Hello. Probably a stupid question, but when using a piggyback fuse holder for hardwiring a dashcam, where do you connect the earth? I know the live gets crimped into the sleeve on the piggyback thingy.

 

For hardwiring a camera, I guess I'm goin got get one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3Meter-DC-12V-24V-to-5V-3A-Right-Angled-90-Degree-Mini-USB-Power-Converter-Cable-/130978719862?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item1e7ef0a876

 

and one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ADD-A-CIRCUIT-FUSE-TAP-PIGGY-BACK-MINI-BLADE-FUSE-HOLDER-/321088780930?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4ac261fa82

 

Like I said. Probably a daft question, but the only daft questions are the ones you didn't ask when you end up doing something wrong 

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

Red wire to piggy back. black wire to any exposed bit of metalwork.

Red wire to piggy back. black wire to any exposed bit of metalwork.

 

+1

Red wire to piggy back. black wire to any exposed bit of metalwork.

 

OK. So do I need to go scraping paint off somewhere? Although I haven't had it in bits yet, I guess there isn't any exposed metalwork in the fusebox? which is where the connections will be made.

 

I would've thought there would be a common connection to -ive earth there to connect to?

Take the fusebox cover off, you'll probably find a bolt that holds the dash or some kind of brace in place that's a metal bolt through metal. Buy a pack of crimp on loops in Halfords, crimp on to the earth connection, remove the bolt and pass it through the earth loop when you replace it.

Ok brilliant. Thanks for your help!

It doesn't necessarily need to be anywhere near the fuse box if there is something suitable en route for the wiring. As j0hn says, any screw that is metal to metal (provided that is not something under too much stress or movement) and use the crimp ring as a washer. Sometimes you can find a hole that doesn't have a screw in it that you can put one in to or a small nut and bolt.

I'll have to have a look when everything arrives. I just like to plan ahead. Looking at the Mini USB I've ordered, it looks as though the +ive and -ive wires are quite short before they split. I suppose I can always splice in some more wire if I need to reach further. I just want it to be neat so I'm not faffling with it again.

 

Fuse sockets in the bottom half of the fusebox are switched on with ignition aren't they?