Courtesy light USB power ?

HalV40 · Sep 16th, 2017, 13:28

I have found an ignition switched live on the Red/White wire in the courtesy light, does anyone know if I can pull power off this safely for a dash-cam? I'm thinking fitting USB socket in the light unit so no cables dangling round the windscreen. Should be a great, tidy result

bimmer49 · Sep 16th, 2017, 16:49

I can't say whether that particular wire is suitable but there is a permanent live which I have used for mine. I wanted to be able to keep the cam live when the vehicle is unattended in certain locations. However I don't use my car for 5 days or more at a time and it WILL drain the battery down especially if the screen is on.

aldred309uk · Sep 16th, 2017, 18:48

I have just bought an item made by blackvue called "power magic prob which cost £25 on Amazon. You tap into a constant live fuse and also tap into an ignition live fuse in the glove box and it then supplies power to a cigarette socket to plug your camera into.

It has a switch so you can change between ignition live where the camera would turn on and off with the ignition. You can also set it to constant live with a timer of 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120 hours and also infinity for constant power indefinitely.

It also has a battery level cut off to protect you from draining the battery too far if you set it to infinite timer. 12v 12.5v for cars and 22.8v and 23.2v for large vehicles.

Simple toggle switch is fitted somewhere discretely so you cam change it between constant live with timer or ignition live.

Works with and l any cigarette socket item and all cameras. Just thought it was worth a mention. I'm fitting mine soon. Hope this helps.

Sep 16th, 2017, 13:28	#1
HalV40 Junior Member Last Online: Sep 27th, 2020 17:45 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Lichfield	Courtesy light USB power ? I have found an ignition switched live on the Red/White wire in the courtesy light, does anyone know if I can pull power off this safely for a dash-cam? I'm thinking fitting USB socket in the light unit so no cables dangling round the windscreen. Should be a great, tidy result

Sep 16th, 2017, 16:49	#2
bimmer49 Always listen & learn! Last Online: Mar 13th, 2023 19:32 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Winchester + Malaga	I can't say whether that particular wire is suitable but there is a permanent live which I have used for mine. I wanted to be able to keep the cam live when the vehicle is unattended in certain locations. However I don't use my car for 5 days or more at a time and it WILL drain the battery down especially if the screen is on. __________________ 264 V8 5.0L V40 BiFuel, she's gone, she's dead......Oh well!

Sep 16th, 2017, 18:48	#3
aldred309uk Member Last Online: Apr 20th, 2021 22:33 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Blackburn	I have just bought an item made by blackvue called "power magic prob which cost £25 on Amazon. You tap into a constant live fuse and also tap into an ignition live fuse in the glove box and it then supplies power to a cigarette socket to plug your camera into. It has a switch so you can change between ignition live where the camera would turn on and off with the ignition. You can also set it to constant live with a timer of 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120 hours and also infinity for constant power indefinitely. It also has a battery level cut off to protect you from draining the battery too far if you set it to infinite timer. 12v 12.5v for cars and 22.8v and 23.2v for large vehicles. Simple toggle switch is fitted somewhere discretely so you cam change it between constant live with timer or ignition live. Works with and l any cigarette socket item and all cameras. Just thought it was worth a mention. I'm fitting mine soon. Hope this helps. __________________ Phase 2 1.9tdi V40

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