eMC OEM Partner - SafeConnect
Bringing Our Clean Fuel Program Partners Electrification Solutions
SafeConnect Partnership
SafeConnect’s motto “six pins for safety,” describes their innovative charging technology for electric transport refrigeration units (eTRUs). SafeConnect has partnered with e-Mission Control to provide safe plug-in infrastructure to any fleet registered in clean fuels programs such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in California or the Clean Fuels Program (CFP) in Oregon. Their unique plug design mitigates the risk of electrocution to drivers working in high-voltage environments. SafeConnect helps protect the workers, equipment, and bottom line of any company looking to transition to an eTRU fleet.
What are eTRUs?
eTRU is a term used to describe alternatives to conventional diesel-powered transportation refrigeration units. eTrus are used on insulated trailers, straight trucks, intermodal shipping containers, and rail cars to preserve temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, plants, medicines, blood, chemicals, photographic film, artwork, and explosives.
In an eTRU, the refrigeration system’s compressor is driven by an electric motor all or at least part of the time.
eTRU technology can reliably be used during all stationary stages: loading, unloading, pre-cooling, staging and storing. It is an efficient alternative to a diesel engine running for hours or even days. In times of travel, when the eTRU is disconnected from an electric power source, the cooling system will run on diesel power. Upon arriving at a converted warehouse or dock, the electric hybrid system can be reconnected, and the diesel engine can be powered off.
The average traditional diesel-fueled reefer will burn .8 gallons of diesel per hour. An eTRU averages only 8.1 kilowatts of electricity per hour. Using the average diesel and electricity costs from November 2019, that equals a savings of $1.36 per hour per vehicle. For one unit running for an average of 4 hours per day, a company can save upwards of $2,000 in operational costs per year.
Diesel brings with it a number of environmental issues and is dangerous to the planet and its human population. Not only does diesel emit CO2, but it contributes to air pollution. eTRUs allow refrigeration transport units to use electricity to run temperature-sensitive loads while the unit is stationary, thus reducing diesel emissions.
Companies like Labatt Food Service of San Antonio, Texas, have experienced a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions produced per hour after converting to eTRUs.
Lawmakers in California are moving towards requiring the conversion from diesel to hybrid-electric reefer units. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is working on a comprehensive set of regulations for transportation refrigeration units operating in the state. Follow the eMC blog for more information on updates to the regulations in both California and Oregon.
eTRU technology can reliably be used during all stationary stages: loading, unloading, pre-cooling, staging and storing. It is an efficient alternative to a diesel engine running for hours or even days. In times of travel, when the eTRU is disconnected from an electric power source, the cooling system will run on diesel power. Upon arriving at a converted warehouse or dock, the electric hybrid system can be reconnected, and the diesel engine can be powered off.
The average traditional diesel-fueled reefer will burn .8 gallons of diesel per hour. An eTRU averages only 8.1 kilowatts of electricity per hour. Using the average diesel and electricity costs from November 2019, that equals a savings of $1.36 per hour per vehicle. For one unit running for an average of 4 hours per day, a company can save upwards of $2,000 in operational costs per year.
Diesel brings with it a number of environmental issues and is dangerous to the planet and its human population. Not only does diesel emit CO2, but it contributes to air pollution. eTRUs allow refrigeration transport units to use electricity to run temperature-sensitive loads while the unit is stationary, thus reducing diesel emissions.
Companies like Labatt Food Service of San Antonio, Texas, have experienced a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions produced per hour after converting to eTRUs.
Lawmakers in California are moving towards requiring the conversion from diesel to hybrid-electric reefer units. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is working on a comprehensive set of regulations for transportation refrigeration units operating in the state. Follow the eMC blog for more information on updates to the regulations in both California and Oregon.
4 Pin vs 6 pin eTRU Connectors for eTRUs
4 pin systems have been the default connector type since eTRUs have entered the market. Considered the de facto standard across the industry, there are a number of safety concerns that could potentially endanger your drivers and equipment if 4-pin connectors are used incorrectly.
Arcing
If a driver fails to turn off the electric current before unplugging a 4 pin connector, he or she will be at risk of shock or burns if they touch any of the exposed pins. An arc flash is also possible, leading to permanently scarred plugs that can cause equipment failure over time. Increased resistance, voltage drops and eventually expensive motor failure can occur after only a few instances of arc flashing.
Due to the design of the extra two pins on a 6 pin connector, arc flashing cannot occur even when the plug is disconnected while the power is still on. The extra pins separate and instantly de-energize the receptacle, the wire, and the control box. The operator can’t be shocked, and arc flashing can’t damage the connector.
Accidental Drive-offs
While accidental drive offs can occur with any connector system, the repair costs after the fact are significantly different. A traditional 4 pin system will likely pull the entire unit off the wall, exposing live 480V/230V wires in the process. Not only will it be a pricey fix, but create a dangerous environment for your employees.
Novel 6 pin systems come with a tension-release feature that disconnects from the trailer and immediately shuts off power if a driver pulls away without unplugging. Little to no damage can occur to the trailer or the wall-mounted equipment, making a previously expensive mistake more embarrassing than anything.
Unattended Live Wire
Sometimes wires can be left unattended and not put back into the wall receptacle in a timely manner. With a 4-pin system, an unattended cord will continue to be energized with 480V/230V electricity and cannot be shut off until it is stowed away properly. Not only is this hazardous to the operators, but also inconvenient.
Again, with a 6 pin connector the extra two pins provide additional safety not seen on a 4 pin system. The circuit is designed such that electricity cannot flow unless the two additional pins are joined within the receptacle. When combined with arc prevention it is almost impossible for any contacts to be energized and exposed at the same time.