The Waytek Blog

Waytek Blog Homepage

Blog_bar

Considerations for Using Circuit Breakers as Disconnect Switches

Posted by R. Iversrud on Feb 27, 2023 3:35:26 PM

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.

Read More

Topics: Battery Management

How to Increase Battery Life with Battery Disconnects

Posted by R. Iversrud on Mar 28, 2022 8:11:39 AM

As commercial vehicles evolve, so does the need for increased protection of their electrical systems.

Modern vehicles have more auxiliary units drawing battery power than ever before. In the past, when vehicles were powered off, so were all electrical loads. Now, many of today’s commercial trucks require electricity full time.

Battery management is critical because increased loads, when not managed properly, can draw down batteries, leading to stalls and breakdowns.

Read More

Topics: New Products, Resources & Tools, Battery Management, Switches

Battery Isolators and Automatic Charging Relays (ACRs): A Comparison

Posted by R. Iversrud on May 12, 2021 8:39:52 AM

When it comes to battery management, battery isolators and automatic charging relays (also called ACRs or voltage sensitive relays) are both used to safeguard reserve battery power to prevent breakdowns and protect other vital vehicle or boat functions.

So, how are these two components different? Is one better than the other? When should you choose one over the other? Here are some things to keep in mind.

Read More

Topics: Resources & Tools, Buying Guides, Battery Management, Battery Isolators, ACRs

How to Choose Between Battery Isolators and Separators

Posted by R. Iversrud on Dec 9, 2020 11:55:59 AM

Controlling parasitic loads (battery drain) and properly distributing electrical power is crucial to keeping vehicles working. However, this requires balancing the needs of the battery against those of the electrical system.

Read More

Topics: Battery Management, Battery Isolators, Battery Separators

Two Things to Double-Check When Choosing Battery Cables – and More

Posted by R. Iversrud on Sep 25, 2020 1:03:59 PM

The battery cable is among the most important components in a battery management system. High quality battery cables will help ensure you have power and avoid battery drain—but only if they are properly sized, installed and maintained.

There are two things you must absolutely double-check when selecting your battery cables.

Read More

Topics: How To, Resources & Tools, Battery Management, Wire & Cable

Battery Isolators 101

Posted by G. Christianson on Sep 15, 2016 2:15:48 PM

Battery isolators aren't the flashiest part, but they're also often the only part standing between the function or failure of a vehicle, boat or machine. Here's what a battery isolator does, why it's important, and how to spot the right one for your needs.
 
Read More

Topics: Resources & Tools, Basics, Battery Management, Battery Isolators

Are Parasitic Loads Impacting Your Fleet's Battery Life? Here's How to Tell

Posted by G. Christianson on Jun 21, 2016 12:42:37 PM

Your fleet runs on batteries as much as fuel, and parasitic loads can reduce battery life, strand vehicles, and make life miserable across a fleet. So how do you find parasitic loads, and how do you get rid of them?

Read More

Topics: Resources & Tools, Fleet Management, Battery Management

4 Tips for Optimizing Your Fleet's Battery Charging Room

Posted by G. Christianson on May 10, 2016 11:10:56 AM

Your fleet runs on batteries, and that makes the battery charging room a crucial link in the chain that is your business operations. So make sure your battery room is optimized to get batteries charged and ready with these tips.

Read More

Topics: Resources & Tools, Fleet Management, Battery Management

Power Conversion for Tractor Trailers 101

Posted by G. Christianson on Feb 18, 2016 9:14:25 AM

Most fleets have to balance not just the needs of their customers, but the needs of their drivers, especially when they're out there on the long haul. But how does power conversion factor in to building a happier, more efficient fleet?

Read More

Topics: Resources & Tools, Battery Management, Power Inverters

How to Get More Life Out of Batteries

Posted by G. Christianson on Feb 9, 2016 11:37:34 AM

A commercial operation often runs on its batteries. Poorly maintained batteries can take fleets off the road right when they need to be rolling the most. So how can you get more life out of your batteries, and keep up with proper battery management?

Read More

Topics: How To, Resources & Tools, Fleet Management, Battery Management


 

Subscribe to Email Updates

About the Waytek Blog

Providing an exceptional customer experience is our mission at Waytek. It’s how we live and part of everything we do, from the way we answer your calls to the products we stock.

The Waytek blog is part of that experience, a place where we share industry news, helpful advice and how-to articles to make your workdays easier, productive and enjoyable.

To keep your finger on the pulse of the 12-volt electrical industry, subscribe below and be the first to know when new articles are published.

Subscribe to the Waytek Blog

Recent Posts