Need a boost to your Fall and Winter Fleet Blues?

With fall and winter ushering in cooler temperatures and adverse weather conditions on the way, it is time for Fleet Managers to start thinking about how to keep fleets running in less than optimal conditions. The FleetStart™ Jump Start Machine was developed between Purkey’s Fleet Electric and Goodall Manufacturing. In 2010, the two companies combined several years of engineering leadership in fleet electric and jump starting technologies to create the most powerful and affordable jump start machine available in the trucking industry today.

The FleetStart™, Heavy-Duty Jump Start Machine is specifically designed to jump start heavy-duty vehicles only and its compact design allows for a smooth fit into a service truck or van. When it comes time to recharging the FleetStart™, simply plug it into an ac power source and the onboard, smart charger will charge the four Group 31 AGM Batteries overnight. The high capacity batteries allow multiple jump-starts on a single charge cycle. FleetStart™ is one of the most robust jump-start machines that will provide many years of reliable and affordable service. With an abundance of built in features and protections, the cost benefit of owning a FleetStart™  Jump-start Machine outweighs the down-time and service costs incurred from trucks with 
dead batteries. 

FleetStart™ Features include:

• Rugged, user-friendly narrow designed enclosure.
• Microprocessor controlled with reverse polarity, open clamp and dead short protection.
• Built in DC charger that runs off your service vehicles electrical system.
• Built-in automatic LED lights for operation status 120V AC battery charger.
• Heavy-duty remote switch with recoil cord.
• Easy-to-read instructions mounted directly to unit for easy operation
• LED lights for operation status.
• Quick Disconnect cable plug with weather cap.
• 30’ 4/0 cable set with two sets of clamps.

Contact a Purkeys Fleet Electric technical expert today to see how affordable and dependable the FleetStart, Heavy-Duty Jumpstart can be for your fleet.

Fleet Audits from Purkeys Fleet Electric

Conducting fleet electrical system audits is a critical component to successful fleet maintenance and a great way to stay compliant with the latest RP's established by TMC. The purpose for regularly auditing a fleet is to observe and analyze the processes in place at the facility and to diagnose and correct issues related to the vehicles' electrical systems. A thorough analysis will identify where processes can be made more efficient and effective, as well as identify which tools are necessary to help implement best practices. An audit will focus on three key elements-batteries, starters, and alternators-as well as the tools and procedures available to address discrepancies.

Beginning with your shop tools, it is best to establish if there are company standards for test equipment. Are there any formal training programs on the proper use of electrical test equipment? Does the equipment have a record of calibration, and are staff aware of any formal calibration program. Equipment that is not calibrated often gives false readings. Are the any shop charging stations? (i.e. out of vehicle battery charging) Often times, the only battery charging is a roll-a-round chargers for in vehicle when it would be best to have a central charging station in place. What are the Electrical Testing Procedures used by your fleet maintenance staff? Are there posted  charts showing the correct procedures apparent. Do your technicians have the necessary tools or skills to perform voltage drop test on the cranking and charging circuitry. (See TMC's RP-129) which discusses sequential testing of the cranking or charging systems? Are batteries standardized in your fleet? i.e. (manufacturer, reserve capacity, or cold cranking amps) Is there a recharge program which uses battery adaptors for charging and testing to ensure accurate results that could prevent replacing batteries that could have been recharged? Some other areas to consider include establishing a formal battery warranty program with installation dates painted on the batteries and regular maintenance like corrosion prevention on the battery terminals. Like batteries, starters & alternators should be standardized for each vehicle type, make and model. Are technicians testing the control circuits, measuring for voltage and current and is there a warranty program in place to handle defective units?

During fleet audits, Purkeys Fleet Electric explores all aspects of vehicle electrical applications including the measurement of electrical parasitic loads. We then determine the origination of the parasitic loads and then develop a practical fix. Purkeys will also explore the vehicle's duty cycle and component placement along with many other aspects of proper equipment installation to ensure optimal performance for your fleet.  With the use of specialized data recorders, Purkeys can evaluate electrical performance over extended periods of time and operating conditions to help pinpoint problem areas and develop solutions to remedy the problems permanently. Consult with one of our technical specialists to learn more.

Purkeys Fleet Electric –GXL Wire and Custom Wiring Harnesses.

