SAE Develops New Connector Standard

      The Society of Automotive Engineers has developed a new standard - J2577 - for the connectors between heavy duty lamps and the wiring harness system.

      "I think fleets have recognized the need for improvements in both the seal and in standardization," says Brad Van Riper, vice president of research and development at Truck-Lite. The Technology and Maintenance Council's electrical committee pushed for the new standard, he says.
      "It's designed to really take the truck lighting electrical interface to the next level."
      Under the new standard, lamps from different manufacturers will fit securely into other brands of wiring harness.
      In addition to compatibility, Van Riper says, the new standard includes "aggressive performance standards."
      For instance, he says, the standard requires the connection to withstand a 200-psi pressure spray without allowing any moisture inside the connector.
      "After all, this is the kind of equipment being used on today's trucks and trailer to maintain them," Van Riper says. "Why should the fleet have to suffer a reduction in performance because they're keeping the trailer clean?"
      Van Riper predicts you will start seeing products that meet the new J2577 standard in the 2006 time frame.
      The standard excludes forward lighting devices (i.e. fog lamps), but includes stop lamps, backup lamps, tail lamps, side-turn signal lamps, turn signal/hazard lamps, work lamps, side marker lamps, license lamps, clearance lamps, ABS lamps and identification lamps.

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