ssontong Upgraded OBD2 OBD Power Cable for Dash Camera, OBD review
Quick take
The ssontong OBD2 to USB-C dash cam power cable lets you power a compatible dash cam straight from the car’s OBD-II port, avoiding fuse taps or tapping the battery. It includes two modes, ACC and a surveillance-style low-voltage cut-off for parking monitoring, but it will shut off under low battery conditions to help protect vehicle starting. The biggest buying caveat is compatibility: you must confirm your dash cam’s USB-C power port/signal definition is supported.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Direct OBD-II power, designed to skip fuse box and cigarette-lighter wiring.
- Switchable operation modes for dash cam parking needs (ACC vs surveillance).
- Low-voltage protection that cuts power when battery voltage drops below its set threshold.
- Includes a 3.5 m (11.5 ft) extension cable for dash routing.
Cons
- Not universal for every dash cam, check signal definition compatibility before buying.
- Surveillance behavior depends on vehicle voltage, so the dash cam may turn off when the battery is low.
- Only intended for fuel vehicles, hybrid and pure electric users need a different model.
- OBD port location and orientation matter for clean routing and avoiding accidental cable strain.
What buyers think
Buyer feedback emphasizes the convenience of using the OBD-II port for a cleaner, simpler install than typical hardwire kits that require fuse searching. Reviews also point to the two-mode concept being useful in day-to-day driving (ACC behavior) and in parking monitoring scenarios. At the same time, review evidence includes at least one compatibility or functional issue that was resolved through replacement/customer support, suggesting that correct dash cam port and mode behavior are important. There is also limited evidence that installation success can be sensitive to OBD port placement for routing, and that power stability can vary by dash cam pairing.
What this cable is, and how it powers your dash cam
This is an OBD2 power cable that plugs into your vehicle’s factory OBD or OBD-II port and outputs regulated power for a compatible USB-C dash cam. The goal is to provide a straightforward hardwire-style setup without pulling power from the battery or fuse box.
Key features that matter for parking monitoring
Two work modes with a physical switch
The cable is designed to support two modes selected by a button/switch:
- ACC mode: powers off after a short delay when the vehicle ACC is off (the listing describes a timed power-off behavior).
- Surveillance mode: keeps powering the dash cam while monitoring vehicle voltage, then powers off when low voltage protection thresholds are reached (used for 24-hour parking monitoring behavior).
Low-voltage protection to reduce dead-battery risk
A built-in control chip detects battery voltage and is designed to cut power when the vehicle voltage drops below its set protection level. For vehicles with aging batteries or inconsistent voltage, buyers should expect this protection feature to be triggered more readily, which can be a good safety feature even if it means the dash cam stops recording sooner than you’d like.
Compatibility checks before you buy
This cable is intended for USB-C dash cams, but it is not guaranteed to work with every dash cam model. Pay close attention to these two compatibility points:
- Dash cam port/signal support: the listing notes you should confirm the dash cam’s supported signal definition for the A5-B5 type match. If you do not know the match, the listing advises consulting the seller.
- Vehicle type: this voltage detection solution is stated as suitable for fuel vehicles. For hybrid and pure electric vehicles, the listing points to a different model.
Performance and setup experience (based on buyer feedback)
- Installation: multiple reviews describe installation as straightforward, typically involving plugging into the OBD-II port, routing the cable to the dash, and connecting to the dash cam’s USB-C power port.
- Mode usefulness: buyers like having ACC behavior for normal driving and a separate mode intended for parking monitoring.
- Potential hiccups: one review indicates a mode-specific issue until replacement, which reinforces the importance of dash cam compatibility and correct mode selection during setup.
- Routing practicalities: OBD port location can affect how safely the cable can be routed, especially if the port sits in a spot where boots or other items could tug on the cable.
Pros and cons in plain terms
Good fit if you want an easier power source
If you prefer not to tap fuses or hardwire to the battery, an OBD-II powered cable can be a cleaner approach. This cable is built for that use case, with a switch for two modes and low-voltage protection for parking scenarios.
Not the right choice if you need guaranteed universal compatibility
If your dash cam model is not confirmed as compatible with this cable’s supported signal definition, you may run into setup problems. Also, if you routinely park for long periods with a marginal battery, expect the low-voltage cut-off behavior to be part of normal operation, not a defect.
Alternatives to consider (by buying priority)
- Fuse-tap hardwire kits: better if you want power that follows specific fuse circuits, but they require careful fuse selection and installation time.
- Dedicated parking-mode hardwire chargers: often designed specifically for constant parking power with configurable low-voltage thresholds, useful if you’re trying to maximize recording time while managing battery health.
