Issue: Ensuring quality installation.
The police car was on routine patrol when flames burst from under the hood. The officers stopped quickly and escaped unhurt, but they didn't underestimate the danger. Instead of their usual installer, they took the car to Arizona Emergency Products (AEP).

The technicians found the source of the problem quickly. The original installers had connected the battery to the fuse with wiring that was actually designed to hook up stereos!

Not only was the wiring too light for the load, the installers failed to use a fuse or put a grommet in the firewall. The unprotected wire had quickly worn through and ignited. AEP checked out the rest of the fleet and found the same dangerous situation in 22 vehicles.

"Police car safety goes beyond just the equipment you choose," says Mike Chamberlain, President and CEO of AEP. He stresses the importance of making sure you have quality installation as well as quality products from reliable makers such as Code 3.

Approach 1: Review these keys to quality installation.

1. Don't run wires across sharp edges that could cut or wear.
2. Don't run wires under consoles or in other in areas that build up heat or could crush.
3. Don't install equipment in the air bag area where it could be dislodged in a crash.
4. Don't buy equipment because a friend or relative works for the company - unless you can verify the product quality and installation independently.
5. Do use a grommet when running wire through holes.
6. Do tie wires up securely under the vehicle where they can't snag or rub.
7. Do run wiring within the sub frame when possible to protect it.
8. Do use high-grade wiring, and make sure it is labeled for the function you want throughout the vehicle.
9. Do evaluate products carefully before installation. Are all the connections carefully soldered and heat-shrunk? Is there enough insulation to handle the vibration of police vehicles? Will lenses withstand the strain and resist discoloration?
10. Do make sure products are built to withstand your local terrain and weather. For example, at 112°F on an Arizona summer day, police cars may be running at more than 400°F
11. Do ask for recommendations from police departments dealing with similar issues.
12. Do test new products by installing them in four or five cars for at least a month before making a final decision.

Approach 2: Choose the right installer.
Mike Chamberlain suggests important questions to ask about any installer:

• Are they financially sound?
• Do they have a good reputation in the market?
• Do they have experienced technicians - rather than employees who turn over every 30 days?
• Do they use quality equipment and wire?
• Are they large enough to provide after-service and stand behind their warranty?
• Can they provide a number of references?

"Some things you can only know if you inspect the installer's actual work - not just the demo cars they have for the sales rep to show," says Chamberlain. "Go to the site and watch the installers for a couple of hours. See whether they build cars they way they say that they do."