Electrical Systems - Manufacturer Requirements
|
FEDERAL LAW
183.440 - Secondary Circuits of Ignition Systems
(a) Each conductor in a secondary circuit of an ignition system must meet SAE Standard J557.
(b) The connection of each ignition conductor to a spark plug, coil, or distributor must have a tight fitting cap, boot, or nipple.
|
Conductors in secondary circuits of ignition systems consist of the conductor from the center tap on the ignition coil to the center or rotor terminal on the distributor cap and the spark plug wires. These conductors must meet the specialized requirements of SAE J557 "High Tension Ignition Cable". Both ends of these conductors must be connected in such a manner as to be protected by a tight fitting cap, boot or nipple. Caps, boots and nipples that meet test requirements incorporated in SAE J1191, "High Tension Ignition Cable Assemblies", are acceptable.
|
TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW
- Does each secondary circuit conductor meet the requirements of SAE Standard J557?
- Are all connected ends of secondary circuit conductors equipped with tight fitting caps, boots or nipples?
|
FIGURE 20 - Ignition Conductor Connections
|
FEDERAL LAW
183.445 - Conductors: Protection
(a) Each conductor or group of conductors that passes through a bulkhead, structural member, junction box, or other rigid surface must be protected from abrasion.
|
A conductor or bundle of conductors must have abrasion protection, in addition to its own insulation, where it goes through a hole. This applies to holes in any rigid surface such as a bulkhead, junction box, electric panel, etc. Any means such as clamping, grommets, caulking, hose, bushings, taping, special devices or others may be used. Note the requirements for isolation bulkhead openings in section 183.410(c), if applicable.
|
TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW
- Is each conductor or bundle of conductors protected from chafe where it passes through a bulkhead, structural member, junction box or other rigid surface?
|
FIGURE 21 - Abrasion Protection
|
FEDERAL LAW
183.445 - Conductors: Protection
(b) Each ungrounded terminal or stud that is continuously energized must meet 183.455 or must have a boot, nipple, cap, cover, or shield that prevents accidental short-circuiting at the terminals or studs.
|
Any continuously energized terminal or stud that is not protected by a fuse or circuit breaker, as required by section 183.455, must be protected from accidental short circuiting. Continuously energized means directly connected to a power source without any switches or solenoids between the source and the terminal. Protection against accidental short circuiting must be by means of an insulated boot, nipple, or cap or by a cover or shield. The test to determine if the protection is effective is whether or not the terminal or stud can be touched by a 3/4 inch diameter ball. If it cannot be touched, then the protection is adequate.
|
TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW
Is each continuously energized terminal or stud protected by either:
- overcurrent protection, as required in 183.455, or
- an insulated boot, nipple, cap, cover or shield?
|
FIGURE 22 - Terminal Protection
Previous | Next