Tapping 12v dash cam to something?

TheMidnightNarwhal · 11-15-2018, 07:28 AM

I'm interested in a dashcam but everything seems to plug 12v cigarete lighter. I don't really like that and would like something more factory like/stealth.

What are my options for something safe and that works? I read about come fuse tappers but not sure if that's ok for BMWs or if it can cause electrical gremlins?

Fb2017 · 11-15-2018, 08:10 AM

Fuse taps are ideal. I personally use cig lighter fuse for acc and alarm fuse for constant

I just have my settings as conservative as possible as I need all the juice I can get in the cold

TheMidnightNarwhal · 11-15-2018, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fb2017

Fuse taps are ideal. I personally use cig lighter fuse for acc and alarm fuse for constant

I just have my settings as conservative as possible as I need all the juice I can get in the cold

So if I tap it to cig lighter fuse it will only turn on when car is on?

And is that fuse in the glovebox?

Safety wise, how many amps do I use for the fuse. I guess same as the one in there already?

Fb2017 · 11-15-2018, 08:18 AM

It depends if you want parking mode in which case you will need to use both a constant and acc fuse. If you only want it while you're driving the cig lighter fuse is the way to go.

You only need a 5amp fuse for the camera. Make sure when you put in the add a fuse you keep the primary circuit as 20a and the secondary at 5a

.. dont flip them by accident

TheMidnightNarwhal · 11-15-2018, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fb2017

It depends if you want parking mode in which case you will need to use both a constant and acc fuse. If you only want it while you're driving the cig lighter fuse is the way to go.

You only need a 5amp fuse for the camera. Make sure when you put in the add a fuse you keep the primary circuit as 20a and the secondary at 5a

.. dont flip them by accident

Okok sounds simple enough.

Just one thing to clarify, these add a fuse kits are all set up with butt connectors. So I guess I strip the cable on the 12v of the cameras and plug it in? What about the ground.

Fb2017 · 11-15-2018, 08:53 AM

Yup. There is one nut deep in the fusebox. Its a pita to get to but it works for me

left side of the fuses a bit further in

11-15-2018, 07:28 AM	#1
TheMidnightNarwhal Major General 2816 Rep 6,391 Posts Drives: 11' 335is DCT Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Gatineau, Quebec iTrader: (0)	Tapping 12v dash cam to something? I'm interested in a dashcam but everything seems to plug 12v cigarete lighter. I don't really like that and would like something more factory like/stealth. What are my options for something safe and that works? I read about come fuse tappers but not sure if that's ok for BMWs or if it can cause electrical gremlins?
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11-15-2018, 08:10 AM	#2
Fb2017 First Lieutenant 47 Rep 345 Posts Drives: bicycle Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (2)	Fuse taps are ideal. I personally use cig lighter fuse for acc and alarm fuse for constant I just have my settings as conservative as possible as I need all the juice I can get in the cold
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11-15-2018, 08:18 AM	#4
Fb2017 First Lieutenant 47 Rep 345 Posts Drives: bicycle Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (2)	It depends if you want parking mode in which case you will need to use both a constant and acc fuse. If you only want it while you're driving the cig lighter fuse is the way to go. You only need a 5amp fuse for the camera. Make sure when you put in the add a fuse you keep the primary circuit as 20a and the secondary at 5a .. dont flip them by accident
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11-15-2018, 08:53 AM	#6
Fb2017 First Lieutenant 47 Rep 345 Posts Drives: bicycle Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (2)	Yup. There is one nut deep in the fusebox. Its a pita to get to but it works for me left side of the fuses a bit further in
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