Can Hopkins Backup Camera be Wired Directly to Battery Using an On/Off Switch

Updated 02/29/2016 | Published 02/26/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Hitch Aligner System

(844)

$192.40

16 Gauge Primary Wire - Black - Per Foot

(61)

$1.14

Universal-Design Rocker Switch - SPST - On-Off - 12 Volt - 20 Amp - 3-Blade - Red Pilot Light

(12)

$11.22

Pollak Medium-Duty Toggle Switch - SPST- On-Off - 12 Volt - 20 Amp - 11/16" Handle

(22)

$6.90

Question:

I now have the above camera delivered from you and would like to run the power lead directly to the battery with a rocker arm switch located umder the dash area. This so I can use it at any time. What guage wire should I use and what size fuse in it. Also, is starting the hot wire close to the rear bumper better since it will be about a 20 foot run? Do I need to run the ground wire to the battery or just ground it somewhere on the frame in the rear? Is there anything else I need to consider?

asked by: Randall

Expert Reply:

What you can do is attach the power wire for the backup camera # HM50002 to the running light circuit so that you won't have to run any wires or install a switch. Then to operate the camera you would just turn on the running lights.

Now, this method will turn the camera on any time your head lights are on so at night it would be on all the time. Just turn the monitor off in that situation!

The wiring is not very large gauge with this camera so at most I would say use 16 gauge wire, # 16-1-1, sold by the foot. A fuse is not necessary but a 10 amp one would suffice if you wanted to put one in line on the wire you run to the battery.

You can start the power wire where ever works the best for you and how you want to run it. There is not right or wrong in this case. Grounding the camera to the frame will work great. No need to run it to the battery.

When routing wiring be sure to avoid areas that may pinch or burn the wire such as exhaust and suspension components. If you need a switch we have some nifty on/off switches such as # PK34571 or a lighted switch such as # PK34360.