Hardwiring a dash cam to a vehicle or fleet's fuse box is the most effective way to ensure your dash cam receives a consistent power supply regardless of whether the engine is running or not. This eliminates the need for it to be plugged into the car's cigarette lighter socket, providing a constant power source.
Dash cam hardwiring kits have become increasingly popular with both novice and experienced drivers. These kits provide a continuous power source for your dash cam, preventing battery discharge, and ensuring that all important moments are recorded, both while on the road and when parked.
One of the most frequently asked questions is, “How do I hardwire my dash cam?” If you are looking for answers, this article will guide you through the steps of hardwiring a dash cam along with helpful tips.
Tools you need to get started:
In order to complete the job, you will need to acquire a few tools. This includes an add-a-fuse kit to connect the hardwire kit to your fuse box, a crimping tool to secure the wires, a multimeter to guarantee a safe installation, needle nose pliers to remove fuses, and a trim tool to properly route the cables. It is important to have a hardwire kit if you wish to use the parking mode feature available on certain dash cams. Please note that not all dash cams are equipped with this feature, and thus, a hardwire kit is not required.
Now, let's install your Dash Cam!
Follow these procedures in order to have a high-quality installation:
Find the perfect place to install the dash cam
Determining a good location for a dashboard camera is paramount and may require experimentation with different placements. The windshield is by far the most common area for installation, and many dash cams are designed to be affixed using a suction cup or double adhesive mount.
Experts who administer dash cam installation would recommend mounting the dash cam in the center of the windshield and behind the rearview mirror. This location is not directly in the line of sight and the mirror itself blocks the area of the windshield. Thus, you have no reason to worry about a hindrance to your view. Additionally, make sure to check your state's traffic law guide as there may be restrictions on dash cam mounting in certain countries.
Let's work on the fusebox of your vehicle
Before you begin, it is important to know the location of the fuse box when running a power cable from the dashcam to the fuse box. Typically, a vehicle's fuse box can be found beneath the dashboard, either on the driver's or passenger's side behind a removable panel at the base of the steering column.
Note: Always refer to your owner's manual for information regarding the location of the fuse box in your vehicle.
Detach the lid/cover clip to open the fuse box. Once the clip is removed, store the lid/cover in the glove box for future reference. Please note that the fuse tap cable will prohibit the lid/cover from completely sealing the fuse box after installation.
Choose a fuse with a current between 7.5A and 15A as recommended. The applicable slot position is indicated on the cover label, with the corresponding slot abbreviations provided. Please refer to the owner's manual for more information.
Refer to these locations for your reference:
- ACC (Hot When Start) power supply: WIPPER RR (rear wiper)
- ACC (Hot When Start) power supply: WASHER (windshield washer)
- Permanent (Always Hot) power supply: STOP (brake light)
You can use a multi-meter to determine whether the fuse slot is connected to a constant power supply or one that is activated upon engine start.
Rotate the dial on the multimeter to 12V. With an extraction tool, take out the fuse and insert the red probe (positive) into the fuse slot. Attach the black probe (negative) to a solid metal bolt as a grounding point.
When measuring the 12V power supply, a permanent (Always Hot) power supply is indicated when power is detected even when the vehicle is not started. Conversely, an ACC (Hot when Start) power supply is present only after the vehicle is started.
Remove the selected fuse: It is not recommended to use bare hands for extraction of the original permanent power or ACC power fuse; use the extraction tool instead. Pulling out the fuse with bare hands can be difficult and may cause damage to the plastic housing.
Routing Your Cable
It is important to be aware of the correct routing of cables in order to maximize the performance of your dash cam. By using the structure and frame of your vehicle, you can ensure the installation of your dash cam is as seamless as possible without the use of any wires.
Utilizing the pillars of your vehicle
Pillars are the vertical structures that provide support for a vehicle. These components are denoted as A-D, beginning with the A-pillar at the front of the vehicle. It is typically responsible for holding the windshield in place. The B-pillar is situated behind the A-pillar and delineates the front seats from the rear. The C-pillar acts as a support to the rear window.
D-pillars are for larger vehicles such as trucks or vans; they allow the integration of cables with the frame of your car for a seamless installation of your dash cam. This ensures the cables are properly concealed to provide a professional finish.
Installing your front dash cam
Run the power cable inside the top headliner towards the power source. Continue routing it through the headliner and tuck the cable into the crevice of the A-pillar. Route the cable down the A-pillar, using the rubber weather strip to conceal it. Utilize a trim tool to help tuck the cable securely in place.
Route the cable underneath the dashboard and connect it to the power source to complete installation. Please note that if the cable does not remain secure within the headliner, cable clips should be used to hold it in place.
Installing the rear dash cam
For users who want to have a rear dash cam, the installation procedure is similar to that of the front dash cam. Depending on the size of your vehicle, you may need a longer cable. It is recommended that the rear camera should be placed at the top center of the rear windshield for optimal coverage.
Securely mount the rear camera cable inside the headliner of the rear windshield; then, guide the cable through the pillars and rubber weather strip until it reaches the A-pillar. To prevent overlap, ensure the rear camera cable is routed in the opposite direction to the front cable.
When you reach the A-pillar, route the rear camera cable through the front windshield's headliner until you reach the front dash cam. Connect the rear camera cable to the front dash cam in order to complete the rear camera installation.
Now let's test your dash cam!
Once the installation of your front and rear dash cam is complete, try starting your vehicle to check that the dash cam is operational. If the setup was done correctly, the dash cam should turn on and start recording automatically. Ensure that no cables are visible; if the dash cam has been installed properly, all cables should be discreetly tucked away.
Should you encounter any difficulties during the installation process, do not hesitate to contact the dash cam manufacturer, who will be more than willing to provide you with the necessary assistance and support to successfully complete the installation of your dash cam.
Conclusion
By investing only an hour of your time, you can improve the safety of your vehicle both on the road and in public car parks. The most up-to-date features can also be installed. No need to say goodbye to your beloved motor!
You need to be very careful about the mounting spot in the windshield. You don't want the dash cam to obstruct the front view sitting in the driver's seat. Moreover, many countries have specific restriction laws on dash cam mounting – to avoid those, check out your state’s traffic law guide.
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