Nashville, TN (March 10, 2013) During a press conference held today in conjunction with the Technology and Maintenance Council 2013 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, Phillips Industries presented their newest product innovation designed to fight the harmful effects of corrosion build up in the electrical systems of commercial vehicles, the patented STA-DRY® QCMS2™ (Quick Connect Modular System). Phillips has been the leader in testing and introducing new technology developed specifically to seal the electrical system from contaminants and debris. Their expanding line of STA-DRY® sockets, plugs, noseboxes, terminals, and electrical harnesses offer fleets the best solution to protecting their electrical systems from corrosion damage.
The most common warranty claims for 7-way connections are due to complete loss of electrical function on the blue circuit. This loss of function happens because of corrosion brought on by three primary reasons – lack of maintenance, water and chemical deicer intrusion, and constant current passing through the blue circuit as long as the tractors key is in the on position. Phillips thought that the most intriguing point regarding the failure at the 7-way connection, is that it happens more frequently at the tractor union, said Megan Vincent, Phillips Marketing. Regulations for the SAE J560 do not call for a watertight connection, and with many connectors being constructed in different sizes for compatibility purposes, it leaves a considerable gap between the plug and socket connection, where contaminants easily enter. According to top fleet maintenance experts, the 7-way union on the tractor side is disconnected and cleaned 99% less than the trailer 7-way union. Combined the gap in the connection and no proper maintenance with the inevitable water intrusion and you have a recipe for corrosion.
Phillips new modular socket/plug hybrid, the QCMS2™, is semi-hardwired to the tractor creating a complete seal at the 7-way connection. By removing the socket from the union, the QCMS2™ mates directly with Phillips STA-DRY® QCS® or QCS2® (Quick Connect Socket) boot (standard on most tractor OEMs), so there is no break or gap where moisture can enter.
As an integral part of their STA-DRY® product development, Phillips engineers have designed a test stand based on real-world conditions. Their Electrified Salt Tank Test exposes samples to a continuous spray of brine solution through an irrigation system while electrical currents pass through the product. This test reproduces field results showing corrosion at 120 hours on traditional J560 designs; the Phillips QCMS2™ and the QCS2® remain corrosion free and without water intrusion in the same conditions.
Please visit us at www.phillipsind.com to learn how Phillips products can make a difference in your operation.
About Phillips Industries
Based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, USA Phillips Industries is a leading innovator and manufacturer of advanced electrical and air brake interface equipment for the commercial vehicle industry. Phillips is a major supplier and partner to many top OEMs around the world and is a first choice for top fleets. They have manufacturing and distribution facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as in Mexico, China and The Netherlands. Phillips maintains active membership in key industry associations including TMC, SAE, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association and state trucking associations. Their manufacturing facilities have received the top quality accreditations including ISO 9001, TS 16949 and ISO 14001.