Hardwiring dashcam, switched fuse? 2016 E-class

[davesbray]

Hi All

I have installed a dashcam, hardwired into the light/rain sensor fuse in the fusebox in the passenger footwell, I assumed this would be a switched fuse but it turns out it's permanent live. Is there any fuses in that box that are switched? I'm worried about my battery being drained by the cam being on and recording all the time.

thanks

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Use the 12v power/cigarette fuse

 

[Noddy 99]

OR get a hardwire kit that has a cut-off if the battery drops below 11V. I have a tablet hardwired to a permanently live fuse.

 

[Gazwould]

11V is a dead battery.




I've permanent live but the camera has selectable shut down times .

So you get that crucial high risk car park covered even though it does have a G shock wake up if not on .




I left it recording solidly for 3 days once to see if it failed to start the vehicle , started no problem .

 

[EmilysDad]

My Smart's battery was flat after its dashcam was left running while we went away for a fortnight
I reconnected it to ignition supply.

 

[Gazwould]

Despite it selectively shutting down I also installed a pin switch .

 

[Noddy 99]

Ah, maybe I got the 11V bit wrong but it definitely has a switchable cut-off which I activated and it definitely doesn't drain my battery - the tablet is left plugged in all the time and the car starts first time, even in these frigid temperatures...

 

[davesbray]

Yes it says it has a cut off at 11.2v, but that always seemed a bit suspect to me. Is the 12v power fuse in the same box? Ah, I'll have to get the fuse location map out again!
Thanks for all the answers, battery seems to be fine so far but I'll look at using the 12v fuse and relying on the g-shock sensor when parked.

 

[Noddy 99]

In the fuse box between the steering wheel and the door, there are only permanently live fuses. I had a dashcam professionally fitted to fuse 54 (cigar lighter) under the bonnet and I didn't fancy routing cabling from the cabin to the engine bay. My solution is working out fine...

 

[davesbray]

I've decided I'm going to try and get to the 12v fuse, but it's in the boot. Any idea if there's an easy way to get from the back seats into the boot? It's a saloon style shape, I can't find anywhere to go through and I'd rather not start drilling holes if I don't have to

 

[Mike Smith]

I use an obd power adapter which has a built in switch for ignition or permanent live.

That way I can choose to use parking mode for short periods of time without any fear of the battery dying.