The Waytek Blog

We’ve often been asked if circuit breakers can be used as system disconnects in police cars and other vehicles with a large number of electrical accessories. Although using a circuit breaker this way may seem practical or cost-effective, it’s important to be aware of certain risks since most circuit breakers have not been designed for routine On/Off use.

CAN (Controller Area Network) technology has grown in importance as heavy-duty vehicles adopt an increasing array of electronic features that require signal routing and control. Let’s take a look at some of the more recent developments related to CAN bus.

The specialty vehicle market requires continuous improvement in automotive DC electrical components—and Waytek and our suppliers have stepped up to the plate. Here’s a look at eight innovations that have made it easier for upfitters to complete their builds, and for maintenance crews to keep their fleets up and running.

Fuse holders are important accessories that are needed since most automotive fuses can’t be dropped directly into conductive paths due to their shape and size. When it comes to fuses and fuse holders—like the old song says—you can’t have one without the other.

We recently discussed how cable ties can help you keep your automotive wiring organized by bundling wire or cabling together. Now let’s take it one step further and examine the use of clamps to keep wiring fastened down and secured, preventing movement, wear and damage.

If you’ve tried purchasing a new vehicle recently, you may have had to wait to get the one you wanted. Pandemic and supply chain factors have continued to put a strain on availability.

Organizations that use multiple vehicles are also feeling the strain. Some Waytek customers who manage fleets of police and emergency vehicles reported being able to receive less than half of the new vehicles they wanted this year, and even fewer in 2021.

Lack of new vehicles means increased usage and wear on the vehicles that remain in your fleet, and increased risk of down time for repairs. Now more than ever, it’s important to be aware of the common points of failure in vehicle electrical systems and to make sure you have the parts on hand to address them.

Ignition-protected electrical components have become a standard requirement in marine applications. Ignition protection is also becoming important in other applications, especially those in which electrical components are used in enclosed or high-temperature environments.

Police vehicles continue to evolve, utilizing a growing array of electrical equipment ranging from sirens, flashers, and spotlights to radio systems, computers, safety locking mechanisms, and more.

Police cars require more auxiliary electrical power, circuitry and wiring than typical passenger vehicles. To support the demand, police vehicles come with powerful alternators (delivering 225 amps or more) and heavy-duty auxiliary batteries.

Pull-behind trailers come in a variety of sizes, weight classes and features. Whether you’re using a lightweight trailer to haul a few personal items, or pulling a livestock trailer, a boat trailer, or camper, it’s important that the trailer has been wired correctly.

Some DC electromechanical switches are hard to come by in today’s environment of materials  shortages and shipping constraints. In contrast, solid-state switches and contactors can be easier to source and offer many advantages over traditional switches—often at the same price point.