At the 4:27 mark you state putting the fuse in the first position (closest to the blades) if installing the fuse tap into an empty slot. Unless these fuse taps are backwards from other fuse taps then that is incorrect. By doing this, no power will cycle through to the device.
Thank you for your video! I ordered my fuse kit from you! I think there is a slight error at 4:25. You say to correctly add the fuse to the first position (at 3:01 you show a diagram showing the first position is closest to the exiting wire), but in the demo at 4:25 you show adding the fuse to position 2.
Hi there! Thank you so much for your keen observation and for bringing this to our attention! You're absolutely right, and I appreciate you taking the time to point out this discrepancy in our video. For anyone following along with the video, please follow the correct instruction of placing the fuse in the first position, closest to the exiting wire. Thank you again for your attention to detail and for helping us maintain the quality and accuracy of our instructional materials. If you have any other questions or notice anything else, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always here to help!
Great video. Thanks! just a stupid question.. do I still need to connect the black (-) wire? I am installing a steering wheel heater to my vehicle. Appreciate!
Hello and great tutorial! - at marker 8:15 when installing the fuse tap into the fuse slot, does it matter which way the fuse is oriented? I’ve seen on other tutorials when inserting the fuse tap it was oriented to the fuse leg that has the power or does it not matter?? Thanks in advance 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Hi there, glad the video was helpful! The general rule of thumb is to follow the orientation of the fuses in your fusebox, most of them should all be directed facing one way. For the complicated answer: Yes, the orientation of the fuse tap does matter. It should be oriented so that the power leg of the tap is connected to the side of the fuse slot that has the power. This ensures that the new circuit is protected by the additional fuse in the tap. Using a multimeter to identify the power side will help ensure correct installation.
its critical for when comes to install Powercell8, I found my car has very limited fuse slot can tab in to 20 - 30A, I will just stay with the cigarette socket although it slower than hardwiring.
Hi there! That's a really smart and safe decision! While hardwiring might be faster for charging, using the cigarette socket is still a perfectly valid option for the PowerCell 8. It's better to be cautious than to risk using an inappropriate fuse slot. The slightly longer charging time is a small trade-off for peace of mind and proper installation. If you need any help with the cigarette socket setup or have questions about your PowerCell 8, just let us know!
Hi there! That's an interesting application you're considering! While the Add-a-Fuse kit is typically used for dash cam installations, it can potentially be adapted for other automotive electrical needs like additional backup lights. While this setup could work, it's a bit different from our typical dash cam installations. For specific advice on automotive electrical work, you might want to consult with an auto electrician or a specialized truck accessories shop. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific vehicle and needs. If you need any further clarification or have questions about our dash cam products, feel free to ask!
Hi, First of all, thank you so much for the extremely detailed video. As someone who is not very familiar with this subject, I found it to be perfect! I have a few questions: I plan to install a dash cam in my Peugeot 208 (2014), and I think the VIOFO A229 Pro is the one I'll purchase. I also want to hardwire it, and I understand that I need the VIOFO HK4 kit for this. I've already reviewed the fuse box diagram of my car and I believe I’ll connect the yellow cable (ACC) to the cigarette-lighter fuse. However, I'm unsure where to connect the red wire. Could you suggest a constant fuse I could use? Also, if I don't connect the red wire, can I simply ignore it? Additionally, how fast will the dash cam drain my car's battery? Even if I set the sensitivity to the minimum, is it risky to connect the red wire? Due to my new job, I don’t drive much, and I’m concerned that the dash cam might drain the battery. Thank you again for your help!
Hi there! I'm glad the video was helpful! To install the VIOFO dash cam, connect the red wire (VCC) from the HK4 hardwiring kit to a constant power fuse, such as the fuse for interior lights or radio memory. This connection lets the dash cam work in parking mode, which helps monitor your car when it’s off. Ignoring the red wire isn’t recommended, as it may prevent proper function. To minimize battery drain, use parking mode on low sensitivity and consider a battery pack like the VIOFO Power Magic Ultra Battery for added protection. Let me know if you have more questions!
My question is, how can I connect an ACC cable, VCC cable, and ground cable to a plug and then to a 12-volt battery? I want to use the battery as a power source instead of a fuse box. How can I do that? For example, for a dashcam kit that requires 12V power. What role does the ACC cable play? Is it positive or negative?
