Working with hybrid airbag systems

Upholstery Journal | April 2008

With the advent of hybrid and electric vehicles, upholsterers are faced with the added challenge of working around high voltage systems. The disabling procedure is relatively simple, but if performed incorrectly it could lead to serious injury.

“The hybrid vehicles are basically a big electronic battery, and so there are some very high voltage wires,” says Ryan Summerill of AAA Top Shop. “From what I’ve seen, they are clearly identified with bright orange wiring. Remove watches and jewelry to prevent grounding.”

It is important to work carefully around the internal duct work of a hybrid vehicle.

“If the internal duct work is restricted, it’ll cause the components in the back, such as the batteries, to overheat,” I-Car’s Jeff Poole says. “It’s very important to maintain the air flow paths.”

Two common hybrid vehicles are the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight. According to I-Car, any electrical cable that carries high voltage in a hybrid vehicle is colored orange. These cables should not be handled until the high voltage electrical system has been disengaged. I-Car recommends wearing insulated gloves rated for 5,000 volts and certified to 1,000 volts when handling high voltage components.

It is important to note that if a hybrid vehicle is in or near water, that any handling of the electrical system should not be attempted.

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