Reverse Camera need a fuse?
Submitted: Sunday, Dec 14, 2008 at 23:17
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Markymark
Hi All,
I've just bought a reverse camera with the click on screen over the mirror. The screen itself came with a fused box but the camera has nothing and it's power wire is really thin - it didn't have a fuse,nor did the instructions say to do it.
So there's my question, do I need to? Is it because the camera draws such little power it doesn't need one, or is because the power wire might get more juice than the camera needs and things start melting?
Any thoughts appreciated; not much on Google about this in particular.
Cheers,
Mark.
Reply By: Member - JohnR (Vic) - Sunday, Dec 14, 2008 at 23:26
Sunday, Dec 14, 2008 at 23:26
I am just about to install a different one to the original which will get power from the reversing light circuitry. It would be best to protect that as it will possibly rub against various spots around the vehicle and it will be a positive wire.
AnswerID:
339779
Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 08:02
Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 08:02
The principle of fuse selection is that the fuse rating must be less than the current rating of the THINNEST wire fed by it.
If the wire is rated at 2 amps, the fuse must be 2 amps or less.
AnswerID:
339794
Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 16:59
Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 16:59
If you are tapping the Reversing Camera power off the Reversing Lights wire, the new fuse should be close to the connection to the Reversing Lights wire.
FollowupID:
607395
Reply By: ABR - SIDEWINDER - Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:07
Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:07
Hi Mark
Our largest Infra Red camera uses 600mA so a 1A fuse would work (2A Max).
Yes it is important to fit a fuse on that camera circuit close to where you pick up the 12V source.
Regards
Derek from ABR
AnswerID:
339801
Reply By: PeterInSa - Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 14:06
Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 14:06
Mark,
I did such an install with the reversing camera at the back of the van prior to our last 2 months trip it was worth the install effort and the money.
If you are putting the camera at the back of the van, when the van/camera if not connected on my unit you get a warning on the screen of NO SIGNAL. To overcome this I put a switch in the power circuit to the screen.
Peter
AnswerID:
339841
Reply By: Markymark - Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 22:35
Monday, Dec 15, 2008 at 22:35
Thanks everyone for your replies, I'll put one in tomorrow. Just have to see if I can find a blade fuse that small - I have heaps of old glass ones down to 300ma but the smallest blade I have seen is 3 amp.
Mark.
AnswerID:
339939
Reply By: henpecked - Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 at 22:49
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 at 22:49
Yes Yes Yes. Install a fuse. My original camera was not fused, camera shorted out internally which resulted in a lot of melted insulation...could have been a disaster. Would be interested to know your thoughts on rear view screen...
Mine is hopeless due to reflection.
AnswerID:
340044
Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 at 23:17
Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008 at 23:17
The one I have has 2 cameras (one on the back of the 'trol and other on the camper trailer).
The cables to each of the cameras come from the main wiring harness which is fused.
So, basically, I have a power wire and an earth leading to the screen. There are 2 plugs (each with about 5 contacts....a bit like the old DIN plugs used on stereos/hi-fis about 100 years ago, only about 1/3 the size).....these lead to the cameras.
So, all power comes from the fused power input.
Mine is a Polaris (originally PORON) brand......
I haven't added any extra fuses....can't really see where I could add them even if I wanted to cos everything is sealed.....
Roachie
AnswerID:
340045