3304-6-12. Vehicle electrical modifications

[Comment: For dates of non-regulatory government publications, publications of recognized organizations and associations, federal rules, and federal statutory provisions referenced in this rule, see the "Incorporation by Reference" section at the end of rule 3304-6-01 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) Battery and charging system. Any vehicle modification which adds electrically powered equipment not originally designed for that vehicle creates a load on the battery and charging system which may compromise vehicle reliability.

(1) When an adaptive device requires an auxiliary battery to operate, whether for current draw, incompatibility with other equipment, environmental conditions or any other reasons, the auxiliary battery and a compatible isolation system (circuit) shall be supplied or specified by the manufacturer. The installation method shall be specified in the manufacturer's installation manual.

(2) When a second battery is required by the manufacturer of an adaptive device or equipment, that battery shall be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.

(3) While the auxiliary battery isolation circuitry and the installation information shall be provided by the manufacturer, the following guidelines shall be utilized for lead/acid batteries:

(a) Non lead/acid batteries, when required by a manufacturer, shall be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions for the device.

(b) The preferred location of the auxiliary battery is under the hood.

(c) When lack of space under the hood prevents this installation, the battery shall be placed under the floor in a suitable battery carrier.

(d) When ground clearance precludes an under floor location, the auxiliary battery may be placed in the passenger compartment but only in an enclosure designed for this purpose. The enclosure shall be vented to the outside, properly secured in the event of an accident, and totally sealed from the passenger compartment.

(e) Any auxiliary battery installation shall be accessible for inspection and maintenance without the removal of major vehicle components, the use of special tools, or the necessity to raise the vehicle.

(B) Other electrical modifications. Other modifications or additions to the vehicle's electrical system or devices powered by the vehicle's electrical system not covered by paragraph (F) of rule 3304-6-04 of the Administrative Code and paragraphs (A)(1) to (A)(3) of this rule shall be subject to individual consideration and approval by OOD.

(C) Retail dealers shall not cut, modify, or attach anything to the OEM electrical system beyond the battery unless they have detailed, up to date instructions from the manufacturer of the modification related to the make and model of the vehicle being modified or they have information about that electrical system and are knowledgeable about the impact of the changes.

Effective: 09/08/2014
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 06/23/2014 and 09/08/2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3304.15(C)(1)
Rule Amplifies: 3304.15 , 3304.17
Prior Effective Dates: 05/10/1995, 08/02/1999, 06/03/2002, 08/04/2008