Wireless camera wiring

[E-man]

Hi Everyone,

I bought a wireless digital camera and monitor to replace the one in my RV. I saw some videos that show how to use the wiring from the tail light and I was able to pull those wires from my tail light, but I see white and black wires. Which one is the positive and which one is the ground?

Thank You,
E

[wrapperman]

Use a volt meter.
You will only have voltage when the lights are on though.

[NoviBill]

On my 2006 Lexington the black was positive, but I agree with wrapperman you are safer to check with a volt meter.

Wiring the rear view camera on the Lexington 255DS by cdrdwd, on Flickr

[E-man]

I'm not the best at using a meter, but when I went to get one from RadioShack they suggested to go to Autozone.

I asked the guys there and they instantly said that on all fords white is positive and black is ground.

So I guess I will learn how to use a meter today!

Another question if those lights come on only when the lights are on does that mean I need to have my lights on for the camera to work?

[NoviBill]

Yes, The camera only works if the running lights are on. It's good to have the lights on for visibility also.

[wrapperman]

It's also a good idea to check for polarity. Take your meter, turn it on, then to the voltage position, make sure it is set for DC, then touch the black probe to ground, red probe to either the white or black wire and with the lights on you will find the hot wire. Make sure you connect the camera properly or you may destroy the camera by connecting it backwards.
I added a second wireless camera so I could point it at a different angle and see farther down the road. My 12 volt supply came from a 12 volt supply already on the roof.