You can use any recording device as a dashboard camera technically. But there are many reasons you should purchase a purpose-built dashcam rather than hacking a tool together. Dashcams are safer and more reliable. If you’re wondering how to install a dashcam, we’re going to give you some tips. We’re also going to answer the question, “How are dash cameras powered?”
What Is a Dashcam?
A dashcam is a small, windshield-mounted, in-car camera that records everything within the front, and sometimes the car’s rear. When involved in a collision, it can be an eyewitness account to a motorist, while also protecting motorists funds on their insurance. Most video cameras also have Parking Mode that can capture accidents when you’re separated from your vehicle and serve as a warning against theft and injury.
The dashcams have quickly become your car’s must-have gadget. Bound to the windscreen, they maintain a vigilant watch on the path ahead and move the footage to a memory card immediately when there is a crash. You have an electronic device this reports evidence of an incident that might not be your fault, and it’s essential to know the answer to: “How are dash cameras powered?”
How Are Dash Cameras Powered?
A dashcam is installed on the windscreen, and as you move, it records the route. It’s powered, or you can hardwire it into the fuse box or via the cigarette lighter cable. It tracks on a constant stream, and you can record each clip onto a micro SD card in a segment of videos.
How are dash cameras powered? In comparison to general-purpose recording systems, dashboard cameras appear to be no-frills s that sometimes skip fancy bells and whistles such as switching devices and monitoring controls.
You can connect a dashboard camera into a circuit without an on/off controller, which is only hot when the ignition key starts or in the run position. You may even wire the camera through a circuit, which is hot at all times for extra protection, and a minor chance of your battery is going to be dead.
How to Install a Dash Camera
- Sitting in your car driving seat, you want to explore various Dashcam locations. Placing the dashcam within easy reach of your position is a smart idea, but certainly, don’t install the dashcam at a position that obstructs your vision of the path ahead. The user has elected to put their dashcam together under the rearview mirror instantly.
- Since we connect a power line from the dashcam into the fuse box, you have to know its location. Many cars have a power switch at the driver’s or passenger’s side below the dashboard. The fusebox under the steering wheel is readily visible. Consult your users manual about the fuse box position in your car.
- Starting with the dashcam, set out the power cable approximately where it would pass behind the internal panels of the car until concealed. It gives you an indication where the cable will be directed, and allow the way down to the fuse box. Tagging A-pillar on the rubber trim exposes a void through which the power cable can be extended from the headlining down to the fuse tube. The A-pillar cover needs to be removed, which enables complete access to this region of the vehicle for power cable routing. Most A-pillar coverings will easily pop off; check the specific manual for your vehicle or contact a specialist if you are not sure how to extract interior panels. Route the power cable across the fuse box behind the doors.
- Vehicle fuses should either provide power or even when the vehicle is moving as hot at the start. To automatically switch on the dashcam while the car is driving and automatically shut off while the driver switches off the engine, you must attach an add-a-circuit package to a ‘quick start’ fuse.
- You use a simple circuit tester, which highlights when power is visible and recognizes which fuses are hot at the start. You will use the circuit tester to ensure that when the ignition key is off, there is no pressure at the switch, and the electricity is only available when the ignition is switched.
- Make sure to take off the key from the ignition. Gently extract the fuse you found by using a fuse puller or a pair of pliers. Attach the fuse which you have just installed into the add-a-fuse circuit repair package. Plug the add-a-circuit into the empty place where the fuse is initially ‘hot in the start.’
- Your car will have the other end of the assembly wiring system grounded on. Most cars, as shown in the image below, have at least one obvious ground point near the fuse box. You can remove the lower kick panel to enter to this ground-point. Replace the bolt and detach the ground lug from the installation package.
- You can use a zip tie to wrap the wire together for excess strength. Then, use more zip ties and secure the wiring to a solid mounting point under the dashboard or behind the kick panel. Attach the ignition key and switch it to run the device. If it’s all configured right, you will see your dashcam switch on and start filming! You should go ahead at this stage and try to install all internal panels that are removed to ease the power cable.
Conclusion
It’s essential to know the answer to “How are dash cameras powered?” before initializing the installation. As long the fuse box is accessible, it will not take longer than thirty minutes to install the device. As a driver like you, understanding the importance of installing a dashcam is a precautionary safety for your family while you’re on the road. Find out more about Dash Cameras.