Safe Fuse Taps?

[QwikKota]

I had recently installed a dash cam using fuse taps on the underhood light F60 and Ignition module F51 for constant power and accessory power. I had loosened the ground cable near the fuse box and forgot to tighten it. Shortly after that the truck would start and die and had several different codes. One was the fuel level sender circuit high. The dealer tightened the ground and replaced the pump. I am not sure if the fuse taps caused this or the ground cable.

I am a little gun shy re-installing those same fuse taps. I would use different locations this time such as the sunroof circuit instead of the ignition circuit. If anyone has a link to fuse taps they know are foolproof that would be much appreciated. The problem could have had nothing to do with the taps but I don't want to damage anything again. Thanks.

 

[ffeschjeff]

if you have a cigar plug in you're center console by you're cupholders tap into those wire's i've had my dashcam tapped into them for almost 2 years but i also don't use the cigar plug either. it'll work perfect and it's an ignition source.

 

[crash68]

I am not sure if the fuse taps caused this or the ground cable.

The fuse tap had nothing to do with the electrical problem, the loose ground is most likely the culprit unless it was a case of coincidence (less likely).
A loose ground can cause circuits to "brown out", that will damage electrical circuits.
I've ran fuse taps in multiple vehicles with no issues on both constant power and ignition switched.

 

[QwikKota]

Thanks. Just buy any fuse taps on Amazon?

 

[crash68]

Just buy any fuse taps on Amazon?

They're probably all Chinese made so probably get the right size with the best customer feedback rating.
If all this is for is a dash cam, you don't need anything fused over 2 amps maybe 5 at the most.

 

[Curmudgeon]

I used the cigar lighter for the ACC power (with a fuse tap) and the fuse for the under hood light (also fuse tap) for BATT power. It's only been 24 hours though, so...

And because my constant 12v BATT source is still just a light/lamp I need to make
sure it is not a power source that turns off after 15 minutes or whatever.

Whatever you do, try to avoid tapping in to a circuit in any way related to safety
or other critical circuits, like ignition. There are several, depending on trim level.

EDIT: I should have said "I used the cigar lighter FUSE slot" for ACC power

 

[crash68]

I used the cigar lighter for the ACC power

This reminded me of these if you don't want to run fuse taps from under the hood:

Amazon.com

 

[QwikKota]

They're probably all Chinese made so probably get the right size with the best customer feedback rating.
If all this is for is a dash cam, you don't need anything fused over 2 amps maybe 5 at the most.

Ok, might as well use the taps that came with the kit. They already have the bullet connectors for the harness. This darn things has 15 amp fuses for some reason.

They're probably all Chinese made so probably get the right size with the best customer feedback rating.
If all this is for is a dash cam, you don't need anything fused over 2 amps maybe 5 at the most.

This hardwire kit is for an impact sensor to start recording with vehicle off. It has to be wired to constant power to work. The harness has power inputs for accessory and always on sources. I appreciate the link though.

 

[QwikKota]

if you have a cigar plug in you're center console by you're cupholders tap into those wire's i've had my dashcam tapped into them for almost 2 years but i also don't use the cigar plug either. it'll work perfect and it's an ignition source.

I need an always on power source for this hardwire kit. Wire is already run down by the drivers left footwell area and up the A pillar.

I used the cigar lighter for the ACC power (with a fuse tap) and the fuse for the under hood light (also fuse tap) for BATT power. It's only been 24 hours though, so...

And because my constant 12v BATT source is still just a light/lamp I need to make
sure it is not a power source that turns off after 15 minutes or whatever.

Whatever you do, try to avoid tapping in to a circuit in any way related to safety
or other critical circuits, like ignition. There are several, depending on trim level.

Tying into the ignition could have caused my problem. I will definitely avoid that. The sunroof circuit is what I used last time. I doubt that has anything to do with safety and I don't have a sunroof for connections to the rest of the electrical system.

 

[Dredger]

This hardwire kit is for an impact sensor to start recording with vehicle off. It has to be wired to constant power to work. The harness has power inputs for accessory and always on sources. I appreciate the link though.

Mine has the same features and I ran it directly to the battery

 

[QwikKota]

Mine has the same features and I ran it directly to the battery

Is it not always on?

 

[Dredger]

The camera has built in sensors that automatically turn the camera on and off with the vehicle. The camera must be hooked to permanent power for the parking mode to operate.

 

[QwikKota]

The camera has built in sensors that automatically turn the camera on and off with the vehicle. The camera must be hooked to permanent power for the parking mode to operate.

Ok, convenient. Mine is a different model I'm sure. Red Tiger something or another. It works pretty well.

 

[js12278]

Is this a Rove camera?

 

[Curmudgeon]

I decided on and installed the VIOFO A329S 3CH system with their HK6 hardwire kit. Main Cam, Cabin Cam, and Rear Cam.

I went through the firewall and used the fuse taps in the HK6 kit and found the sources I needed at the IPM/FUSE bax under the hood. I hate going through the firewall. Even more so at 68. I was so sore afterward.

I think I sprained a *t.e.s.t.i.c.l.e.
...that's all I'm going to say about that.

*fookin censor software.

 

[Marshall]

Just wait a few more yrs
I am not sure why anyone would want a camera recording you while driving, But If I drove more I think these would be a good idea.
I thought there where some empty ccks. in the fuse box that could be used

 

[Curmudgeon]

Just wait a few more yrs
I am not sure why anyone would want a camera recording you while driving, But If I drove more I think these would be a good idea.
I thought there where some empty ccks. in the fuse box that could be used

My "cabin" cam has a wide angle and I can see both A pillars. I can also see clearly out all windows especially the front, and the main reason I got it. Coverage out front, rear, and some to the sides.

All spare ckts/slots have no metal contacts in them, so, unusable.

I used the hood light circuit for constant 12v. After having the hood up for 2 hours the light was still lit. I used the cigar lighter ckt for the ACC lead. All is good after about 10 days of playing with it.

 

[QwikKota]

I had a lady hit me one time and even though I had her insurance info, first/last name, pictures of her car shoved into mine, her agency did not want to file a claim because I did not have her full home address. That's one reason I wanted a camera, plus documenting any crazy loon that might be on the road. Luckily the lady had filed a claim of her own and they could add my damage to it. What a joke.

This is a Red Tiger 4K cam with rear 1080P cam.