I am trying to rig up a backup camera to an SPDT switch to come on when in reverse, but also be able to turn on the camera manually whenever I want. Does anyone have any simple diagrams or advice to help me? I'd also like to be able to do the same thing with a pair of reverse lights.

 

Backup lamps are switched power just tap them on the powered side and run it to your switch. For safety you could use that to trigger a relay..

Switch connector, center pin to cam, one side to fused power one side to backup circuit

 

This ^^^

For the backup cam you'll need, specifically an SPDT switch with center-off. It works like the dome light switch.
For brighter lights, it's safer to use relay. Use the SPDT center-off switch to control the relay coil, power relay contacts from a fused wire directly from the battery, relay load output will go to your auxiliary backup light.

 

If I am wiring up a reverse camera to an SPDT switch, with the ability to turn the camera on when I want (constant 12V) or with the reverse lights (acc power), what wires should I fuse? Do I need a fuse from the reverse light power to the switch? Is a fuse needed from the switch to a relay? The specific camera I have draws less than 1 amp. Also, is 18 gauge wiring sufficient?

 

Other thread here..

 

Could be more elegant but meh..

 

i merged your duplicate threads....