How To Install The Hardwire Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide

** By following  these steps,  The Dash Camera Store PTY LTD accept no liability for damages to your vehcile or camera ,  we have certified installers in all major city centres, please reach out to us should you do not feel  confident enough to do this yourself

As widely acknowledged, a dash cam has become an indispensable accessory for vehicle owners, particularly for drivers in the transportation industry such as taxi or Lyft drivers. The most convenient and commonly used method to power up the dash cam is by connecting it to the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. However, ensuring 24/7 surveillance can be a challenging task. To address this concern, we recommend the installation of a hardwire kit.

Advantages of Installing the Hardwire Kit

By installing the hardwire kit, the benefits become quite evident: continuous surveillance, stable power supply, support for parking mode, reduced risk of battery depletion, discreet and neat installation, and enhanced tamper-resistance. It provides an efficient and dependable solution for seamless dash cam operation while improving overall driving safety and security. The hardwire kit is generally recognized as the optimal choice to power your dash cam.

Introduction to the Hardwire Kit

A dash cam hardwire kit allows for a direct connection between your dash cam and your car’s electrical system, ensuring continuous power supply for the parking recording function.

The hardwire kit consists of three wires: Battery, ACC, and Ground. Each wire is appropriately marked to indicate its specific function. The red wire connects to the fuse that maintains constant power at all times (always hot). The yellow wire connects to the accessories fuse. Finally, the black wire serves as the ground connection and can be attached to any bolt within your vehicle.

Compatibility of Dashcam Models:

HK3 hardwire kit: A119 V3 /A129 DUO /A129 DUO IR /A129 PLUS DUO /A129 PRO DUO

HK4 hardwire kit: A119MINI /A119 MINI 2 /A229 /T130 /WM1 / A139 /A139 PRO

HK3-C hardwire kit: A139 /A139 PRO

Fuse Taps: 2x 4pcs Fuse Tap Packs

Before installation, it is necessary to order the hardwire kit and fuse tap.

How to Install the Hardwire Kit

Step 1: Locate your fuse box and determine the fuse type

Fuse boxes and fuse types differ not only from one car to another, but also based on the year and model. Therefore, it is important to identify the fuse type used in your car to ensure compatibility with your dash cam installation kit. The best way to determine the exact fuse type required is to open your fuse box and examine it.

(Tip: There are four main fuse types commonly found in vehicles today, namely ATC, ATS, MICRO2, and MINI. The MINI fuse type is the most prevalent.)

Locate the fuse box in your vehicle and remove the panel covering it. Please note that the location of the fuse box may vary depending on the car model, so it is advisable to consult your vehicle’s user manual for precise instructions. Generally, the fuse box can be found under the glove compartment, in the trunk, or in the engine bay.

Step 2: Identify the Battery & ACC fuses

Tools required: multi-meter, circuit tester.

It’s essential to exercise caution when working with fuse slots. Some slots govern critical systems like airbags, stability control programs, and the horn, which should not be tampered with. On the other hand, slots controlling less critical functions like the radio or sunroof are generally safer alternatives for any modifications. Always prioritize safety and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when dealing with fuses.

ACC (yellow):

To locate the ACC fuse slot, you can use the circuit tester or multi-meter to ensure there is no power at the fuse when the ignition key is off, and power is present only when the ignition key is turned to the run position.

Take circuit tester for example. Place the tip of the tester on the exposed metal part of the fuse and you will find that the light of circuit tester will illuminate when power is present, and it will not light up when the power is off.

Battery (red):

When testing to locate the constant fuse slot, please ensure that the ignition is completely off. Look for a fuse that is live (allows electricity to flow) even when the ignition switch is in the off position. Place the tip of the tester on the exposed metal part of the fuse and you will find that the light of circuit tester always illuminates when the engine is off. 

Step 3: Remove selected fuses

Having successfully identified the ACC fuse and the Battery fuse, we can now proceed to the next step.

Make sure the key has been removed from the ignition. Using a fuse puller or a pair of pliers, gently remove the fuses you identified in step 2.

Place the fuses you previously removed into the installation kit’s add-a-fuse circuit.

Step 4: Crimp Add-A-Fuse kit & hardwire kit

Next, we crimp. Trim off some of the rubber tubing on your hardwiring cable to expose some wire, then the exposed portion of the hardwire cable is to be connected to the other end of the fuse tap. Crimp them down together to make the connection. Ensure nothing is loose after crimping with a simple tug on the add-a-fuse.

Step 5: Connect fuse tap into the fuse slot

Finally, slide the fuse tap cable back into the fuse slot you just removed.

Step 6: Connect ground wire

With the ACC and Battery connections completed, you can proceed to establish the ground connection. Carefully place the black Ground connector under the head of a ground point screw or bolt ensuring a clean electrical contact and tighten the screw to secure.

With all the wires properly connected (Red, Yellow and Black), plug the hardwire kit into the camera, then start the vehicle to check if it powers up the dashcam.

Final Thoughts

The hardwire kit enables continuous parking monitoring with engine turned off, meanwhile it will cut off power automatically when the voltage drops to configured value to prevent draining your battery. In case you cannot finish all the above steps by yourself, we sincerely advise you to consult the local auto shop and have the hardwire kit installed by professionals.

Below are detailed installation videos for further references.

hardwire kit intallation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaV2394A28U

hardwire kit intallation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlzB63-lCmE

fuse tap connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETG3ND09A4g