Hi there! I appreciate you clarifying your question. Let's break this down step-by-step: Connecting to a 12V battery: 1. VCC (red) - Connect this to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. 2. GND (black) - Connect this to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. 3. ACC (yellow) - This is typically a positive voltage when the ignition is on. For a battery setup: 1. You can connect the ACC wire to the positive terminal along with the VCC wire. 2. This essentially tells the dash cam that the "ignition" is always on. The role of the ACC wire: 1. In a car, it signals when the ignition is on/off. 2. It's a positive voltage wire, not negative. 3. With a battery, connecting it to positive simulates the ignition always being on. Important considerations: 1. Ensure your battery can provide stable 12V output with sufficient amperage. 2. Your dash cam may not automatically switch between normal and parking modes. 3. You might need to manually adjust settings in your dash cam. For safety and to ensure compatibility with your specific dash cam model, I'd recommend contacting our support team at info@blackboxmycar.com. They can provide detailed guidance based on your exact setup and dash cam model. Remember, safety first when working with electrical connections. If you're unsure, it's best to consult with a professional installer.
Yes, if you want your dash cam to have constant power, you'll need to wire it to a fuse that provides constant power, even when the car is off. This setup will allow features like parking mode to function, as the dash cam will continue to receive power from the car's battery. However, keep in mind that drawing constant power from the car's battery can potentially drain it over time, especially if the car is not driven regularly. To avoid this, many users opt for a dedicated dash cam battery pack. This battery pack charges while you drive and then powers the dash cam when the car is off, preventing any drain on the vehicle's battery. If you're unsure about the installation process or need further advice, feel free to contact our support team at info@blackboxmycar.com or chat with us via Live Chat. We're here to help!
Yes, the most common reason that a fuse tester does not work is an improper ground. Make sure that you are connecting to a clear, unpainted metal surface.
Sometime in my case I was using tester that didn't detect under 5v or something meaning the tester that I bought wasn't capable of detecting low voltage. It was cheap small pockets size tester from Canadian tire so made sense. So make sure your tester is capable
I want to install 2 - 2 channel dash cams to record 360 deg. One front and left side one rear and right side. Can i hardwire lets say 2 viofo a229 or blackview pros to the battery pack?
Hi there, Yes, you can hardwire two 2-channel dash cams like the VIOFO A229 or BlackVue models to a battery pack. This setup will allow you to record a 360-degree view around your vehicle, covering both the front and rear, as well as the sides. Using a battery pack is a great way to ensure continuous recording without draining your car battery, especially in parking mode. When setting up two dash cams, make sure the battery pack you choose has enough capacity to support both systems simultaneously. Generally, this involves connecting each dash cam's hardwiring kit to the battery pack, ensuring proper power distribution. If you need more guidance on the installation process or selecting the right battery pack, feel free to reach out to our support team at info@blackboxmycar.com or chat with us via Live Chat. We're here to help you with any questions you may have!
Does the Powercell 8 battery provide alternator current directly to the dashcam while the Powercell is charging (car is running) or does the Powercell 8 both charge up AND supply it's battery power to the dashcam? In other words, Does the Dashcam always get power directly from the Powercell Lithium Iron Phosphate cells when the car is running and in parking mode?
When the vehicle is running, the battery pack will draw enough power both to recharge itself, and supply power to the camera simultaneously. Power will flow through the Lithion Iron Phosphate cells to get to the camera at all times.
Speaking to using the fuse tap on an empty slot, wouldn’t you place the added circuit fuse in the slot furthest from the teeth? And leave the slot closest to the teeth empty? By placing the fuse closest to the teeth you wouldn’t have any power on the downline you are adding that feeds from the tap. 🤔 This is assuming you oriented the fuse correctly in the box with the line and load side which you don’t touch on at all in this video. If you placed it backwards, you’d be bypassing the fuses and yeah it would work that way but defeats the purpose of the fuses.
Just tried wiring some LED hood lights to my Ford Maverick hybrid. I used the fuse for the auto dimming mirror (which the xlt doesn’t have). My battery was almost drained within an hour. Could putting the existing fuse in the wrong position cause this? The LEDs didn’t stay on when the vehicle was shut off.
