these steps to hardwire your dash camera:
Step 1: Identify a Suitable Fuse: Locate your vehicle’s fuse box, usually found under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Use your vehicle’s manual to identify a fuse that is only powered when the ignition is on. Avoid using critical system fuses.
Step 2: Prepare the Hardwire Kit: If you’re using a dash camera hardwire kit, it should come with a power cable and an inline fuse. Strip the end of the cable and attach it to the appropriate terminal on the fuse holder.
Step 3: Connect to the Fuse Box: Insert the fuse tap into the slot of the chosen fuse, ensuring it makes a secure connection. Connect the power cable to the fuse tap, making sure it’s firmly attached.
Step 4: Ground the Camera: Find a suitable grounding point near the fuse box, such as a metal bolt or screw. Strip the end of the ground wire from the hardwire kit and attach it securely to the grounding point.
Step 5: Test the Connection: Before reassembling everything, test the connection using a multimeter to ensure the dash camera receives power when the ignition is on.
Step 6: Mount the Camera: Once you’ve confirmed the power connection, mount your dash camera in the desired location, making sure it has a clear view of the road ahead.
Step 7: Secure the Wiring: Use cable ties or adhesive clips to secure the wiring along the vehicle’s interior, keeping it tidy and out of sight.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully hardwired your dash camera, ensuring continuous recording and enhanced vehicle security.
Conclusion
Hardwiring your dash camera offers numerous benefits, including continuous power, a cleaner installation, parking mode functionality, and prevention of power loss. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and effectively hardwire your dash camera, providing peace of mind and added protection on the road. Stay safe, and happy driving!