The lights on wing plows, tow plows, and other winter maintenance equipment require electricity to operate, and the electrical connectors used in these assemblies are exposed to the elements during winter operations. By the end of a shift, a connector may begin to loosen, allowing chemicals, abrasives, and road material to enter the connection and begin to break it down.
A Clear Roads synthesis project used a survey of winter maintenance professionals and a review of relevant literature to gather information that will help transportation agencies reduce—or avoid—the corrosion of electrical connections on winter maintenance equipment.
Survey respondents’ best practices to avoid corrosion of electrical connectors include:
- Relocate electrical connectors to the interior of the vehicle’s cab or other protected areas.
- Use modular electrical systems that can expand easily through standardizing wiring segments with connectors and have reservoirs of dielectric grease to deter moisture.
- Insulate electrical lighting and harness connectors with heat shrink tubing or use waterproof electrical connectors and high-quality, weather- proof terminals with dielectric grease.
- Avoid piercing or slicing cable wiring, which can open areas to corrosion.
- Inspect cables and wiring regularly for oxidation, corrosion, loose connectors, and broken wires.
- Clean (and replace, if necessary) connectors frequently and apply dielectric grease or spray after cleaning.
- Establish a preventive maintenance program that maintains the vehicle’s electrical system throughout the year.
In addition to best practices, the document includes sections on successes and challenges and on innovative technologies and products. Tips and techniques are mixed in throughout the synthesis.
Learn more:
- Avoiding Corrosion of Electrical Connectors on Winter Maintenance Equipment (Clear Roads, Jan. 2023)