Specific question about hardwiring dashcam

[joje22]

Hey everyone

I'm hardwiring up my 70mai A800s dashcam for the first time, and I've got a question.

Here's the thing: I read somewhere that the original fuse to be able to handle the new load from the dashcam in addition to its own pulling.

Like, let's say there's a fuse in there that's rated for 15A and I plan to use a fuse tap to hook up a 5A fuse for my dashcam. I'm wondering, what if the original 15A fuse is already close to its limit and I add in a dashcam that pulls maybe 2-3A more? That could push things over the top, right? I assume that I might have misread something and that this is what the new 5A fuse is for, but I'm a bit confused.

Got any advice on this?

 

[AS87]

Like, let's say there's a fuse in there that's rated for 15A and I plan to use a fuse tap to hook up a 5A fuse for my dashcam. I'm wondering, what if the original 15A fuse is already close to its limit and I add in a dashcam that pulls maybe 2-3A more? That could push things over the top, right?

As much I have read and understood, dashcam's are not power hungry setup's.

Using a regular and non-critical fuse circuit like 12V socket or cabin light will be best as the power draw from a dashcam will hardly be anything to worry of. Hence most manufacturers recommend adding a 5A fuse circuit to a existing say 10A.

The fuse tap is to protect the connection between the camera and fuse box, to protect the wiring mainly.

 

[Nigel]

and I add in a dashcam that pulls maybe 2-3A more?

3A * 12V = 36 Watts.

There are no dashcams that consume 36 Watts.
A few of the 4K multi-channel dashcams will get close to 10W for short periods, but your 15A fuses will be overrated by more than enough for any current dashcam. I would avoid tapping into any fuse less than 10A, and preferably chose 15A or more.

 

[el-guapin]

Hey everyone

I'm hardwiring up my 70mai A800s dashcam for the first time, and I've got a question.

Here's the thing: I read somewhere that the original fuse to be able to handle the new load from the dashcam in addition to its own pulling.

Like, let's say there's a fuse in there that's rated for 15A and I plan to use a fuse tap to hook up a 5A fuse for my dashcam. I'm wondering, what if the original 15A fuse is already close to its limit and I add in a dashcam that pulls maybe 2-3A more? That could push things over the top, right? I assume that I might have misread something and that this is what the new 5A fuse is for, but I'm a bit confused.

Got any advice on this?

If the tap is oriented correctly, the cam will be powered by the 5A fuse only.

 

[Nigel]

If the tap is oriented correctly, the cam will be powered by the 5A fuse only.

That would be incorrectly orientated, from a safety point of view!

 

[Ralph2]

That would be incorrectly orientated, from a safety point of view!

Don't be confusing folk. There has been much debate over "which-way" and only if you are concerned about the power draw on the busbar does it become an issue.
EDIT: misspelled busbar

 

[Nigel]

only if you are concerned about the power draw on the actual buss does it become an issue.

If the fuse box has a bus then there is no need to be concerned. Issue is that not all do.