That Dangling Chain Behind Trucks? What It’s Really For Will Surprise You

You might have noticed many trucks have metal chains dragging along the roads and probably wondered, what’s it really for? Many people think that it’s a part of decoration or just for making noise on the roads, maybe even some weird superstition that truckers believe in. But in reality, these chains behind the trucks serve a very important function which will surprise you.

The Real Purpose of the Chains

You will find these chains primarily fitted in trucks which carry flammable materials like petrol or diesel. This chain serves as a safety mechanism. When these heavy trucks move, they create a lot of friction on the road and static electricity builds on the truck's body. The chains provide a conductive path for the electric charge to safely discharge into the ground. This allows the current to safely dissipate without any harm.

Why Is It Important?

The current discharge is important because it ensures that the truck remains at the same electric charge as the ground. This eliminates the risk of static sparks, this is especially important in trucks with flammable materials because even a small spark can lead to a fire or even an explosion.

But Isn’t Rubber Tyres an Electrical Insulator?

Yes, rubber doesn’t conduct electrical charge as electrons are tightly bound and are unable to move freely to be able to carry current. Modern tyres are manufactured with insulating compounds that reduce conductivity, but older carbon based tyres are not effective enough for dissipating the electric charge,  that’s why these metal chains are used by truckers as an additional safety measure to ensure proper grounding.

Is it Safe to Use Chains?

You might think, don't metal chains themselves generate sparks when they come in contact with the road? The answer is No, the chains do not strike with the road enough to create a spark. Chains gently touch the road at irregular intervals with very minimal pressure.

Conclusion

The metal chain is a small yet very impactful addition that ensures safety by moving the electric charge to the ground, keeping the driver and the cargo safe by preventing fires and explosions. Next time you drive behind a truck and see those chains, you will know that they are silently playing a critical role for everyone’s safety.

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