This week, Robert Braswell, Executive Director of the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) is joined by Fred Kelley, America’s R&D Director for the Prysmian Group (Prestonite brand), for another in-depth edition of Tech Talk with TMC.

The conversation focuses on electrical wiring, maintenance, and repair standards in today’s trucks, including why proper wire selection matters, how SAE and TMC standards were developed, and what fleets, technicians, and owner-operators need to know to avoid electrical failures and roadside breakdowns—especially during harsh winter conditions.

Robert and Fred break down the differences between battery cables and primary wiring, explain why cross-linked insulation is critical, and discuss recommended SAE wire types such as SGX, SGR, GXL, TXL, and SXL. They also cover voltage drop, corrosion, preventive maintenance, and why using improper wiring during repairs can lead to major reliability and safety issues.

The episode wraps with a look ahead at the TMC 2026 Annual Meeting in Nashville, including upcoming task force discussions related to ABS power supply and electrical recommended practices.

Listeners also had the opportunity to call in with questions during this live Tech Talk with TMC discussion, making this episode a must-listen for technicians, fleet managers, and anyone responsible for keeping trucks on the road.

Learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council at

https://tmc.trucking.org