Tesla High-Voltage Technician Levels

Details Posted on 15 April 2022 | Share:

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As electric-only, hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles are increasing in sales, they are becoming more commonplace in repair facilities. Along with the unique powertrains that come with these vehicles, also comes unique safety concerns. Regardless of vehicle maker, high-voltage (HV) systems pose a threat of injury or death if not handled properly. Only personnel with the proper training, PPE, tools, equipment, and service information should perform work on the HV systems.

Many OEMs have specific training requirements for different levels of high-voltage technicians. Typically, these levels range from no interaction with any high-voltage part of the vehicle (even after the high-voltage battery is disconnected/isolated), to the ability to work on the vehicle under live conditions at the highest OEM HV education level you can earn. The number of levels in between these two ends varies by OEM. Always check the OEM requirements before attempting to disable an HV system. Let’s see what Tesla has to say.

Tesla provides information within vehicle-specific service procedures that states only trained technicians can perform the procedure. Tesla does not currently provide different technician levels for different procedures.

Per the vehicle-specific Service Manual 17-Electrical ➤ 1701- 12V Battery And Fuses ➤ Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure or 17-Electrical ➤ 1701 - LV Battery And Fuses ➤ Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure: "Only technicians who have been trained in High Voltage Awareness and have completed all required certification courses (if applicable) are permitted to perform this procedure. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and insulating HV gloves with a minimum rating of class 0 (1000V) must be worn at all times a high voltage cable, busbar, or fitting is handled. Refer to Tech Note TN-15-92-003, High Voltage Awareness Care Points for additional glove and safety information."

Understanding high-voltage safety, including OEM-specific high-voltage technician levels, will help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional Tesla information, check out the Tesla OEM Information page.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• Hybrid And Electric Vehicle Article Hotspot
• OEM High-Voltage Technician Levels
• Step-By-Step: Accessing Tesla Repair Information

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