Not all wire is the same and not all installations are the same, which is why clients choose Purkeys Fleet Electric for custom wiring and harness production. Each application has a specific gauge and insulation requirement to ensure a safe and efficient electrical connection, which is why we do not have a one-size-fits-all approach to wiring harnesses.  

Purkeys Fleet Electric utilizes GXL Wire from Prestolite Wire for the safest possible application (installation will not re flow). Using the latest circuit protection technology, Purkeys’ wiring harnesses provide dependable operation in the most stringent environmental conditions.

TXL, GXL, and SXL wires are all insulated with cross link polyethylene and have heat resistance up to 125 degrees Celsius. GPT wire is insulated with PVC and is only heat resistant up to 80 degrees Celsius. Using GPT wire in the engine compartment puts your vehicle at a higher risk of thermal incidents. GXL meets SAE J2549 Low Tension Primary Wire for Heavy-Duty Applications and TMC RP166(T) Low-Voltage Primary Electrical Cable Specification for Heavy-Duty Electrical Repair. GPT does not. Make sure you are using the right wire for your application!

GXL Wire Features

• Thick wall design construction
• Excellent heat-resistant insulation
• Safe Cross link insulation will not melt
• Flexible conductor stranding
• High flex life
• Multiple packaging options
• Lightweight construction
• Lead and heavy metal free insulation
• High temperature insulation rated 125C long term
• High abrasion resistant insulation
• High pinch resistant insulation
• Same physical size as GPT for easy substitution
• 16x longer application life when compared to GPT @ 80C
• Universal wire solution can be used in engine compartment and the trailer

Important Tips for Wiring.

• Only use SAE certified wire for transportation applications
• Designed for performance
• Tested for durability
• Replace with the same wire ratings or better
• Voltage rating
• Wire type and wall thickness
• Temperature rating (>98% 125C or lower)
• Replace with the same wire size (AWG)
• Safe fit form and performance
• Replace with the same wire color
• Circuit identification

• Use Cross linked or Thermoset SAE wire types
• Best safety and performance

  

Applications for Purkeys Wiring Harnesses include:

•  GPS Systems
•  Inverters (all types)
• Communications Devices
• Remote Sense Alternator Cables
• Replacement Battery Cables.

Purkeys Fleet Electric custom built harnesses are specific to each vehicle type and application. Our harnesses are unobtrusive to the host vehicle and are often plug and play ready. Purkeys can provide prototype samples with fast turnaround time.  Please contact one of our associates today for further assistance.

You may reach us at www.purkeys.net or call us at 1-800-219-1269

Medical Device Power Source for CPAP Machines from Purkeys Fleet Electric

Purkeys Fleet Electric has recently released the next generation of MDPS (Medical Device Power Source), which is designed to provide power for medical devices such as CPAP machines from a 12V power source within the truck. The MDPS charges the AGM battery from a vehicle’s electrical system when the vehicle is running and when the vehicle batteries are at a good state of charge. The MDPS will not take power from the vehicle batteries when it determines that the system is below an acceptable state of charge. This is to ensure that the vehicle system is not overly discharged, which could reduce battery life and/or jeopardize starting ability.

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is a treatment that uses mild air pressure to keep your airways open. CPAP typically is used for people who have breathing problems, such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea (AP-ne-ah) is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the health and safety of commercial truck drivers, as well as all transportation operators, has been a hot topic of discussion for years.

Important Facts on Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• OSA afflicts at least 20 million Americans...more than asthma or diabetes, and yet more than 85% remain undiagnosed.
• People with OSA tend to have high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, depression and sexual dysfunction with annual health care costs TWO TIMES HIGHER than those without OSA.
• People with OSA are SIX times more likely to have a crash and SEVEN TIMES more likely to have multiple accidents.
• More than 800,000 drivers were involved in OSA-related car crashes in 2000, costing more than $15.9 billion in damage claiming 1,400 lives.
• It's estimated that if all drivers with OSA were treated, $11.1B in damages could be saved, along with 980 lives each year.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, accident and health risks return to NORMAL when individuals are diagnosed and treated for OSA.

If this has been a topic of conversation within your organization, please consult with one of our technicians at Purkeys Fleet Electric today to learn more about how the MDPS can help your drivers stay healthy on the road. Please click here for more product information.

