APRA Electrical Clinic to visit three factories

Three companies will be highlighted this spring as part of an Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) clinic.

Cole Hersee Co., Boston Auto Electric and Rebuilders Automotive Supply tours are among the highlights of the APRA Electrical Clinic on May 16-18 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings in Warwick (Providence), R.I. 

“APRA's Electrical Division is excited to announce a line-up of highly qualified industry experts for this year's Electrical Clinic,” says Mohammad Samii, APRA’s coordinator of electrical training. “Attending this decidedly informative event will help rebuilders increase their knowledge of the electrical business from management, customer service, cataloging, and technical vantage points.”

The first day of the clinic will feature plant tours of three companies. First, the group will visit Cole Hersee Co., a manufacturer of reliable electrical and electronic switches and connectors for the vehicle industry. Next will be a tour of APRA member Boston Auto Electric, a leading warehouse distributor of quality aftermarket rotating electrical parts for every application from marine to heavy duty and everything in between.  And lastly, APRA core supplier Rebuilders Automotive Supply in Coventry, R.I., will be toured. With over 300,000 square feet of “real time” inventory storage space, RAS is able to supply volume core orders to the industry.

On the clicic’s second day, all APRA & ERA supplier members are invited to have a table at the annual “Mini Expo,” which will take place throughout the day. The cost for exhibiting is $90 per table, and is determined on a first come, first served basis. The technical program that day will be broken into five sessions, followed by an informal questions and answer panel discussion:

• SESSION I:  Dan Smith, Boston Auto Electric, will discuss the design and function of solenoids, IMS relays, Interlocks, circuit testing, and requirements when updating.

• SESSION II: Allen Steadman of Litens Automotive will explain the design principles behind alternator decouplers made by Litens Automotive. In this presentation he will show the effects of these devices on the alternator drive mechanism and what the rebuilders have to watch for to eliminate comebacks and damages to customer vehicles.

• SESSION III: Dennis Jacinto of Lester Catalog will explain the latest development in Lester’s print and Web-based cataloging system and will introduce the attendees to the Web-based KwikFinder.net which is gaining more and more popularity among rebuilders.

• SESSION IV: Paul Sailon of Sailon Auto Electric will evaluate the hi-output charging system used in emergency vehicles and fire apparatus. Paul will familiarize the class with the newest developments with Eco-Tech alternators and their applications.

• SESSION V:  Mohammad Samii of Sammy’s Auto Electric Service will analyze PCM schemes for activation of various alternators, RVC, and will examine different causes for the lack of proper charge light operations in certain applications. The rebuilding process for some newer alternators will also be shown in a pictorial presentation.

On the clinic’s final day, Joe Davis will present an all-day workshop — “New Starting & Charging Systems and Tips on Rebuilding.” This information-packed class will help technicians and employees stay abreast of the latest changes in alternators and starters.

For more program and registration information on APRA’s Electrical Clinic, visit www.apra.org. To reserve a table at the Mini Expo, contact Jeanie Magathan at [email protected] or call (703) 968-2772, Ext. 104.