Fuse tap for backup camera?

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 06 Jul 2024, 08:31

I discovered "fuse taps" while considering how to wire a backup camera to activate when car is placed in reverse. Any significant drawbacks of fuse taps for this application? Tapping the backup light fuse (edit: tapping the circuit, not the fuse) seems simple and would leave all original wiring intact.

2004 XC70

https://www.amazon.com/Circuit-Adapter- ... eature_div

Thanks.

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 06 Jul 2024, 10:34

Not than I can think of, except maybe if you exceed the rated amperage of the combined circuit.

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 06 Jul 2024, 10:46

dikidera wrote: 06 Jul 2024, 10:34 Not than I can think of, except maybe if you exceed the rated amperage of the combined circuit.

I wondered about that. Seems to me the safe capacity (at least 30a) of the circuit supplying both portions of the "tapped" circuit must be much greater than the sum of both fuses that would be used (say 10a + 5a, or even 10a + 3a).

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 06 Jul 2024, 12:36

Update: the backup camera activates and functions fine after simply connecting the trigger wire directly to the 10a fuse for the backup lights. Not sure a fuse tap offers any real advantage beyond more secure connections (at the expense of bulk that might intefere with the covering panel). This fuse is in the cargo area making for a short and easily hidden connection. Given all this I don't think identifying and tapping into the correct wire within the wiring harness makes sense.