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At North America Traffic, we’ve dedicated our careers to manufacturing portable traffic signals and Automated Flagger Assisted Devices (AFAD) that give customers safe and effective solutions for a “battery” of conditions—pun intended!

It’s our privilege to create devices that are built to keep you safe and that are built to last. Each of our products will operate in extreme conditions (-40°C to over 80°C) and have a high-capacity run time thanks to our high-efficiency batteries. Our products even harness solar energy for a natural energy boost so that you can get the job done.

To help you prepare for the road ahead, we’re sharing in-depth information on the battery systems that power our portable traffic lights, our AFADs, so you can find the product that suits your needs.

You Asked, We Answered!

We’ve gathered some of the most common questions that we receive from industry professionals, experts and workers who want to get the most out of our products. Whether you’re working overtime to complete a long-term bridge project or working quickly to repair a high-traffic area, we want you to feel confident in the longevity of our portable traffic signals, Automated Flagger Assistance Devices- AFADs.

Here are some common questions regarding maintenance and charging of our AFAD and portable traffic signal batteries:

1.     Expected Battery Life: North America Traffic portable traffic signals and AFADs include solar-assisted battery power that contributes to a 365-day operation that boosts power in low light conditions, which makes it possible for the equipment to run for roughly 30 days without a charge. If you want to keep an eye on your equipment in remote areas, we have optional Satellite Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS) that will tell you how your device is performing

2.     Battery maintenance: For a simple, easy-to-follow battery maintenance demonstration, visit our YouTube channel. It’s important to clean the batteries and keep them maintained to not only elongate their lifespan, but also to optimize their performance.

3.     How to Charge Your Batteries: We recommend that you monitor the battery’s charge so you can connect it to a generator if it reaches 12.0 volts or less. You can start by ensuring that the batteries are properly charged every use and by allowing your battery bank to charge for 24-48 hours prior to the next use.

4.     Overcharging the Batteries: We’ve designed all of our traffic signal models to be compatible with a smart charger, which is specially designed to protect the battery bank from overcharging. TIP: To avoid overcharging the batteries, refrain from using trickle chargers (non-smart chargers) and do not charge your bank for long periods of time in very hot temperatures.

5.     Solar Power and Your Batteries: Our devices are equipped with solar panels that help to supplement the life of the batteries. However, since light conditions may vary, you should still practice charging the battery with a 110-volt AC source if you plan to use your equipment for an extended period.

TIP: It’s best to tilt your solar array toward the south to maximize the amount of solar power that the device collects!

If you have any questions about your batteries or about your portable traffic signal or AFAD device, please visit our FAQ page for more information!

Empower Your Team with the Power of Traffic Control

We’re obsessed with perfecting our products to make your job safer and easier. That’s why most of our products operate using 8- and 6-volt deep cycle batteries that are made to hold a superior charge. North America Traffic is committed to creating safer experiences by educating our customers and industry leaders on how to use our products in a safe and effective manner. If you have a question or concern about our battery-operated equipment or are interested in getting a copy of a User Field Guide, Manual or Technical Specifications for your device, we’d love to hear from you. Call our technical support specialists for assistance 24/7 to keep your team safe and your equipment fully operational!