Dashcams provide valuable evidence in case of an accident or incident on the road. However, to ensure that the dashcam is always powered and ready to record, many people opt for a hardwired kit. In this blog, we will explore what a dashcam hardwired kit is and how to install 2-lead & 3-lead hardwire kit and OBD hardwire kit.
What is a Dashcam Hardwired Kit?
A dashcam hardwired kit is a set of components that allows you to connect your dashcam directly to your car's electrical system. This means that the dashcam will be powered by the car's battery, rather than relying on a separate power source.
Hard-wiring your dashcam has several advantages
1. Constant power supply: With a hardwire kit, the dashcam is directly connected to the car's battery, ensuring a constant and reliable power supply. This means that the dashcam will continue to function even when the engine is turned off, and it won't drain the car's battery.
2. Neat and tidy installation: A hardwire kit allows for a much cleaner and more professional installation of the dashcam. The wires are hidden behind the dashboard, and the dashcam can be mounted in a discreet location.
3. Protection against theft: Because the dashcam is hardwired into the car's electrical system, it's much more difficult for thieves to steal it. A hardwired dashcam is also more difficult to spot from outside the car, further deterring theft.
4. Automatic shut off: Some hardwire kits come with a voltage cutoff feature that automatically turns off the dashcam when the car's battery voltage drops below a certain level. This helps to prevent the car's battery from being drained, ensuring that the car can start up normally the next time you use it.
5. Parking mode: Many dashcams have a parking mode that can be activated when the car is parked. With a hardwire kit, the dashcam can continue to record in parking mode without draining the car's battery. This can be useful for capturing any incidents that may occur while the car is parked, such as a hit-and-run or attempted theft.
The Components of a Dashcam Hardwired Kit
A typical hardwired kit will include several components, including a fuse tap, a power cable, and a ground cable. The fuse tap is a small device that plugs into your car's fuse box, allowing you to tap into the car's electrical system without having to cut any wires. The power cable connects the fuse tap to the dashcam, providing power to the camera. The ground cable provides a ground connection for the dashcam, completing the circuit.
2-Lead vs. 3-Lead Dashcam Hardwired Kits
There are two types of hardwired kits available on the market: 2-lead and 3-lead kits. The main difference between these two kits is the number of wires that they include.
2-lead kits have two wires, a positive wire, and a negative wire. The positive wire connects to the fuse tap, which is connected to a switched power source, meaning the dashcam will only receive power when the car is turned on. The negative wire is connected to a ground point on the car's chassis.
3-lead kits have an additional wire known as the “ignition sense” wire. This wire is connected to a circuit that is only powered when the car is turned on, allowing the dashcam to turn on and off automatically with the car. This means that the dashcam will start recording as soon as the car turns on and will stop recording when the car is turned off. It is a convenient feature that helps to ensure that the dashcam is always recording when it needs to be.
For 3-lead kits, Vantrue gets the VP01 and VP03.
Vantrue VP01 (Vantrue 3-Lead ACC Hardwire Kit) has a smart low voltage protection system that will automatically shut off the power to your dash cam when the battery voltage drops below your set value(11.6V/11.9V/12.2V/12.5V/23.6V/23.9V/24.2V/24.5V - 4 voltage protection options available). Also, it gets the 6 custom timer setting options(2, 4, 6, 12, 24 hours or always recording) available for continue recording/receiving power after you parked your car.
Vantrue VP03(Vantrue Dash Cam Hardwire Kit) gets 2 options for low voltage protection system. It will automatically cut off when voltage below11.6v or 23.2v with switch button turning right. Vice versa, 12V or 24V with the switch button turning left.
So how to install 3-lead kits?
Step 1, Find the correct fuse slot for your hardwire kit:
① 12V-30V rated power fuse
② ACC fuse
The location and layout of the car fuse box and the type of fuse used may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Please refer to your vehicle manual and consult the original vehicle manufacturer or professional auto parts installer for details. We recommend that you ask for professional help to install it to avoid installation errors.
The fuse control box will contain many fuses, including cigarette lighter, interior lights, car stereos, etc. Please refer to your owner's manual to find the fuse box, then test if a fuse is an ignition switched or always on with a circuit tester or multimeter.
Step 2, Connect to car fuse box
① Crimp the red wire onto the Add-A-Fuse.
② Please identify the rated power fuse on the fuse panel, such as the fuses for appliances and reading lights. The power-rated fuse will remain energized when the ignition is off. Once identified, connect the red wire to the 12V-30V rated power fuse.
③ If your ACC fuse slot does not fit the ACC fuse socket that comes with the hardwire kit, you can cut off the fuse socket that comes with it and wrap the yellow ACC wire around your car's ACC fuse socket, then insert it into the fuse box.
④ Fix the black wire(GNC)under a metal bolt or screw in your vehicle.
Step 3, Test your installation according to the below steps
1. Insert the TYPE-C end into the dash cam, start the ignition, waiting for the dash cam to start.
2. After the dash cam starts, turn off the car and unplug the key to check if the dash cam is turned off or goes into parking mode.
3. After confirming that the dash cam is off or in parking mode, restart the car to check whether the dash cam can start recording normally.
If all the above steps pass the test, it indicates that the normal circuit and ACC signal test passed.
Step 4, Route the power cable
Carefully route the power cable around the windshield and tuck it under the trim.
OBD Hardwire Charger Cable
Also, Vantrue offers OBD Hardwire Charger Cable which can also provide 24/7 parking surveillance and low voltage protection. Instead of attaching 3 wires to the vehicle’s fusebox, an OBD cable only needs to connect to the vehicle’s OBD port. Once this is done, your parking-mode dash cam will be able to receive parking-mode recording just as if you were to hardwire to the fusebox. The installation is easy-plug and play.
Note: Vantrue VP01, VP03 and OBD hardwire kit availabe on the model following: T3/N2S/N4/S2/X4S/E1/E2/E3/E1 LITE