Ensuring your dash cam is reliably powered is crucial for continuous recording, especially when your vehicle is parked. For dash cam users, there are primarily two power source options: the cigarette lighter socket and the OBD2 port. Understanding the nuances of each can help you choose the best setup for your needs, particularly when considering a Dash Cam With Obd2 capabilities.
If your cigarette lighter socket is always powered, even when the ignition is off, a simple solution involves using a male to female lighter adapter equipped with a low voltage cutoff switch. This is often paired with a cigarette lighter to USB adapter to power your dash cam. A device like the Koolatron “battery saver” is a readily available option that integrates this cutoff switch, preventing excessive battery drain by interrupting power to your dash cam if your car battery voltage drops below a safe level, typically around 11.6 volts.
However, many modern vehicles only power the cigarette lighter socket when the engine is running. In such cases, an OBD2 power adapter becomes a viable alternative. These adapters, available on platforms like Amazon, can also incorporate a low voltage cutoff feature, offering similar battery protection. While directly wiring to the OBD port might seem like a shortcut, using a dedicated OBD2 adapter is generally recommended for safety and ease of use.
For parking surveillance, you’ll ideally want your dash cam to operate in standby mode, activating only when triggered by motion or g-force sensors. If your cigarette lighter is engine-dependent, consider running a USB cable from your dash cam to a discreet location under the dashboard. This setup allows you to switch between cigarette lighter power when driving and OBD2 adapter power when parked and needing continuous monitoring.
If your cigarette lighter is constantly powered, utilizing a heavy-duty splitter (at least 10 amps rated) can be beneficial. Connect the Koolatron battery saver to one port, and then plug a high-quality cigarette lighter to USB adapter into the battery saver to power your dash cam. The remaining port on the splitter can still be used for charging other devices.
When you need to access your OBD2 port for diagnostics or scanning, simply unplug the adapter. It’s important to note that dash cams typically draw minimal power, usually 2 amps or less even for dual-camera models, well within the OBD2 port’s power capacity of up to 4 amps. Using an OBD2 port to power your dash cam, especially with a low voltage cutoff, offers a practical solution for continuous recording without risking battery depletion.
