Are you tired of messy wires and always charging your dash cam?
A hardwiring kit can change your driving experience.
It connects your camera to your car’s electrical system for constant power.
Ever thought about how a hardwiring kit can improve your dash cam setup? It uses your car’s power, so you don’t need a power adapter or USB cable.
This makes installation easy and keeps your camera recording, even when your car is parked.
What is a Hardwiring Kit?
A hardwiring kit for dash cameras is an accessory that allows you to connect your dash cam directly to your vehicle’s electrical system rather than using the cigarette lighter socket.
It typically includes a power cable, fuse taps, and connectors that facilitate a secure and constant power supply to the dash cam.
Why use a Hardwiring Kit?
Using a hardwiring kit for your dash cam has many benefits.
It gives your camera a steady power source by linking it to your car’s electrical system. This means your camera keeps recording, even when your car is off.
Hardwiring also makes your dash cam installation look better. The power cable can be hidden, making your car look neat. Plus, you won’t need to charge or replace batteries.
This keeps your camera running smoothly, even when your car shakes.
Hardwiring also makes your dash cam harder to steal. It has complex wiring that thieves find hard to mess with. This setup also keeps your camera connected to the battery better than other options.
Hardwired dash cams usually record better video. They get power from a separate source, so they work well even when your car’s power changes.
This is key for recording while your car is parked.
In short, hardwiring kits are great for dash cams. They offer constant power, a neat look, better security, and top-notch video.
These reasons make hardwiring a top choice for many.
Benefits of a Hardwiring Kit
Hardwiring your dash cam to your car’s electrical system has many benefits.
One big plus is reliability. Your dash cam stays on and records all the time, even when parked.
Another great thing is constant power. Your dash cam keeps recording even when your car is off. This is super useful for catching theft or hit-and-run incidents.
Hardwiring also means you can hide your dash cam. This makes your car look better and keeps your device safe. Plus, you won’t have to worry about batteries anymore.
Lastly, hardwiring stops your dash cam from turning off because of vibrations. This means it records well on all your trips.
“Hardwiring a dashcam provides a direct connection to the vehicle’s electrical system, ensuring continuous power supply even when the vehicle is off.”
Over 64% of Australians say they’ve been in a car accident. Most dash cams are installed in the front and rear. Schmicko Auto Care is a top choice, with over 500 5-star Google reviews and four LBA awards since 2020.
Who uses a Hardwiring Kit?
Hardwiring kits for dash cams are loved by many.
They connect the camera to the car’s electrical system. This gives a steady power supply and lets you use parking mode.
Some common users of these kits are:
- Drivers who want to record while parked for security or insurance
- Fleet managers and commercial vehicle operators to monitor their fleet
- Rideshare and delivery drivers to protect against false claims or accidents
- Car enthusiasts who want to record their drives
- Law enforcement and emergency responders for evidence and documentation
These users hardwire their dash cams to keep recording even when the car is off. This gives a full record of events. The direct power connection means the camera works even when parked for a long time. It’s a key installation accessory for those who want constant monitoring and protection.
“The ROVE R3 Ultimate 3-Lead Hardwire Kit ensures continuous power supply to dash cams from the car’s battery, even when the engine is turned off, enabling the Parking Monitor feature.”
Hardwiring kits are a top pick for many drivers and operators. They see the benefit of a constant power source for their dash cams. This lets them capture important footage and boosts their camera installation’s function.
Types of Hardwiring Kits
Hardwiring kits are a top choice for powering dash cams.
They connect your camera to your car’s electrical system. This gives your camera power even when the car is turned off.
There are many types of hardwiring kits, each for different cars and setups.
Fuse Tap Kits
Fuse tap kits let you hook up your dash cam to your car’s fuse box.
They have an inline fuse to keep your electrical system safe from too much power.
OBD2 Port Kits
OBD2 port kits make installing your dash cam easy. They use your car’s OBD2 port for power. This port is usually easy to find.
| Hardwiring Kit Type | Key Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Fuse Tap Kit | – Connects to the vehicle’s fuse box – Includes inline fuse | – Reliable power source – Protects electrical system |
| OBD2 Port Kit | – Plugs into OBD2 port – Easy installation | – Convenient access to power – Plug-and-play setup |
Hardwiring kits give your dash cam a steady power supply. This is better than using a power adapter from the cigarette lighter. Hardwiring lets your camera keep recording in parking mode. This means your car is always watched, even when it’s turned off.
