Switched v. unswitched car cigarette lighter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functionality of car cigarette lighter sockets, specifically the difference between switched and unswitched sockets, and the implications for powering devices like dash cams. Participants explore potential solutions for managing power to devices when the vehicle is off, as well as sharing insights about car electrical systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that their dash cam requires a switched cigarette lighter to function correctly, as it should power down when the car is off, but their socket is unswitched and remains powered.
  • Another participant acknowledges the existence of unswitched lighter sockets and suggests that modifying the car's electronics may be necessary to resolve the issue.
  • Some participants discuss the concept of fuses having settings, such as 'ignition' and 'constant', which may relate to how power is supplied to the cigarette lighter.
  • A participant shares their experience with a specific vehicle model (300M) that has a fuse which can be set to only activate with the ignition, implying a potential solution for others.
  • One participant mentions a method of tapping into the car's circuitry to create a switched power source for the dash cam without directly modifying existing electronics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the functionality of fuses and cigarette lighter sockets. There is no consensus on a definitive solution to the original problem, and multiple approaches are suggested without agreement on their feasibility.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific vehicle models and their electrical configurations, indicating that solutions may depend on individual car designs and wiring setups. The discussion includes assumptions about the ease or difficulty of modifying car electronics.

Who May Find This Useful

Car enthusiasts, individuals looking to install or use electronic devices in vehicles, and those interested in automotive electrical systems may find this discussion relevant.

DaveC426913
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Just bought a Dash Cam for my car - HP F310.

It is supposed to power up when the car is turned on and power down when the car is turned off. Seems to me that the only way it can do this is if the cigarette lighter plug that it is plugged into is "switched" (i.e., the plug is powered only when the vehicle is on).

The plug in my car is unswitched, i. e.it is powered even without keys in the ignition. So, yes. When I turn my car off, the device stays on. Were I to leave the F310 plugged in, it would drain my battery.

Seems to me this is a critical design flaw, rendering the device essentially unusable (unless I want to yank it out every time I get out of the car).

Can anyone suggest a solution? Is there a way I can get my cig lighter to turn off when the car is off? I would really rather not mess with my car's electrics.
 
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Wow, I didn't know un-switched lighter sockets existed. That IS a problem. I can't see how you would get around that withOUT messing w/ the car's electronics. Good luck.

Oh ... well, it is physically possible to ADD something to tap into the car's circuitry that would know when the ignition is off and could be used to drive a relay to the dash cam. By one way of looking at it, that would not be messing with the cars electronics ('cause not modifiying them, just taping onto one of the wires), but I think probably the way you are looking at it, it would be.
 
Well, you learn something new every day.

Apparently, fuses have settings. Like 'ignition' and 'constant'.
 
DaveC426913 said:
Well, you learn something new every day.

Apparently, fuses have settings. Like 'ignition' and 'constant'.
You've lost me there. How is that relevant to your problem?
 
The cigarette lighter plug in my 300M has a fuse. Apparently that particular fuse can be set so that it only comes on with the ignition.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
The cigarette lighter plug in my 300M has a fuse. Apparently that particular fuse can be set so that it only comes on with the ignition.
Ah. Nice.

Jeez, this is thread is telling me lots of new stuff about cars.
 
DaveC426913 said:
Well, you learn something new every day.

Apparently, fuses have settings. Like 'ignition' and 'constant'.
How did you find this out? Settings on fuses is a new one on me.

I would have found a hot lead that was switched and wired it in place of the unswitched hot wire that is currently connected to the lighter. I did essentially this on one of my motorcycles when I installed heated handgrips.
 
Mark44 said:
How did you find this out? Settings on fuses is a new one on me.
By asking on my 300M Enthusiasts' forum.
 

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