Many drivers wonder whether their car’s OBD2 port remains powered at all times, especially when considering powering devices like dashcams. Understanding your vehicle’s power outlets is crucial for choosing the right power source for your electronics and avoiding battery drain. Let’s delve into whether the OBD2 port is always powered and explore the best options for powering your dashcam.
Cigarette Lighter Power Behavior: Always On or Engine-Dependent?
The traditional cigarette lighter socket in your car may or may not be constantly powered. In some vehicles, it’s only active when the engine is running, while in others, it remains powered even when the car is off. If your cigarette lighter only works when the engine is on, you’ll need to consider alternative power sources for devices you want to run continuously, like a dashcam in parking surveillance mode.
OBD2 Port Power: Designed for Constant Power
The OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) port is generally designed to be always powered. This constant power supply is necessary for diagnostic tools to communicate with the car’s computer system, even when the ignition is off. Mechanics and technicians rely on this constant power to read error codes and perform diagnostics without the engine running.
Utilizing the OBD2 Port for Dashcam Power
Given that the OBD2 port is typically always powered, it can be used to power a dashcam, particularly for parking mode or continuous recording. Специальные OBD2 to USB adapters are available that allow you to draw power from the OBD2 port to power USB devices like dashcams.
Solutions for Dashcams with OBD2 Power Adapters
For powering your dashcam via the OBD2 port, consider using an OBD power supply adapter. These adapters often come with a built-in low voltage cutoff switch. This is a crucial feature because it protects your car battery from excessive drain. If the battery voltage drops below a certain level (e.g., 11.6 volts), the cutoff switch will automatically stop supplying power to the dashcam, ensuring you have enough battery to start your car.
For vehicles where the cigarette lighter is always on, you can use a cigarette lighter to USB adapter in conjunction with a “battery saver” adapter like the Koolatron. This setup also incorporates a low voltage cutoff, providing similar battery protection. You can connect the Koolatron “battery saver” to your cigarette lighter socket, then plug a cigarette lighter to USB adapter into the Koolatron to power your dashcam.
If your cigarette lighter is engine-dependent, direct OBD2 power adapters are a straightforward solution. You can find inexpensive OBD power supplies online that include the necessary voltage cutoff switch.
Standby Mode and Efficient Power Usage
When parked, you’ll ideally want your dashcam to operate in standby or surveillance mode. These modes, often triggered by motion or G-sensor activation, significantly reduce power consumption compared to continuous recording. This is especially important when relying on the car’s battery for power while the engine is off.
Uninterrupted OBD2 Port Access
Using an OBD2 power adapter for your dashcam doesn’t mean you lose access to the port for diagnostics. When you need to use a scan tool, simply unplug the adapter. This is a quick and easy process, allowing you to maintain the functionality of your OBD2 port for its intended purpose.
OBD2 Port Power Capacity
It’s important to note that the OBD2 port is designed to supply a certain amount of power, typically up to 4 amps. Most dashcams, even dual-channel models, consume 2 amps or less. Therefore, powering a dashcam through the OBD2 port is generally well within the port’s power capacity and won’t overload the system.
Conclusion: OBD2 Port as a Viable Power Source
In conclusion, the OBD2 port is generally always powered and offers a convenient power source for dashcams, particularly for parking mode. Using dedicated OBD2 power adapters with low voltage cutoff switches ensures battery protection. Whether your cigarette lighter is always-on or engine-dependent, there are readily available and safe solutions to keep your dashcam powered and your vehicle’s battery protected.
