Understanding the Electrical Differences Between Reefer Containers and eTRUs: Why Precise Identification Matters

Generic terms like reefer, van, or freezer are often used to describe a variety of refrigerated equipment, but each type can have different electrical requirements. To ensure we quote the correct product, it’s important to understand exactly what kind of equipment will be plugged in.

Reefer Containers: The Ocean and Intermodal Workhorses

Reefer containers are typically used for ocean or intermodal shipping and come with a built-in cord and a male pin-and-sleeve plug, usually 440/480V 3-phase, 32A (IEC 60309). These cords are often visible coiled in a tray or hook on the container’s side. The container itself is a self-contained metal unit, similar in appearance to a standard shipping container, often 20 or 40 feet long.

Electric Transport Refrigeration Units (eTRUs): The Overland Option

Electric Transport Refrigeration Units (eTRUs), on the other hand, are usually mounted on trailers or trucks. Instead of a cord, they are equipped with a male inlet mounted on the unit’s exterior. The cord with the female connector is provided at the power source (dock, pedestal, or building).

Visually, eTRUs blend into the body of the trailer or appear as nose-mounted units on the front wall. At first glance, they may look like conventional diesel-powered TRUs, but the giveaway is the small inlet plate or recessed power port replacing the familiar fuel tank.

Quick visual differences:

  • Reefer Containers: Large, box-like units with a coiled power cord and male plug. Often have corner castings for stacking/shipping.
  • eTRUs: Mounted on trailers, often with no external cord. Look for an inlet plate or recessed power port on the side or front of the unit.

Why This Matters for Electrical Quotes

It’s important to note that not all containers or eTRUs use the same standard configuration. Some may have non-standard connectors or voltages depending on origin, manufacturer, or retrofit. Since pricing and product selection can vary significantly depending on the required connector or receptacle, confirming the exact electrical configuration — including voltage, phase, amperage, and plug type — helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures a safe, cost-effective solution.

Photos of the connection point, nameplate data, or equipment specifications are very helpful in making the correct selection.

If you’re looking for further assistance or ready for a project quote, Contact our team now!

Critical Care, Critical Power: The Nursing Home Backup Essential

 Ensuring Safety, Compliance, and Continuity with ESL’s Manual Transfer Switch solutions for Emergency Power in Nursing Homes

When it comes to health care facilities, ensuring uninterrupted power is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a matter of patient safety and operational continuity. For nursing homes and long-term care facilities, the risks associated with power loss are profound. That’s why having a reliable manual transfer switch, like ESL’s StormSwitch® or TripleSwitch®, is critical.

Why Do Care Facilities Need Reliable Emergency Power?

Life-Sustaining Equipment
 Residents in nursing homes often rely on oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and other electrically powered medical devices. A power outage can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation if emergency power isn’t restored immediately.

Regulatory Compliance
 According to NFPA 110 (Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems), the National Electrical Code (NEC), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) emergency preparedness guidelines, having reliable emergency power for nursing homes is not optional—it’s a regulatory requirement. Long-term care facilities must ensure they can maintain critical operations during an outage, or risk penalties, loss of accreditation, and compromised resident safety.

 Resident Safety & Comfort
 Power outages can disrupt HVAC systems, communications, lighting, and refrigeration jeopardizing medication storage and resident comfort. An emergency power switch ensures that these systems continue to operate without delay.

Why Choose ESL’s Manual Transfer Switches?

ESL’s StormSwitch and TripleSwitch – Manual Transfer Switches offer UL/cUL 1008 Listings up to 3000A, and are OSHPD seismic certified (OSP), making it ideal for healthcare environments that demand both durability and compliance.

Designed specifically for portable generator connection to grid-tied facilities, the StormSwitch® features:

  • Pluggable connectors for simple setup
  • A built-in manual transfer switch for quick and safe operation
  • A cost-effective solution that’s easy to install and maintain
  • Operation so straightforward that only basic training is needed once installed by a licensed electrician

Choosing the Right Emergency Power Solution    

The ESL StormSwitch – Manual Transfer Switch offers a cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-implement emergency power solution. Designed to keep critical systems running during outages, the StormSwitch® is an ideal choice for nursing homes looking to improve resilience while meeting regulatory standards while the TripleSwitch also allows for load bank testing a permanent generator at to facility while still having the paco of mind for back up power if utility power goes out.

Whether preparing for severe weather, grid instability, or unforeseen emergencies, equipping your facility with the right backup power system is a decision that safeguards lives and ensures peace of mind.

Learn more about ESL’s Emergency Power Solutions and how they can support safety, compliance, and continuity at your facility.    

