HYBRIDS “Hybrid systems can automatically turn themselves off and on, switching between the high-voltage battery and the gasoline engine, so it is easy for the technician to be unpleasantly surprised that a vehicle thought to be ‘off ’ is in fact ‘on.’” Peter Zaidel, KPA product manager DECEMBER 2016 | ELECTRICAL TESTING SUPPLEMENT | 9 says Zaidel. A technician would have to touch pole-to-pole or become part of the circuit for an injury to occur. As a highly visible safety warning, all high-voltage circuits are encased and heavily insulated, and normally identifi ed by the SAE standard color-coding of bright orange. Never cut into, touch, mangle or otherwise disturb the big orange cables that carry the high voltage from the batteries (in the back) to the controller (in the front), he warns. Always wear Class O heavy duty gloves (lineman’s gloves) rated to withstand 1,000V when disconnecting high-voltage components, such as the battery. These gloves should be maintained in excellent condition and checked prior to each use to ensure there are no leaks, Zaidel emphasizes. Even a small opening can draw current that is seeking a ground. Always disconnect the high-voltage hybrid battery before doing any major repair work or electrical work, he adds. Most manufacturers also advise waiting at least 10 minutes before working on the vehicle after the battery has been isolated or disconnected. The high-voltage capacitors need time to discharge so there is no residual voltage to pose a shock hazard. DIFFERENCES “Hybrid vehicles may seem similar to gasoline-powered engine vehicles, and indeed there is much in common,” concludes Zaidel. “But the differences are important ones from a safety perspective, bringing risks of injury and even death to the untrained or careless service technician. “Proper training, adherence to a company’s service operations protocols and constant vigilance around these ‘silent while on’ vehicles will ensure a safe environment.” Reduce Annual Battery Budget by 70% Extend Battery Life by 3X! PREVENT Maintains and Equalizes Batteries to Prevent Premature Failure MAINTAIN Keeps Stored Batteries in Like New &RQGLWLRQ,QGHðQLWHO\ PULSE CHARGE Recovers Batteries 3UHYLRXVO\7KRXJKW ‘Unusable’ TEST 7HVWV$//9 /HDG$FLG%DWWHULHV 95/$$*0*HO Flooded Cell) BATTERY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 5HGXFHV$QQXDO%DWWHU\ &RQVXPSWLRQE\XSWR *RWRZZZSXOVHWHFKQHWWRVLJQXSIRURXUQHZVOHWWHUDQGUHFHLYHD)5((WHVWHU Contact us at 1-800-580-7554 or ppc@pulsetech.netIRUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ Enter 4 at “e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
FleetMaintenance_NovemberDecember_2016
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