What are Fuse Types, and How Do I Identify Them?
How to identify the right fuse tap for your vehicle
Unlocking parking mode through hardwiring
One of our non-negotiable features in a dash cam is parking mode, which records what is happening around your car even when it is unattended. To activate this feature, the most popular option is hardwiring. Even if you are running your dash cam on a battery pack, hardwiring allows for faster charging because it is not limited by the lower current of your vehicle's power outlets.
When you hardwire the dash cam or battery pack, you connect it straight to your vehicle's power source to keep the device running. This can be done safely and non-destructively in most vehicles by tapping into the fuse box, and one of the most essential accessories needed is a fuse tap.
We get a lot of questions about fuses and fuse taps, especially when it comes to identifying which fuse type a vehicle uses. This guide explains the common fuse tap types and how to tell them apart before your dash cam installation.
What are fuse taps?
Fuse taps, also known as Add-a-Fuse Kits or holders, are helpful when installing dash cams in vehicles. They are a safe and simple way to connect aftermarket electronics to the vehicle's electrical system without destructive modifications or complex wiring.
Fuse taps add a new circuit to your existing fuse box by piggybacking into an existing fuse slot. The original fuse protects the existing circuit, while the new fuse protects the dash cam, battery pack, or accessory you are adding.
What are the types of fuse taps?
Most vehicles today use blade fuses, also known as spade fuses or plug-in fuses. The five common fuse tap styles are Micro2, Micro3, Mini, low-profile Mini, and ATO/ATC.
Simply looking at the fuse box diagram or owner's manual is not always enough. The best way to identify your fuse type is to remove the fuse and compare the legs and plastic body shape. Blade fuses are also colour-coded by amperage, but the printed amperage rating is the more reliable check.
Different types of fuse taps
Fuse types can vary by vehicle make, model, year, trim, and equipment package. Here are the five blade fuse types most commonly used for dash cam hardwire installs.
1. Micro2 Fuse
Micro2 fuses are often found in newer Korean vehicles from brands like Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. They have a narrow rectangular body with two thin, closely spaced legs.
Approximate size: 15 mm tall by 9 mm wide.
2. Micro3 Fuse
Micro3 fuses are less common and often appear in modern American vehicles from brands like Ford and General Motors. They are easy to spot because they have three legs instead of two.
Approximate size: 18 mm tall by 14 mm wide.
3. Mini Fuse
Mini fuses are one of the most common blade fuse types used in modern cars, SUVs, and light trucks. They have two thin, widely spaced legs.
Approximate size: 16 mm tall by 10 mm wide.
4. Low-Profile Mini Fuse
Low-profile Mini fuses are shorter than regular Mini fuses and are common in Japanese vehicles from Acura, Honda, Lexus, and Toyota, plus some Western brands.
Approximate size: 9 mm tall by 10 mm wide.
5. ATO/ATC Fuse
ATO and ATC fuses are the largest common blade fuses. They are found in older vehicles, some modern European vehicles, and many commercial vehicles.
Approximate size: 18 mm tall by 19 mm wide.
Recommended installation gear
For everything you need to install a dash cam or battery pack yourself, start with the right fuse taps and a way to test the circuit before crimping.
BlackboxMyCar Add-A-Fuse Kit
Use this when you already know your fuse type and only need the fuse taps for the job.
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Essential BlackboxMyCar Install Package
The easier choice when you want the common fuse taps and fuses together for a dash cam or battery-pack install.
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BlackboxMyCar Circuit Tester
Use it to confirm ACC and constant fuse slots before you crimp anything.
Shop NowWhat if the fuse tap does not fit?
Double-check the fuse tap compatibility
Make sure the fuse tap matches the fuse type and size specified for your car. Holding your existing fuse and your new fuse tap side by side will reveal most differences.
Try a different fuse slot
Some fuse slots have slightly different dimensions or nearby plastic that can interfere with fitment. Some vehicles, including certain BMW and Ford models, can also use multiple fuse types in one vehicle.
The fuse tap is the correct type, but still does not fit
This can happen on particular vehicle models. If the fuse tap is the right style but still too tight, the plastic body may be slightly too thick. In some cases, slowly and carefully sanding the plastic body can help it fit. The same technique can sometimes make individual fuses fit certain fuse taps.
Watch your power requirements
Before the installation, make sure you know the power requirements of your dash cam or battery pack and choose a fuse circuit that can handle it. Match the fuse capacity with the maximum capacity of the circuit and fuse you are using.
Overall, the best way to check your vehicle's fuses is to take them out and physically check them yourself. This helps avoid fitment or power issues during installation or later down the road.
We offer installations too
If you are uncertain about modifying or adapting fuses or fuse taps, or if you keep running into fitment problems, we recommend getting help from an auto electronics professional, dash cam installer, or dealership.
If you are around the Richmond, BC area, our professional installers and technical team can help.
Fuse Type FAQ
What fuse type do I need for a dash cam hardwire install?
Pull the fuse from the fuse box and match the physical blade shape. Most vehicles use Micro2, Micro3, Mini, low-profile Mini, or ATO/ATC blade fuses.
Can I identify my fuse type from the owner manual?
The manual can help you find the fuse box and circuit, but it is not always enough to confirm the fuse tap shape. Physically removing and comparing the fuse is the safest check.
What should I do if the fuse tap does not fit?
First confirm the fuse type, then try another suitable fuse slot. Some vehicles use more than one fuse style, and some fuse boxes have tight plastic around the slot.
What tools do I need for fuse tap installation?
A matching add-a-fuse kit, the dash cam hardwiring kit or battery-pack wiring, and a circuit tester or multimeter are the core pieces.