Brain Teaser - Air Bag De-Energizing and Storage Capacitors - UPDATED 10/15

So here is a brain teaser for you FFN members.

So how long have you been told to wait to assure the energy stored in a capacitor is no longer a hazard to you and your crew when preforming extrication around air bags?

1 member likes this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by FETC on October 15, 2009 at 5:20pm

Ron,

This thread is telling you the capacitor drain time is non-existant. This car had no battery in it for 6 months. Volvo's service technician electrical schematic diagram doesn't even show this system as part of the vehicles electrical system.

Closed loop, crystal powered to fire an impact sensor, even without a battery.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by FETC on October 15, 2009 at 5:23pm

Like to add the pry theory set this airbag off with people in the car. The SIPS warning label says to DO NOT USE ANY FORCE in the area of the seat. This was triggered when someone was removing the plastic molding above the sensor.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Derek R. on October 15, 2009 at 5:44pm

Hmmmm, I'll be paying close attention to this thread as it ages.
So, if I understand correctly, this system has no time limitation as to when it could go off?
Also, by cutting the wire, that will disable it without setting it off?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by FETC on October 15, 2009 at 5:57pm

Derek,

In this specific vehicle YES, the torso SIPS system is armed indefinately awaiting to be hit. Right up to the time the crusher takes it...

Email your address and I will forward you a powerpoint.

FETC