Ensuring your dash cam is reliably powered is crucial for continuous recording, especially for features like parking mode. While many dash cams are initially set up using a cigarette lighter socket, this isn’t always the most efficient or effective method. If your cigarette lighter socket is always powered, it can lead to battery drain. Conversely, if it’s only powered when the engine is on, you lose recording capability when parked. This is where considering alternative power sources, like an OBD2 power adapter, becomes relevant for dash cam installations.
One common issue with cigarette lighter setups is the potential for constant power draw. A simple solution for a permanently powered socket is to use a male-to-female cigarette lighter adapter that incorporates a low voltage cutoff switch. Paired with a cigarette lighter to USB adapter, this setup protects your car battery by automatically disconnecting power to the dash cam if the voltage drops too low, typically around 11.6 volts. A readily available example of such an adapter is the Koolatron “battery saver”.
For vehicles where the cigarette lighter is only active when the engine is running, OBD2 power adapters present a viable alternative. These adapters, easily found online marketplaces, often include a similar low voltage cutoff feature. Connecting directly to the OBD2 port offers a discreet and often more reliable power source compared to tapping into other car circuits.
It’s generally advisable to avoid directly wiring into the OBD port without using a proper adapter. For parking surveillance, dash cams often utilize standby mode, triggered by motion or G-sensor activation, minimizing power consumption.
Depending on your vehicle’s power configuration and your dash cam usage needs, different setups might be suitable. If your cigarette lighter is engine-dependent, you could run a USB cable from your dash cam to a point under the dashboard. Then, utilize an OBD2 adapter for power when the engine is off and switch to a cigarette lighter adapter when driving.
Conversely, if your cigarette lighter is constantly powered, employing a heavy-duty splitter (rated at least 10 amps) can be useful. Plug a battery saver like the Koolatron into one port, and a high-quality cigarette lighter to USB adapter into the battery saver for your dash cam. The splitter allows you to retain a port for charging other devices while ensuring your dash cam is powered safely.
Using an OBD2 adapter for your dash cam is convenient and doesn’t interfere with the port’s primary function. When you need to use an OBD2 scanner for diagnostics, simply unplug the power adapter. OBD2 ports are designed to supply a certain amount of power, typically up to 4 amps, which is more than sufficient for most dash cams, including dual-camera models that usually draw 2 amps or less.