Forklift Low Voltage Disconnect.

Purkeys Fleet Electric consults with many customers about Forklift battery issues that result from electronic scales which can discharge the batteries too low causing service interruptions. This often happens over weekends.  For that reason, we have developed a unique solution to rectify the problem.

The Purkeys Fleet Electric Forklift LVD turns off the electronic scale on the forklift when the battery voltage drops to 12.2 volts and remains there for 15 seconds or more. The power to the scale resumes when the forklift is started and the module sees a voltage of 13.2 volts or higher.

The principals of operation for the PFE-LVD require that the Forklift battery is 12.3 volts or higher. The green LED on the LVD will illuminate and the control module will provide power to the relay coil. With the relay coil powered, the relay’s contact will close, thus the scale system will be powered.

When the forklift battery voltage drops below 12.3 volts for more than 60 seconds, the red LED light will illuminate and the control module will not provide power to the relay coil. The relay‘s contacts will not be closed, thus the scale system will not have power and will turn off.

After the control module turns off for low voltage, it will stay off until the forklift unit is started and the module sees more than 13.2 volts. When it sees this voltage level, it will again power the relay coil, the contacts will close and the scale system will have power.

The PFE-Forklift LVD is easy to mount and install and fully automated to ensure total satisfaction.

Contact Purkeys Fleet Electric today at 1-800-219-1269 to consult with us on your Forklift Low Voltage Disconnect requirements.

Heavy Duty Vehicle Charging System

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. In hot weather the vehicle’s charging system is taxed more than any other time of the year. Hot weather brings increased electrical loads from air conditioners and other loads such as coolers and fans associated with hot weather operation. Alternators draw air from the back of the alternator to the front for cooling. As the temperature outside rises and air is drawn across the engine and turbochargers, it becomes super heated. How well the alternator can produce current and still dissipate that heat has a direct impact on its lifespan.

Fleets often check the air condition system in spring to ensure the systems are ready to operate before hot weather hits. This is the perfect time to check charging systems as well. The batteries should be tested individually; the charging circuit tested for voltage drop (per TMC-RP-129); and the alternator tested for output. When testing the alternator it is highly recommended to use a tester that can detect alternators that have a defective diode or stator, these are the defects that can easily be over looked and soon fail on the road. Also look for the following:

• Oil on the alternator. Oil on the alternator collects dirt and dust on the rectifiers and prevents the unit from dissipating heat.

• Loose pulleys or fans. They could slip and not pull much air through the alternator. This will prevent the unit being cooled as designed.

• Inspect the belts and the automatic idler systems that drive the alternator. Both of these are wear items and must be in good working order before another hot summer.

Remember - A little work now could save a lot of headaches down the road!

Technology & Maintenance Council - Who's watching the auxiliary circuit?

At the recent TMC meeting at Tampa, FL. the S. 1 Electrical study group held a panel discussion called “Who is watching the aux circuit?”   Bruce Purkey moderated this session and there were three great presenters who shared their experiences with this issue.

·         Jim Ohlmeire of TransAm told how his company had been using LED testers to test the aux circuit and the other circuits of the seven way cords.   They assumed all was well because the lights were working.   When they tried to utilize the aux circuit for a new charging system, they realized they had issues. They found corrosion and lack of maintenance had severely damaged the seven way cable’s capacity for current flow.   He described the testing and maintenance procedures his fleet adopted to address this issue.

·         Bob Rudolph of Haldex then told how important this circuit way to proper functioning of the ABS system on the trailer. He also told how other systems such as roll stability systems and communication systems were now using the aux circuit. He stated there is no real issue with sharing the circuit as long the most important safety related systems are given priority when multiple systems are running.

·         Brad Van Ripper of Truck-Lite spoke as to how circuits that are powered off of the seven way cord are impacted by voltage drop. He told the audience that over 40% of fleets replace the green seven way cable with the cheaper black seven way cable that has smaller gauge wires for the aux, ground and stop light circuit. He highlighted the concern that the black seven way cable may not support the all systems on the trailer.

The bottom line is that our industry is paying enough attention to the aux circuit on the seven way cable, yet is increasingly utilizing it to supply power to more and more systems.  The group agreed that new standard methods and procedures are needed to help fleets properly maintain this critical circuit.