Sorry to hear this happened. While our expertise mainly lies in dash cams, I can try and help. Using the fuse slot for a feature your vehicle doesn't have (like the auto-dimming mirror in the XLT) shouldn't typically drain the battery if wired correctly, and the LEDs turn off with the vehicle. Ensure that the fuse itself does indeed turn off with the vehicle, and not just the LEDs. However, if the battery drained significantly within an hour, it suggests there may be a short circuit or improper wiring. It's less about the fuse position and more about ensuring the wiring is correctly set up for a switched power source that turns off with the ignition. I recommend double-checking the wiring and consulting a professional if the issue persists to prevent battery drain and potential electrical damage.
Hi there. Mazda 3s are rather difficult cars, due to their lack of an ACC connection in their standard fusebox, yes. I do not recommend wiring to the engine fusebox, as it is dangerous, will involve wiring past the firewall, and you will often have to build a relay. Now, an OBD is an easy option to bypass this issue, or you can speak to a professional about splicing into existing wiring instead. Check out my response to another Mazda 3 owner on reddit a couple weeks back: www.reddit.com/r/Dashcam/comments/1bl3i2x/comment/kw2p8t3/
The yellow cable normally connects to an ACC, ignition based connection, while the Red wire connects to a constant one. This will depend on your specific cable, so always consult the labels on your specific cable.
Hi the camara i got got the Buke cable line the red small fuses the black round i stil buy thad cable tu for put other fuses to people tell me need take out the fuse the fuse car put the line cable with the fuse the place i got the fuse i take outdont know can do it like the can you ket me know whatt fuse i need to uses camara stay on 24/7 sensor got impact o got sonthing oroun the car camara got off oway thank you
At the 4:27 mark you state putting the fuse in the first position (closest to the blades) if installing the fuse tap into an empty slot. Unless these fuse taps are backwards from other fuse taps then that is incorrect. By doing this, no power will cycle through to the device.
Hi there! You're absolutely right about the fuse tap orientation - I apologize for any confusion!
@ thank you.
Thank you for your video! I ordered my fuse kit from you! I think there is a slight error at 4:25. You say to correctly add the fuse to the first position (at 3:01 you show a diagram showing the first position is closest to the exiting wire), but in the demo at 4:25 you show adding the fuse to position 2.
Hi there! Thank you so much for your keen observation and for bringing this to our attention! You're absolutely right, and I appreciate you taking the time to point out this discrepancy in our video. For anyone following along with the video, please follow the correct instruction of placing the fuse in the first position, closest to the exiting wire.
Thank you again for your attention to detail and for helping us maintain the quality and accuracy of our instructional materials. If you have any other questions or notice anything else, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always here to help!
Great video. Thanks! just a stupid question.. do I still need to connect the black (-) wire? I am installing a steering wheel heater to my vehicle. Appreciate!
Glad you liked it, sorry for the wait. Yes, that is most likely the ground cable, which is required for a hardwiring installation.
Hello and great tutorial! - at marker 8:15 when installing the fuse tap into the fuse slot, does it matter which way the fuse is oriented? I’ve seen on other tutorials when inserting the fuse tap it was oriented to the fuse leg that has the power or does it not matter?? Thanks in advance 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Hi there, glad the video was helpful! The general rule of thumb is to follow the orientation of the fuses in your fusebox, most of them should all be directed facing one way.
For the complicated answer: Yes, the orientation of the fuse tap does matter. It should be oriented so that the power leg of the tap is connected to the side of the fuse slot that has the power. This ensures that the new circuit is protected by the additional fuse in the tap. Using a multimeter to identify the power side will help ensure correct installation.
Amazing video! Thanks for the tips!
its critical for when comes to install Powercell8, I found my car has very limited fuse slot can tab in to 20 - 30A, I will just stay with the cigarette socket although it slower than hardwiring.
Hi there! That's a really smart and safe decision! While hardwiring might be faster for charging, using the cigarette socket is still a perfectly valid option for the PowerCell 8. It's better to be cautious than to risk using an inappropriate fuse slot.
The slightly longer charging time is a small trade-off for peace of mind and proper installation. If you need any help with the cigarette socket setup or have questions about your PowerCell 8, just let us know!
Can I do this method for my back-up lights in my truck and use a LED switch to turn on and off as needed? Thank You!
