Section 7 - Electrical System
All inspection procedures are visual unless additional inspection procedures are indicated or where applied force is necessary to verify tightness and/or component security. The definitions can be found in the “Definitions and Acronyms” section.
1. Wiring
Additional Inspection Procedure(s): Inspect wiring, harnesses and connections that are accessible and visible. Pay particular attention to battery, starter and charging system circuits.
Item and method of inspection | Reject if | Inspection Class |
|---|---|---|
a1) security | a) or improperly supported, and able to contact moving parts chafed section resulting from contact with vehicle parts | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
a2) security | not secured at least every 1800 mm | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
b) insulation | b) conductor is exposed, other than at a proper connector | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
c) condition | c) cut, shorted or deteriorated connection is , abnormally corroded, burnt | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
d) circuit loading Note: Circuit protection requirements are based on design and specifications. Circuit testing is not required. Inspection is visual and based on knowledge of the normal design and specifications. | d) circuit load protection is or bypassed circuit is overloaded beyond normal circuit capacity circuit protection device (fuse, circuit breaker or fusible link) exceeds circuit capacity circuit is improperly grounded | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
e) vapour proofing | e) not present on petroleum hauling trailers | 3 |
i. any electrical component or wiring shows signs of shorting, arcing, or a hot spot
In the engine compartments of a :
ii. electrical cable insulation is burnt, chafed, , or frayed, exposing the conductor
iii. protective grommet insulating an electrical cable through metal is or
iv. electrical component is broken or mounting is
v. electrical cable is unsupported, or a clamp is , causing chafing or fraying
vi. lubricating oil is leaking from an electrical component such as the alternator or auxiliary heater
2. Battery
Item and method of inspection | Reject if | Inspection Class |
|---|---|---|
a) posts and connections | a) or burnt corrosion or deterioration is present that prevents proper electrical contact | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
b) mount/tray | b) cracked or , perforated or weakened due to corrosion | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
c) cover and hold down | c) , , does not meet battery is not secured in place | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
d) condition | d) of battery fluid | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
e) vent tube | e) flattened or blocked | 6 |
i. any electrical component or wiring shows signs of shorting, arcing, or a hot spot
In the battery compartments of a :
ii. electrical cable insulation is burnt, chafed, , or frayed, exposing the conductor
iii. protective grommet insulating an electrical cable through metal is or
iv. electrical component is broken or mounting is
v. electrical cable is unsupported, or a clamp is , causing chafing or fraying
3. Switches
Item and method of inspection | Reject if | Inspection Class |
|---|---|---|
a) headlamp switch | , , | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 |
b) dimmer switch | , , | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 |
c) heater and defrost switch | , , | 1, 2, 4, 5 |
d) windshield wiper and washer switch | , , | 1, 2, 4, 5 |
e) turn indicator switch | , , Note: On vehicles manufactured on and after January 1, 1974, the turn signal operating unit installed on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and less than 2032 mm in overall width, must be self-canceling by steering wheel rotation and capable of cancellation by a manually operated control. | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 |
f) hazard warning switch (if equipped) | , , | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 |
g) ignition switch | , , | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 |
h) labelling | , not labelled as per requirements | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 |
4. Trailer Cord (output to towed vehicle)
Item and method of inspection | Reject if | Inspection Class |
|---|---|---|
a) insulation | a) cut, cracked, deteriorated or melted through to wire conductor | 2, 3, 4 |
b) connection Note: A trailer cord must be repaired only by using | b) cracked, ends split, improper repair or connection | 2, 3, 4 |
c) constant power on auxiliary circuit Note: Also refer to Section 3A, Item 19 f) PLC communication). Every vehicle equipped for towing another vehicle with air brakes, manufactured after April 1, 2000, must supply constant power to the trailer auxiliary circuit (center pin, blue wire) while the ignition is in the “ON” position. Additional Inspection Procedures(s): Option 1: Test with a voltmeter Option 2: Connect to a test device | c) power is not continuously supplied to the auxiliary circuit when ignition is “on” a switch is installed that can interrupt power to the auxiliary circuit voltage is below required minimum when circuit is loaded to value | 2, 3, 4 |
5. Alternator Output on a School Bus
Note: Applies to school only. Inspection must be conducted according to the requirements of the applicable D250 Standard.
Item and method of inspection | Reject if | Inspection Class |
|---|---|---|
a) output rate Additional Inspection Procedure(s): Test method 1: Test alternator using a load test device. Test Method 2: Test the output of the charging system with all lamps, heaters, defrosters, and other electrical accessories on at highest settings, with engine operating at 1500 rpm. | a) during test method 1, fails to produce 70 amps at idle or fails to produce 130 amps at 1500 rpm during test method 2, voltage drops below 12.4 volts, or charge indicator shows a discharge condition charge indicator is | 5 |