Geotab HRN-GA2EXTPWR Harness

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What Is the HRN-GA2EXTPWR?

The HRN-GA2EXTPWR is an external power harness that hardwires a Geotab GO Anywhere Plus on industrial, towed or construction machines that carry a negative battery disconnect switch. Like the standard three-wire harness, it runs from the 6-pin Chogori connector at the tracker to flying leads, but it connects to three things on the machine: the battery leads, an ignition signal such as the alternator field wire, and the equipment chassis.

That chassis connection is the whole reason this part exists. Geotab describes the GO Anywhere Plus power and ignition lines as isolated, and says the device can support negative battery disconnect equipment with the appropriate harness. In practice, that means the tracker keeps a correct reference on a machine where the battery negative and the frame are deliberately separated whenever the operator turns the isolator off.

Geotab is clear about the scale: this is for the minority of equipment. Most machines suit the HRN-GA23WIRE, so identifying the switch before ordering saves a second trip.

Which Vehicles and Devices Does the HRN-GA2EXTPWR Work With?

The harness fits the GO Anywhere Plus asset tracker and nothing else. Geotab's application is industrial, towed and construction equipment that implements a negative battery disconnect. The tracker supports 12 V and 24 V systems, with an input range of 5 to 32 VDC listed by Geotab, so it suits both smaller engines and 24 V heavy machines.

Geotab gives the harness length as 160 cm (63 in) and allows no more than 1.7 m (5.6 ft) of connected cable. Geotab does not publish a wire color chart or fuse kit for this part in its harness document, so we take those details from the documentation shipped with the harness at the time of install.

What Problem Does It Solve on the Job?

In our experience, battery isolators turn up most on equipment that sits for long stretches between jobs. Operators kill the battery at the end of the shift so nothing drains it and nothing can short. When the switch sits on the negative side, the battery negative terminal and the machine's frame stop being the same point.

A tracker wired as though they are always joined can end up reading the wrong reference, or losing its ground altogether when the switch opens. The external power harness gives the device a defined connection to both sides. The result is a tracker that behaves predictably on machines isolated every day.

How Is the HRN-GA2EXTPWR Installed?

Geotab has not posted a separate step-by-step guide for this harness, so the sequence below combines the harness document with the GO Anywhere Plus wiring practices Geotab publishes for its sister harnesses:

• Park the machine, open the battery isolator and confirm with a meter which side of the battery it interrupts.
• Record the tracker's serial number and the asset details, and pick a firm mounting surface that can see open sky.
• Identify each lead from the harness labelling, then connect to the battery leads, an ignition signal such as the alternator field wire, and a clean chassis point.
• Fuse the supply leads close to their source, seal crimps against moisture and run all exposed wire in loom with grommets through any metal.
• Seat the keyed Chogori connector, tighten until snug plus a further quarter turn, and coat it with dielectric grease if it is exposed.
• Close the isolator, start the machine and activate the tracker with its button. A solid green light confirms wired power and ignition. Register it in MyInstall and wait for a pass.
• Cycle the isolator off and on once more and confirm the tracker still reports correctly.

Which Related Harnesses Should You Compare?

• HRN-GA23WIRE: the standard three-wire choice for equipment with no negative disconnect.
• HRN-GA2NATRL: trailer power harness that runs from the J560 plug.
• HRN-GA2CARCIG: plug-in socket power for the same tracker.
• HRN-RS12K1: battery disconnect bypass kit for GO RUGGED devices instead.

What Are Common Questions About the HRN-GA2EXTPWR?

How is the HRN-GA2EXTPWR different from the HRN-GA23WIRE?

Both power the GO Anywhere Plus from an equipment battery and ignition source. The external power harness also connects to the equipment chassis, which Geotab specifies for the minority of machines that use a negative battery disconnect switch.

How do we know if a machine has a negative battery disconnect?

Look at the battery negative cable. If it runs to a rotary or lever switch before reaching the frame or engine block, the machine isolates its ground side. We confirm this with a meter on site, because the switch can be hidden in a compartment.

Is the HRN-GA2EXTPWR wire color layout published?

Geotab's harness document describes what the leads connect to but does not list wire colors for this part. We identify each lead from the label and documentation that ship with the harness rather than assuming they match the three-wire version.

API Signal supplies and installs Geotab harnesses and devices on site at the customer's yard, and we check each machine's battery isolation before choosing the harness. Call 803-513-1009 or use Get a Quote to book it.

Sources: Geotab Harness Identification and Application, Geotab GO Anywhere Plus device configurations, Geotab GO Anywhere Plus overview, Geotab GO Anywhere Plus 3-wire install guide. GEOTAB is a registered trademark of Geotab Inc. API Signal is an independent installer and is not Geotab.