During a press conference held in conjunction with the Technology & Maintenance Council 2013 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, Phillips Industries presented their newest product designed to fight the harmful effects of corrosion build up in the electrical systems of commercial vehicles, the patented Sta-Dry QCMS2 (Quick Connect Modular System).

The most common warranty claims for 7-way connections are due to complete loss of electrical function on the “blue” circuit. This loss of function happens because of corrosion brought on by three primary reasons – lack of maintenance, water and chemical deicer intrusion, and constant current passing through the “blue” circuit as long as the tractor’s key is in the “on” position. 

Regulations for the SAE J560 do not call for a watertight connection, and with many connectors being constructed in different sizes for compatibility purposes, it leaves a considerable gap between the plug and socket connection, where contaminants easily enter. 

According to top fleet maintenance experts, the 7-way union on the tractor side is disconnected and cleaned 99% less than the trailer 7-way union.  Combine the gap in the connection and no proper maintenance with the inevitable water intrusion and you have a recipe for corrosion.

Phillips new modular socket/plug hybrid, the QCMS2, is semi-hardwired to the tractor creating a complete seal at the 7-way connection. By removing the socket from the union, the QCMS2 mates directly with Phillips Sta-Dry QCS or QCS2 (Quick Connect Socket) boot (standard on most tractor OEMs), so there is no break or gap where moisture can enter.