Hi there! That's an interesting application you're considering! While the Add-a-Fuse kit is typically used for dash cam installations, it can potentially be adapted for other automotive electrical needs like additional backup lights.
While this setup could work, it's a bit different from our typical dash cam installations. For specific advice on automotive electrical work, you might want to consult with an auto electrician or a specialized truck accessories shop. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific vehicle and needs.
If you need any further clarification or have questions about our dash cam products, feel free to ask!
@@blackboxmycar Okay, Thank You very much for answering
Hi,
First of all, thank you so much for the extremely detailed video. As someone who is not very familiar with this subject, I found it to be perfect!
I have a few questions:
I plan to install a dash cam in my Peugeot 208 (2014), and I think the VIOFO A229 Pro is the one I'll purchase. I also want to hardwire it, and I understand that I need the VIOFO HK4 kit for this. I've already reviewed the fuse box diagram of my car and I believe I’ll connect the yellow cable (ACC) to the cigarette-lighter fuse. However, I'm unsure where to connect the red wire. Could you suggest a constant fuse I could use? Also, if I don't connect the red wire, can I simply ignore it?
Additionally, how fast will the dash cam drain my car's battery? Even if I set the sensitivity to the minimum, is it risky to connect the red wire? Due to my new job, I don’t drive much, and I’m concerned that the dash cam might drain the battery.
Thank you again for your help!
Hi there! I'm glad the video was helpful! To install the VIOFO dash cam, connect the red wire (VCC) from the HK4 hardwiring kit to a constant power fuse, such as the fuse for interior lights or radio memory. This connection lets the dash cam work in parking mode, which helps monitor your car when it’s off. Ignoring the red wire isn’t recommended, as it may prevent proper function. To minimize battery drain, use parking mode on low sensitivity and consider a battery pack like the VIOFO Power Magic Ultra Battery for added protection. Let me know if you have more questions!
My question is, how can I connect an ACC cable, VCC cable, and ground cable to a plug and then to a 12-volt battery? I want to use the battery as a power source instead of a fuse box. How can I do that? For example, for a dashcam kit that requires 12V power. What role does the ACC cable play? Is it positive or negative?
Hi there! I appreciate you clarifying your question. Let's break this down step-by-step:
Connecting to a 12V battery:
1. VCC (red) - Connect this to the positive (+) terminal of the battery.
2. GND (black) - Connect this to the negative (-) terminal of the battery.
3. ACC (yellow) - This is typically a positive voltage when the ignition is on.
For a battery setup:
1. You can connect the ACC wire to the positive terminal along with the VCC wire.
2. This essentially tells the dash cam that the "ignition" is always on.
The role of the ACC wire:
1. In a car, it signals when the ignition is on/off.
2. It's a positive voltage wire, not negative.
3. With a battery, connecting it to positive simulates the ignition always being on.
Important considerations:
1. Ensure your battery can provide stable 12V output with sufficient amperage.
2. Your dash cam may not automatically switch between normal and parking modes.
3. You might need to manually adjust settings in your dash cam.
For safety and to ensure compatibility with your specific dash cam model, I'd recommend contacting our support team at info@blackboxmycar.com. They can provide detailed guidance based on your exact setup and dash cam model.
Remember, safety first when working with electrical connections. If you're unsure, it's best to consult with a professional installer.
If I want constant power do I wire to the fuse that has constant power? Will that draw from the cars battery?
Yes, if you want your dash cam to have constant power, you'll need to wire it to a fuse that provides constant power, even when the car is off. This setup will allow features like parking mode to function, as the dash cam will continue to receive power from the car's battery.
However, keep in mind that drawing constant power from the car's battery can potentially drain it over time, especially if the car is not driven regularly. To avoid this, many users opt for a dedicated dash cam battery pack. This battery pack charges while you drive and then powers the dash cam when the car is off, preventing any drain on the vehicle's battery.
If you're unsure about the installation process or need further advice, feel free to contact our support team at info@blackboxmycar.com or chat with us via Live Chat. We're here to help!
I couldn’t get the fuse tester to work.
Maybe I don’t have a decent ground connection?
Yes, the most common reason that a fuse tester does not work is an improper ground. Make sure that you are connecting to a clear, unpainted metal surface.
