Can Backup Camera be Wired to Something Other Than Reverse Lights so it is Always on

Updated 04/16/2022 | Published 10/03/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Rear View Safety Backup Camera System - 2 Camera Setup

(40)

$391.18

LCD Digital Circuit Tester

(28)

$27.97

Question:

I stead of wiring the camera to the reverse tail light..can I wire it to the brake taillight so that it can be on all the time??

asked by: Tom P

Helpful Expert Reply:

You can wire a backup camera, like the Rear View Safety Backup Camera System # RVS-770614, to a different function so that it stays on all of the time. This is actually a common solution that even the manufacturers recommend for customers.

If your taillights turn on when you start the vehicle, then running the wire to one of your taillights for power is a very viable option. Running it to the brake light function is probably not the best solution as that means it will only receive power when you are braking. You can use a circuit tester like part # PTW2992 to help you determine which wires are for which functions on your vehicle.

Attached is a link to our available selection of backups cameras for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

Steve G.

2/8/2020

Could you wire the backup camera to the reverse light AND the tail light so that it would power up when either the tail light or the the tail lights are on? Or would these be a problem if they tail lights and the reverse light are on at the same time

Jason S.

2/10/2020

You will not want to wire the camera to both circuits. That is asking for problems with back feed and power draw. I recommend connecting the camera to the running light circuit because then you will be able to use the camera in reverse or when traveling forward as long as your lights are on.

Tibor

11/8/2020

@JasonS, Hi Jason, If one wires the camera power feed to the running lights power and not power from the reverse lights to have camera accessible while driving as well as reverse, does one still wire the power from the camera and the reverse trigger wire from the aftermarket Head Unit in parallel, or a T connection to the running lights circuit? Thank you in advance

Jon G.

11/9/2020

@Tibor You would want to connect all power to the same kind of source. Either all to the reverse light circuits or all to the running light circuits. From the way you worded it, it kind of sounds like you have 2 different power sources for the camera? Maybe you meant for the camera and then the monitor. Regardless, it would be best to have everything wired similarly.

See All (6) Replies to Steve G. ∨

Brian B.

7/15/2020

Hi, my reverse camera which is wired to reversing lights works fine when in reverse.good, but when I turn on park or headlamps there is no video. Any ideas?

Chris R.

7/20/2020

If the camera is wired to the reverse light circuit then it's only going to turn on when that circuit gets power (when you're going in reverse). It's not going to come on with the park lamps or headlights. If you want this function you will need to re-wire it so the power wire connects to the tail light circuit instead.

Brian B.

7/20/2020

Hi Chris, the point is I want the camera on when in reverse only. But it must be on when the lights are on while in reverse also. Thanks for interest Brian.

Chris R.

7/24/2020

I gotcha! Sorry for the confusion. That is interesting - I'm not sure why it's not powering on while reversing with the tail lights on. Have you tested the reverse light circuit when you have the running lights on to see if for some reason power is interrupted?