School Bus Specifications - Texas Department of Public Safety
School Bus Specifications - Texas Department of Public Safety
School Bus Specifications - Texas Department of Public Safety
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MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS FOR SCHOOL BUS CHASSISFOR MOUNTING TYPE A, C, AND D SCHOOL BUS BODIESThe design <strong>of</strong> school bus bodies is to provide for the safety <strong>of</strong> pupils and for long range,maintenance free factors as required by Transportation Code 547.7015 and Education Code34.002.ALTERNATORThis is a performance specification. Installer shall consider the following for alternators:A. Minimum rated capacity <strong>of</strong> 140 amps for Type A and 175 amps for Type C & D, fourteenvolt (for a 12 Volt System)B. Ventilated and voltage controlledC. Current controlled, if necessaryD. <strong>Bus</strong>es Equipped with Air Conditioning and/or Wheelchair Lifts: Type A buses shall beequipped with the maximum rated capacity available from the chassis OEM with aminimum 200 amp alternator or dual alternators. Type C & D buses shall be equippedwith an alternator(s) with high output at low RPM with a minimum rated capacity <strong>of</strong> 270amps.E. Alternator Performance Requirements1. It is the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the installer <strong>of</strong> the wheelchair lift and/or air conditioner toprovide an alternator to adequately maintain the electrical system while the busremains at OEM idle speeds as well as standard operating speeds. The followingconditions shall be considered, but not be limited, to the alternator selection andinstallation.a. Electrical System, Maximum Amperage Draw Testi. The installer shall determine the total amperage draw at OEM idle speedswith all electrical items turned on. To determine the greatest draw onthe electrical system, the wheelchair lift shall be in operation lifting aminimum weight <strong>of</strong> 800 pounds during the "maximum amperage drawtest."ii. The cabling shall be inspected to determine sufficient current flow fromthe alternator to the battery as well as to the ground to maintain properiii.system amperage requirements.The alternator selected shall be capable <strong>of</strong> delivering the requiredamperage at OEM idle speeds while not sustaining damage or causingdamage to the electrical system or components at operating speed.2. Cabling <strong>of</strong> the alternator and battery system must meet or exceed therequirements <strong>of</strong> a 320 amp alternator. All 14 - 29 passenger design capacityschool buses are exempt.Section B-1
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