Installation of a Hardwiring Kit
Installing a hardwiring kit for your dash cam is easy but needs care and tools.
It connects your dash camera to your car’s electrical system.
This gives your camera constant power and lets it work in parking mode.
Necessary Tools
- Hardwiring kit
- Circuit tester or multimeter
- Crimping tool
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Zip ties or electrical tape
Precautions
Before you start, take some important steps.
Make sure the fuse slots you pick are between 10A-30A.
This is the right power for your dash cam. Don’t use fuse slots for safety features without checking your car’s manual.
Don’t make common mistakes like wrong wire connections or bad ground.
Use zip ties or tape to keep things neat.
Installation Steps
- Find the constant power (battery) and ignition-switched (ACC) fuse slots in your car’s fuse box.
- Take out the chosen fuses and put in the add-a-fuse taps. Make sure they’re tight.
- Connect the hardwiring kit’s red wire to the ignition-switched (ACC) fuse and the yellow wire to the constant power (battery) fuse.
- Find a good spot, like a metal bolt, to connect the black ground wire.
- Check if your dash cam works right after you install it.
The steps might change based on your car and the hardwiring kit. If you’re not sure or feel uneasy, get help from a pro auto electronics installer.
Important Considerations
Using a hardwiring kit for your dash cam has big advantages over a power adapter.
It connects your camera to your car’s electrical system. This gives your camera constant power and lets it work in parking mode.
But, there are key things to think about when picking and setting up a hardwiring kit for your dash cam:
- Power Efficiency: Hardwire kits get power straight from your car’s battery. This gives your dash cam steady power. It keeps recording even when your car is off, without using up your battery.
- Security and Tamper Resistance: Hardwiring your dash cam makes it safer. It’s harder to steal or mess with because the wiring is complex. The connections are also more secure than a simple power adapter.
- Installation Complexity: Setting up a hardwiring kit takes more work than just plugging in a power adapter. It’s crucial to follow the maker’s instructions closely. This helps avoid harming your car’s electrical system.
When picking a hardwiring kit, look for one with an in-line fuse, voltage monitoring, and automatic shut-off.
These features protect your car’s battery. Also, make sure the kit fits your dash cam model and your car’s electrical system.
“Hardwiring a dash cam ensures continuous power supply and reliable connection for high-quality video and audio recording.”
Thinking about these points helps you pick the best hardwiring kit. This ensures a smooth and safe installation for your dash cam.
It gives you peace of mind and better features on the road.
Related Accessories
Installing a dash cam often means using a hardwiring kit for constant power.
But there are more accessories to make your dash cam system better.
A power adapter is key. It connects the hardwiring kit to your dash cam for a smooth power flow. It keeps your dash cam running without breaks.
A multimeter is also handy. It checks your car’s battery health. Your battery should be between 12.6V to 24.6V for the kit to work right.
For good grounding, use a continuity test and a resistance test with a multimeter. These tests make sure the kit is grounded well. This is important for the system’s safety and performance.
Choosing the right fuses is crucial, too. Hardwiring kits come with fuses, but make sure they fit your car.
Don’t use fuses over 10A to avoid damage.
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Power Adapter | Provides a stable and reliable power connection between the hardwiring kit and the dash cam. |
| Multimeter | Helps test the battery’s health and perform grounding checks for the hardwiring kit installation. |
| Fuses | Ensures proper electrical protection for the hardwiring kit and the vehicle’s electrical system. |
Using these accessories can make your dash cam installation better.
It makes your system more reliable and keeps your car’s electrical system safe and working well.
Conclusion
Using a hardwiring kit for your dash cam has many benefits.
It makes your car’s surveillance system work better and more reliably.
It connects your dash cam directly to your car’s electrical system.
This means your camera always has power. It can keep recording even when your car is off.
This is great for catching important events, like theft or hit-and-run incidents, when you’re not around.
Setting up a hardwiring kit needs some knowledge of your car’s wiring and safety steps. But it’s worth it for a clean and easy power solution for your dash cam.
It lets you pick how long you want your camera to run and keeps it stable with strong power.
Getting a hardwiring kit is a smart move for any driver.
It makes your car safer and more protected.
You’ll get clear and reliable recordings of your drives, giving you peace of mind.