- Different OBD cable models for electrified vehicles: if you drive a hybrid or pure electric vehicle, look for the version explicitly intended for that platform.
Price and availability
The cable is listed as a single-item purchase and is available through major online retailers. For current pricing and stock, check the live listing.
Verdict
The ssontong Upgraded OBD2 to USB-C dash cam power cable is a practical choice for drivers who want a simpler installation than fuse tapping, especially if your dash cam is confirmed compatible and you want ACC plus low-voltage-protected parking monitoring. The trade-off is that low-voltage cut-off is intentional, and compatibility details matter, so it’s best for shoppers who are willing to verify their dash cam’s supported signal definition and vehicle type.
FAQ
Does this cable power the dash cam directly from the OBD-II port?
Yes. It is designed to plug into the vehicle’s OBD or OBD-II port and provide a USB-C power output (with voltage conversion as needed) for compatible dash cams and other USB-C devices that match the intended charging use.
What’s the difference between ACC mode and surveillance mode?
ACC mode is designed to power off after the vehicle’s ACC is off (after a delay). Surveillance mode is designed to keep powering for parking monitoring until low-voltage protection thresholds are reached, then it turns off to help prevent the vehicle battery from draining too far.
Will the cable cause my dash cam to turn off if my battery is low?
It is intended to cut power when voltage drops below its low-voltage protection level. That behavior is part of the battery-protection design, which means recording may stop earlier on vehicles with weaker or aging batteries.
Is this OBD power cable compatible with all dash cams?
No. It is intended for dash cams that match the cable’s supported signal definition for the USB-C power connection. You should verify compatibility before purchase, especially if you are unsure of the specific signal definition match.
Is it compatible with hybrid or electric vehicles?
The listing states this voltage detection solution is only suitable for fuel vehicles. For hybrid and pure electric vehicles, a different model is recommended.
How long is the cable?
The extension cable length is listed as 3.5 meters (11.5 ft), which is meant to help with routing the power connection to the dash cam.
Does it pull power from the battery or fuse box?
No. It takes power from the OBD-II port, so there is no need to connect to the car battery, fuse box, or cigarette lighter for power.
Specifications
| Product Title | ssontong Upgraded OBD2 OBD Power Cable for Dash Camera, OBD to Type-C USB OBDII Adapter Hardwire Charger Cable 24 Hours Surveillance and Acc Two Mode with Switch Button (Type-C USB Port) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > GPS, Finders & Accessories > GPS System Accessories > Chargers & Cables |
| Brand | ssontong |
| Manufacturer | ssontong |
| Model Number | 5d1c720e-ad44-4d8a-8bfd-60bd7298f289 |
| Color | Black Dash Cam OBD Power |
| Compatible Devices | Camera |
| Connector Type | USB, USB Type C |
| Number of Ports | 1 |
| Input Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Current Rating | 3 Amps |
| Power Plug Type | Type C |
| Nominal Power | 15 Watts |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Item Dimensions | 4.33 x 0.39 x 3.15 inches |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Mfr Part Number | Type-C OBD Power Cable |
| Built-In Media | User Manual |
| Item Type Name | Type-C OBD Power Cable |
| Warranty Description | 1 |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 4.33 x 0.39 x 3.15 inches |
Available variants
Size
- Type C USB Port
Recommended next
Garmin Vehicle Power Cable, Black, Small
A compact 12V power cable with a mini-USB connection, designed for Garmin vehicle use. It supports up to 2A (about 24W) and is compatible with a wide set of Garmin nuvi, dēzl, Drive/DriveSmart, eTrex, Zūmo, VIRB, and select other models listed for the cable. The main caveat: it may not provide traffic-capable features for all GPS units that expect those functions through specific OEM power leads.
Charging Power Cable for Dash Cam, (11.5 Ft) USB 2.0 to Mini USB Car Vehicle Power Charger Adapter Cord
A purpose-built 11.5 ft mini USB dash cam power cable for in-car charging. It’s power-only (no data transfer), features a space-saving 90-degree connector, and is limited to mini USB devices, not micro-USB or Type-C.
Garmin International, Inc. 010-12199-04 Power/Data Cable, 4-Pin 4Xdv/
The Garmin 010-12199-04 is a 4-pin power and data cable designed to connect and power compatible echoMAP and STRIKER series fish finders and chartplotters. Reviewers generally describe it as a reliable replacement that fits the intended units well, with the main caveat being the short cable length.
Garmin Extension Cable, 12-pin
The Garmin Extension Cable, 12-pin is a purpose-built marine accessory for extending the reach of compatible 12-pin transducers, using Airmar XID support. It is designed to be weather and UV resistant, making it a practical solution when cable length is the limiting factor. The main caveat is compatibility, since it is intended for specific 12-pin setups.