Sometime in my case I was using tester that didn't detect under 5v or something meaning the tester that I bought wasn't capable of detecting low voltage. It was cheap small pockets size tester from Canadian tire so made sense. So make sure your tester is capable
I want to install 2 - 2 channel dash cams to record 360 deg. One front and left side one rear and right side. Can i hardwire lets say 2 viofo a229 or blackview pros to the battery pack?
Hi there, Yes, you can hardwire two 2-channel dash cams like the VIOFO A229 or BlackVue models to a battery pack. This setup will allow you to record a 360-degree view around your vehicle, covering both the front and rear, as well as the sides.
Using a battery pack is a great way to ensure continuous recording without draining your car battery, especially in parking mode. When setting up two dash cams, make sure the battery pack you choose has enough capacity to support both systems simultaneously. Generally, this involves connecting each dash cam's hardwiring kit to the battery pack, ensuring proper power distribution.
If you need more guidance on the installation process or selecting the right battery pack, feel free to reach out to our support team at info@blackboxmycar.com or chat with us via Live Chat. We're here to help you with any questions you may have!
Does the Powercell 8 battery provide alternator current directly to the dashcam while the Powercell is charging (car is running) or does the Powercell 8 both charge up AND supply it's battery power to the dashcam? In other words, Does the Dashcam always get power directly from the Powercell Lithium Iron Phosphate cells when the car is running and in parking mode?
When the vehicle is running, the battery pack will draw enough power both to recharge itself, and supply power to the camera simultaneously. Power will flow through the Lithion Iron Phosphate cells to get to the camera at all times.
Speaking to using the fuse tap on an empty slot, wouldn’t you place the added circuit fuse in the slot furthest from the teeth? And leave the slot closest to the teeth empty? By placing the fuse closest to the teeth you wouldn’t have any power on the downline you are adding that feeds from the tap. 🤔
This is assuming you oriented the fuse correctly in the box with the line and load side which you don’t touch on at all in this video. If you placed it backwards, you’d be bypassing the fuses and yeah it would work that way but defeats the purpose of the fuses.
Hi there! You make an excellent technical point about fuse tap orientation and circuit protection!
Just tried wiring some LED hood lights to my Ford Maverick hybrid. I used the fuse for the auto dimming mirror (which the xlt doesn’t have). My battery was almost drained within an hour. Could putting the existing fuse in the wrong position cause this? The LEDs didn’t stay on when the vehicle was shut off.
Sorry to hear this happened. While our expertise mainly lies in dash cams, I can try and help. Using the fuse slot for a feature your vehicle doesn't have (like the auto-dimming mirror in the XLT) shouldn't typically drain the battery if wired correctly, and the LEDs turn off with the vehicle. Ensure that the fuse itself does indeed turn off with the vehicle, and not just the LEDs. However, if the battery drained significantly within an hour, it suggests there may be a short circuit or improper wiring. It's less about the fuse position and more about ensuring the wiring is correctly set up for a switched power source that turns off with the ignition. I recommend double-checking the wiring and consulting a professional if the issue persists to prevent battery drain and potential electrical damage.
My Mazda 3's interior fuse box doesn't have any ACC ports. All ports are constant. Do you recommend hardwiring through the engine fuse box instead?
Hi there. Mazda 3s are rather difficult cars, due to their lack of an ACC connection in their standard fusebox, yes. I do not recommend wiring to the engine fusebox, as it is dangerous, will involve wiring past the firewall, and you will often have to build a relay. Now, an OBD is an easy option to bypass this issue, or you can speak to a professional about splicing into existing wiring instead. Check out my response to another Mazda 3 owner on reddit a couple weeks back:
www.reddit.com/r/Dashcam/comments/1bl3i2x/comment/kw2p8t3/
You left out where the yellow wire connects to!!!
The yellow cable normally connects to an ACC, ignition based connection, while the Red wire connects to a constant one. This will depend on your specific cable, so always consult the labels on your specific cable.
Hi the camara i got got the Buke cable line the red small fuses the black round i stil buy thad cable tu for put other fuses to people tell me need take out the fuse the fuse car put the line cable with the fuse the place i got the fuse i take outdont know can do it like the can you ket me know whatt fuse i need to uses camara stay on 24/7 sensor got impact o got sonthing oroun the car camara got off oway thank you
I thought you had to fix these fuse devices the correct way around as well
You definitely do