ABS Cabling vs Non-ABS Cabling in Heavy-Duty Trucks

The Importance of ABS

The need for effective braking has always been an issue across all vehicle applications. There's evidence of ABS-like concepts in the railway and automotive industries as early as 1908, for example. But when today's modern ABS was invented in 1971, it quickly became a game-changer for truck and driver safety.

Currently, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121 mandates ABS on all new air braked vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or greater. ABS is also required on tractors manufactured on or after March 1, 1997, and air-braked semi-trailers and single-unit trucks manufactured on or after March 1, 1998.

What's the Difference Between ABS and Non-ABS Cabling?

For ABS to work at its greatest potential, use of ABS cabling is mandatory. But with both ABS and non-ABS vehicles still in service, how do you tell the difference?

Both types of cabling systems are electrical assemblies that serve similar functions, but there are some important differences to note between ABS and non-ABS vehicles:

• ABS cables are thicker - 1/8-, 2/10-, and 4/12-gauge wires
• ABS cables can handle high demand 4S2M (4 solenoid, 2 module) systems
• All ABS cables can be identified with tell-tale green jacketing

ABS cables carry the heaviest electrical load for aftermarket parts. These cables have to sustain a higher current with less voltage drop while maximizing connectivity and reducing heat and increasing safety.

Interestingly, ABS cables can be used on non-ABS vehicles. This durable 7-way connection cabling has a versatility that can be used for any application.

For non-ABS cables:

• The wiring is smaller - 1/10 and 6/12, 1/12 and 6/14, 7/14-gauge are some common examples
• A cheaper and lighter alternative to an ABS cable
• Should only be used on non-ABS vehicles, otherwise, braking performance can be compromised
• All non-ABS cables can be identified by black or blue colored jacketing

In general:

• Tractors made on or after March 1, 1997 must have an ABS system per FMVSS 121 Sections 5.1.6 and 5.2.3
• Trailers made on or after March 1, 1998 are required to have an ABS system per FMVSS 121 Sections 5.1.6 and 5.2.3
• ABS-equipped tractors will come standard with ABS cables from the manufacturer
• There will be an amber ABS light on the roadside at the rear of the trailer. The light will have an ABS sticker
• There will also be a sticker on the trailer front wall to indicate if it's ABS-equipped

ABS Cabling Tips

• Never use a non-ABS cable on an ABS vehicle
• When a trailer is ABS-equipped but the tractor is not, use an ABS cable to achieve optimal braking performance and safety
• In situations where a tractor is equipped with ABS and a trailer is not, use either an ABS or a non-ABS cable as both are acceptable

Is ABS Better Than Non-ABS?

Studies of ABS efficacy have found that vehicles equipped with ABS are 35% less likely to be a part of a collision or accident than a vehicle without anti-lock brakes. An ABS provides a significant reduction in stopping distances during emergency driving situations and "panic moments" on the road. On wet/icy roads and other extreme weather conditions, it also prevents the wheels from locking up and skidding, helping drivers maintain control of their big rig and avoiding crashes.

Emergency braking using a non-ABS system largely relies on the driver to know the precise moments to press hard on the brakes and then slowly release, depending on the situation. While ABS is not necessary to stop a vehicle, time and distance become critical for big rigs.

For ABS vehicles, the system pulses the entire brake system multiple times per second using a computer. This determines whether any of the wheels are about to slide, and the system uses that information to release the brake pressure at exactly the right time, making the entire braking process more efficient.

Key Points: ABS vs Non-ABS Cables

• Studies show that ABS-equipped vehicles are 35% less likely to have an accident
• ABS cables are thicker and can be identified by green jacketing. Non-ABS cables are thinner and can be identified by blue or black jacketing.
• While ABS cables can be used on non-ABS vehicles, non-ABS cables should not be used on ABS-equipped vehicles
• While ABS comes standard on most tractors and trailers made after 1997 or 1998, non-ABS vehicles are still in service and require more driver input during emergency braking situations