Citation

Haynes T. APWA Reporter 2002; 69(9): 73-74.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

When the power goes out in Sugar Land, Texas, the city's traffic signals quickly accept an alternate power source that allows the use of a portable generator unit. This allows the city to quickly restore operation of traffic signals during extended power outages, which reduces the chance for accidents significantly and allows emergency response personnel to protect life and personal property instead of manning busy intersections. This article describes how Sugar Land's signal control panels have been retrofitted to quickly accept an alternate power source that allows the use of a portable generator unit. A connection is built into each signal cabinet that eliminates the need for a technician to physically disconnect the power supply- the service cable-which is time-consuming and exposes technicians to electrical hazards.