For dash camera users, ensuring a consistent power supply is crucial for continuous recording and vehicle safety monitoring. Choosing the right power source, whether it’s through your car’s cigarette lighter socket or the OBD2 port, depends on your vehicle’s power configuration and your dash cam’s features. This guide explores powering your dash cam using both cigarette lighter and OBD2 power cable solutions.
Understanding Your Car’s Power Outlets
First, determine if your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket is always powered or only when the ignition is on.
- Always-On Cigarette Lighter: If your cigarette lighter socket provides power even when the engine is off, directly connecting your dash cam can drain your car battery.
- Switched Cigarette Lighter: If the socket only powers on when the engine is running, your dash cam will automatically turn on and off with your vehicle.
Option 1: Cigarette Lighter with Low Voltage Cutoff
For vehicles with an always-on cigarette lighter, a simple and effective solution is to use a cigarette lighter adapter with a low voltage cutoff switch.
This setup typically involves:
- Male to Female Cigarette Lighter Adapter with Low Voltage Cutoff: Devices like the Koolatron “battery saver” are readily available. These adapters monitor your car battery’s voltage and automatically cut off power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a safe threshold (e.g., 11.6 volts). This prevents battery drain while still allowing your dash cam to operate when the car is running.
- Cigarette Lighter to USB Adapter: Plug this into the female end of the low voltage cutoff adapter to provide a USB port for your dash cam.
- Dash Cam USB Cable: Connects your dash cam to the USB adapter.
Alt text: Cigarette lighter to USB adapter plugged into a car cigarette lighter socket, powering a dash camera.
This method is straightforward and avoids complex wiring. It’s ideal for users who want a plug-and-play solution with battery protection.
Option 2: OBD2 Power Cable for Dash Cam
If your cigarette lighter is only powered when the engine is on, or if you prefer a cleaner setup, an OBD2 power cable offers an alternative. OBD2 ports are designed to provide power and data access for vehicle diagnostics.
Using an OBD2 power cable for your dash cam provides:
- Switched Power: The OBD2 port typically provides power only when the ignition is on, mirroring the behavior of a switched cigarette lighter.
- Hidden Wiring: OBD2 ports are usually located under the dashboard, allowing for more discreet cable routing compared to cigarette lighter adapters.
Similar to the cigarette lighter setup, some OBD2 power cables also incorporate a low voltage cutoff feature for added battery protection, especially if you intend to use parking surveillance mode.
Alt text: OBD2 port adapter plugged into a car’s OBD2 port, providing power for a dash camera.
Important Note: While OBD2 ports can supply power, they are primarily designed for diagnostic tools. However, dash cams generally have low power consumption (typically 2 amps or less, even for dual-channel models), well within the OBD2 port’s power capacity (often up to 4 amps).
Combining Cigarette Lighter and OBD2 for Flexibility
For users who want maximum flexibility, especially if their cigarette lighter is switched, a combination approach can be useful.
You could:
- Run a USB cable from your dash cam to a point under your dash.
- Use an OBD2 power adapter for parking mode or when the engine is off. This allows you to power the dash cam while parked, utilizing features like G-sensor or motion-activated recording.
- Use a cigarette lighter adapter for normal driving when the engine is running.
This setup allows you to switch between power sources depending on your needs.
Addressing OBD Port Power Concerns
It’s a common concern whether powering a dash cam from the OBD2 port will strain the vehicle’s electrical system or interfere with diagnostics. In most cases, this is not a problem. Dash cams are low-power devices, and the OBD2 port is designed to handle diagnostic equipment that may draw similar or even higher power.
You can confidently use an OBD2 power cable for your dash cam without significantly taxing your vehicle’s electrical system or hindering OBD port functionality when you need to use a scanner.
Conclusion
Choosing between a cigarette lighter adapter and an OBD2 power cable for your dash cam depends on your vehicle’s power configuration and your desired setup. Cigarette lighter adapters are simple and effective, especially with low voltage cutoff for always-on sockets. OBD2 power cables offer a cleaner installation and are suitable for switched power systems. Both methods can reliably power your dash cam, ensuring continuous recording and added security for your vehicle.
