Powering your dash cam effectively is crucial for continuous recording, especially when parked. Many users face the dilemma of constant power drain or interrupted recording. This guide explores practical solutions using both OBD2 ports and cigarette lighters to ensure your dash cam is always ready to capture important events.
If your cigarette lighter is constantly powered, a simple and effective method involves using a male-to-female cigarette lighter adapter equipped with a low voltage cut-off switch. Combine this with a cigarette lighter to USB adapter, and you have a setup that protects your car battery. Devices like the Koolatron “battery saver,” readily available on Amazon, automatically cut power to your dash cam if your battery voltage drops below a safe threshold, typically around 11.6 volts. This prevents battery drain while ensuring your dash cam remains operational.
For vehicles where the cigarette lighter only works when the engine is running, OBD2 power supplies offer an excellent alternative. These adapters, also available on Amazon and generally inexpensive, provide power directly from your car’s OBD2 port. Similar to the cigarette lighter solution, you can find OBD2 adapters with built-in low voltage cut-off switches. Avoid directly wiring into your OBD2 port; using a dedicated adapter is a safer and more convenient approach.
When utilizing parking mode or surveillance features on your dash cam (motion or G-sensor activation), managing power consumption is even more critical. For cigarette lighter setups that are only powered when the engine is on, consider running a USB cable from your dash cam to a discreet location under the dashboard. This allows you to switch between OBD2 adapter power when parked and cigarette lighter power when driving.
If your cigarette lighter is always live, a heavy-duty splitter (10 amps minimum rating) offers versatility. Plug a voltage cut-off adapter like the Koolatron into one port for your dash cam, and use the other port for charging devices or other accessories. This setup maintains dash cam functionality while providing additional power outlets.
Remember, when you need to access your OBD2 port for diagnostics or scanning, simply unplug the adapter. The OBD2 port is designed to handle devices drawing up to 4 amps, and most dash cams, even dual-camera models, typically draw 2 amps or less. You won’t overload the system by using an OBD2 power adapter for your dash cam.
