I’m trying to install a dash cam by myself for the first time. I read online that fuse taps have a specific direction. The tap only fits one way (the fuses are shown near the pedals). Is this the right way to install it? It won’t fit the other direction. I’ve looked for a clear answer but haven’t found one. It’s a 2015 Mazda 3. Thanks for your help.
When you install a fuse tap, the orientation matters because you need to know which contact in the fuse box has power. You should position your tap so the outside metal contact (the side opposite the red wire) makes the power connection:
https://youtu.be/ETG3ND09A4g?t=401 (skip to 2:30min)
It’s really important to make sure you have the right orientation for safety.
You’ll need two fuses: one for continuous power for parking mode and one that gets power when you turn on the ignition. This way, your dash cam will turn on properly. I wrapped the wires around the fuse leg on the side without power in the fuse box when everything was on.
I just did this too, but somehow I think it drained my battery.
Technically, it might be backwards, but it’s too tight to install it the other way because of the cable. I have mine like this, and I haven’t had any issues.
Tully said:
Technically, it might be backwards, but it’s too tight to install it the other way because of the cable. I have mine like this, and I haven’t had any issues.
Electrical issues are usually not a big deal until an unprotected wire catches fire.
I think it looks right, but if it’s not, it shouldn’t cause any damage. I just doubt the tap would work in that case.
If not, you could splice into the mirror electronics. That’s a popular spot for installing dash cams in the 3rd Gen, though it might not be as reliable as the fuse tap.
@Vance
It works for the 4th gen too. That’s where I got power for my 2020 CX-30 and my 2022 CX-5, both near the mirror.
Thanks for all the responses, I figured it out. Appreciate everyone’s help.
The best way to confirm is to use a multimeter to find the positive or hot side.
If you insert it wrong, it will get power, but then the fuse won’t provide any protection.
In the 4th gen, I wired through to the fuse box in the engine bay, and it was really tricky.
I used a different kind of fuse tap that has a metal pin which goes over the original fuse, connects to a wire, then to an in-line fuse, and finally to the dash cam wire.
Both systems are separate since the new fuse only gets power from the original fuse’s hot side.
Yes, this orientation looks good because you won’t have enough room on the other side, and if you push it, the fuse adapter might pop out.