24 Fleet Maintenance | October 2018
Comparing lighting options
Cutting edge interior lighting
Optronics is working
towards adaptable
interior lighting controls.
Optronics is currently
working with major OEMs
to design ergonomic lighting
for day and sleeper
cabs that will promote
operator health and
comfort. The company is
working towards “adaptive
lighting controls” that are
designed to boost productivity
during work, restfulness
during hours of service
(HOS) rest periods and
the overall environmental
health of the sleeper cab.
These lighting scenarios
would allow the occupant
to self-select a lighting combination
that they find comfortable,
and enable them
to select pre-programmed
lighting environments
based on their activities.
A hygiene setting would
cleanse the cab of contaminants
such as bacteria,
mold and fine particulate
matter using only light.
“LED lighting is moving far
beyond simply delivering
optimal illumination for
vision,” says Brett Johnson,
president and CEO of vehicle
lighting manufacturer
Optronics International.
“Scientific studies demonstrate
that lighting has a
profound impact on mood,
physiology and sanitation.”
Optronics envisions a
system where users are
able to choose the lighting
that most closely approximates
the phase of daily
activity they are in at that
moment. For instance, an
“awakening phase” would
be red-shifted like a sunrise
and might increase
in intensity over time. An
“alert phase” would be
blue-shifted like mid-day
sun. A “resting phase”
would lessen in intensity
over time, like a sunset.
During the “sleeping
phase,” all ambient light
would be minimized, but
could be motion activated
with automatically dimming
convenience lighting
that would allow users
to use the restroom and
go back to sleep without
turning on bright lights.
Technologies such as
these are working to
create a healthier, more
efficient working environment
through lighting.
Graphic courtesy of Optronics
» Optronics is working with major OEMs to design
“adaptive lighting controls” to help boost productivity
during work, restfulness during HOS rest periods and
the overall environmental health of the sleeper cab.
Image courtesy of Optronics
ings or tubing. Installing extra protection will
help provide moisture resistance and reduce
potential damage from gravel and road debris.
Perform thorough pre-trip inspections. Coach
drivers on how to perform a proper assessment.
Investing in formal training empowers
drivers and helps them understand their critical
role in keeping CSA scores under control.
During inspections, pay special attention to
forward-facing surfaces and areas closest to
the tires. Water and chemical mist can reach
lighting and electrical components from eight
to 10 feet above the road.
Stick to a planned maintenance schedule. Th e
common modular connectors in a trailer’s electrical
systems are designed with reservoirs that
hold water-resistant dielectric grease. As time
passes, the silicone oils in the grease evaporate
and dry out, enabling moisture to seep into the
system. Regular inspections and replenishment
of grease as needed help keep moisture at bay.
Follow the lamp’s manufacturer recommendations
for best practice lighting maintenance.
Consider replacing incandescent lamps with
LEDs. If using incandescent lamps, consider
making the switch to longer-lasting LED
lamps. Incandescent lamps have a shorter
operating life and will require more frequent
maintenance. Switching to LEDs can help
reduce the risk of CSA violations due to unkept
equipment and off er a higher light output than
incandescent lamps.
Because incandescent and halogen lighting
don’t have a solid-state design, the exact lifespan
for these products is dependent on the environments
in which they operate. But regardless of the
environment, the actual lifespan of these products
is only a fraction of the lifespan of LED lighting,
Truck-Lite’s Sniegocki says.
Experts suggest replacing incandescent, HIDs
and halogen lighting products immediately aft er
failure or an outage takes place With LED lighting,
the light should be replaced even in the event of a
single diode failure, Sniegocki advises.
“Truck-Lite off ers incandescent lighting with
warranties ranging from one to three years, while
many LED options are warrantied for life,” he adds.
An LED lamp that appears to be unlit can
either be a problem with the lamp itself, or an
indication of an issue with the electrical harness
or connectors. Th ere are tools available, such
as Truck-Lite’s Light-Out Detection System,
designed to help diagnose light failures, harness
and connection failures.
Corrosion damage and physical degradation
can result in total light outage, discontinuity and
fl ickering lights. Specifi cation of durable lighting
and harness designs help ensure fl eets will
get the most out of lighting options. Corrosionpreventative
products can help further maximize
the performance of lighting and vehicle systems.
“Quality matters,” Parman says. “Look for
lamps that are specifi cally designed and built
to withstand the tough operating conditions
here in North America. Make sure you only use
DOT-approved lighting.”
Avoiding “for offl oad use only” lights and choosing
high-quality LEDs from proven manufacturers
can help fl eets reduce the risk of unplanned
downtime down the road.
This chart shows both estimated service life and price ranges for incandescent
and LED lighting in key areas on Class 8 trailers.
Awaking Phase
Resting Phase
Alert/Cleaning Phase
Sleeping Phase