While our existing SmartCord options are compatible with the standard 12V CLA (Cigarette Lighter Adapter) outlets found in most vehicles, many late model vehicles are no longer including the 12V CLA socket. Some late model BMWs still including the 12V CLA are using a non-standard socket depth, and in these situations, a work-around may be necessary.
IMPORTANT: Before utilizing any of these solutions, please check your owner's manual or reach out to the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that these options will be compatible with your vehicle. Your vehicle may not work with every solution.
Recommended Solutions
USB-C to RJ11
Vehicles with 5V/2.5A USB-C power port: We have an optional USB-C to RJ11 power cord (4ft in length) ideal for modern vehicles, which may be purchased [HERE].
Please note: Your ESCORT Radar Detector or camera may have a USB port built into it. This port is for data only and does not activate the majority of the unit's features. Plugging into this port will not work to power your detector or camera correctly for operation.
Direct Wire
The Direct Wire or Direct Wire SmartCord our recommended solutions when the standard 12V adapter SmartCord is not an option. A Direct Wire kit bypasses the plug-in method and taps into the vehicle's fuse panel directly.
You can see our compatible Direct Wire options [HERE].
This method usually needs to be professionally installed and therefore may not be a good solution for leased or rented vehicles, or if you're planning to use your detector in multiple vehicles.
Electric Vehicles: Some electric vehicles (e.g. Tesla) may be operating on a 16V system (rather than a standard 12V system) which can affect installation and operation. Many solutions (Direct Wire and Mirror Taps) may be wired to 16V (instead of standard 12V or 5V USB-C) so you'll need to make sure your power cord includes a step down voltage regulator to convert down to 12V. A professional installer should have more information on this.
3rd Party Solutions
Please note: While solutions like these work for most users, Cedar Electronics cannot guarantee performance with third party products. We take no responsibility for any third party solution utilized, and use of these solutions may void your warranty if they damage your unit. All information from this point forward is strictly for educational purposes.
Power Requirements: Our devices are designed for 12VDC power supplied by standard automobile systems, and up to 2.5A of power. 5V USB power sources must provide enough power to step the voltage up to 12V, and any 5V power solution should also include circuitry to step up the voltage and must be capable of delivering 2.5A after stepping up to 12V.
Electric Vehicles: Some electric vehicles (e.g. Tesla) may be operating on a 16V system (rather than a standard 12V system) which can affect installation and operation. Many solutions (Direct Wire and Mirror Taps) may be wired to 16V (instead of standard 12V or 5V USB-C) so you'll need to make sure your power cord includes a step down voltage regulator to convert down to 12V. A professional installer should have more information on this.
USB-A Adapters
Please note: Your ESCORT Radar Detector or camera may have a USB port built into it. This port is for data only and does not activate the majority of the unit's features. Plugging into this port will not work to power your detector or camera correctly.
USB-A specifications do not generally supply enough power for our devices to operate.
You may find 3rd party USB-A to RJ11 (direct to detector) or USB-A to CLA (Cigarette Lighter Adapter) socket cables from 3rd party manufacturers, however we cannot guarantee these will provide enough power to operate our devices properly.
Please note: Your ESCORT Radar Detector or camera may have a USB port built into it. This port is for data only and does not activate the majority of the unit's features. Plugging into this port will not work to power your detector or camera correctly for operation.
Mirror Taps & Pigtail Taps
Some mirror mounting kits will come with a small length of wire with an RJ11 connector on one end, and two bare wires on the other end. You might also find a similar, longer cable called a pigtail tap. These are meant to tap into a powered mirror.
BlendMount.com sells mirror tap kits with their excellent mirror mounts which are customized to your vehicle's mirror. Their mirror taps include a 2 amp inline fuse (like our SmartCords) designed to blow on surge and protect the device from damage. Their vehicle selector will also give you your options for powered or non-powered mirrors.
Be aware that these options may require professional installation due to the mirror's design, which we strongly recommend as tapping the mirror may carry the risk of accidentally damaging the vehicle's electrical supply and/or your device.
Vehicles with a USB port in the rear of the mirror will not provide enough power for our devices.
BMWs and 12V Extension Cables
If the case is that you have an inaccessible plug (such as a plug in the rear of an SUV or pickup truck), or your plug depth is deeper than standard (as is the case with some models of BMW), you might find that a 12V extension is your best solution. The drawback to these is that the cables may end up being too long and leave you with loops of excess wire that are unsightly and potentially hazardous for people entering and exiting the vehicle and becoming entangled. For this reason we recommend going with a Direct Wire or USB-C to RJ11 cable.