Ensure Your Facility Is Prepared for the Next Outage

Explore ESL’s emergency power solutions built for nursing homes and long-term care facilities. From regulatory compliance to patient safety, we’re here to help you plan with confidence.

Request a Custom Quote

Range Energy and ESL Power Systems Partner to Advance Shore Power Charging Solutions for Electric TRUs and Trailers

Under the partnership, Range is evaluating the interoperability and use of ESL’s shore power and charging solutions to advance the commercial adoption of electric trailers 

Mountain View, Calif. — April 23, 2025— Range Energy, a pioneer in commercial trucking electrification, today announced a partnership with ESL Power Systems, Inc. (ESL), a manufacturer of safe and reliable shore power and electric TRU charging solutions, to provide affordable, practical, and scalable charging solutions for Range’s advanced eTrailer System, which turns large diesel trucks to hybrid-electric. The partnership concretely highlights the opportunity to leverage existing shore power infrastructure and affordable charging hardware to support the transition of commercial trucking fleets transition to electric and hybrid-electric operations

As part of the collaboration, Range will work towards adding an ESL charging solution to its portfolio of practical electrification offerings. In preparation for this, the companies will conduct interoperability testing, ensuring seamless integration and optimizing charging efficiency electrified trailers. 

Additionally, Range and ESL will engage with air quality regulators on projects to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of using the Range system in real-world operations, as well as to showcase the environmental and operational benefits of electrified transport refrigeration unit (TRU) fleets operating within California. 

To support this, ESL will contribute 480V 3-phase charging hardware for installation at fleet sites, which will be used throughout the duration of the demonstration projects. Following completion of the projects, the chargers will be owned by the relevant fleet sites, further supporting long-term zero-emission electric fleet operations. 

“Collaborating with ESL represents a critical step towards electric and hybrid-electric commercial fleet operations,” said Ali Javidan, CTO and founder, Range Energy. “By demonstrating the real-world feasibility of affordable alternating current (AC) charging to support electric and hybrid-electric fleet operations, we are proving that practical electrification solutions exist today.”

“Fleet operators are increasingly looking for dependable and scalable charging infrastructure to support electrified operations. We are fulfilling that need by providing a high-performance charging solution that enables Range’s system to seamlessly integrate into fleets’ daily operations,” said Jonathan Daou, Product Manager, ESL. “This is important to ensure that the integration of electric equipment doesn’t negatively impact fleet operations, while simultaneously supporting commercial trucking’s transition to electric power for a more sustainable future.” 

About Range Energy

Range Energy accelerates the electrification of commercial transportation through its innovative system that converts diesel trucks to hybrid electric, enabling fleets to transition to electric transportation with no operational disruption. Designed to integrate seamlessly with any commercial tractor-trailer, Range’s integrated hardware and software delivers immediate fuel efficiency gains, lower emissions, and enhanced vehicle performance and safety. The system also provides electric power for refrigerated trailers, which is critical for operators to reduce diesel costs. Founded in 2021, Range Energy is backed by leading investors, including UP Partners, R7, Yamaha Motor Ventures, and others.

For more information, visit https://range.energy.

About ESL

For over 30 years, ESL has provided more than 300,000 electrical connection points worldwide across various industries, supporting their clean energy initiatives. As a leader in developing, manufacturing, and integrating advanced power system solutions for the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry and renewable energy applications, ESL offers a robust portfolio ranging from high-efficiency charging stations to innovative power management systems—driving the future of sustainable transportation.  

For more information, visit our eTRUconnect® Shore Power System for electric and hybrid refrigerated trailers product page.

Media Contact:
Kate Gundry
range@pluckpr.com 
617-797-5174

Erika Thorson
ethorson@eslpwr.com
951-739-7000

RAMTEK Joins ESL as the Newest Manufacturer’s Representative Group for Southern California

CORONA, CA – April 10, 2025 – ESL Power Systems, Inc. is excited to announce that RAMTEK has joined our growing network of Manufacturer’s Representative Groups (MRGs). As our newest MRG, RAMTEK will represent ESL’s Emergency Power Product line throughout Southern California.

About RAMTEK

Founded in 1999, RAMTEK has built a strong reputation as a premier manufacturer’s representative firm specializing in electrical, energy, industrial, mechanical, and OEM markets. With over 25 years of power industry experience, RAMTEK provides exceptional customer service, technical expertise, and tailored solutions in vertical markets such as emergency power & energy, data center, healthcare, entertainment, biotech and higher education. RAMTEK is positioned to meet the needs of contractors, distributors, and end users. Their dedication to innovative and reliable power solutions aligns seamlessly with ESL’s mission to deliver high-quality products for critical power applications.

A Strong Partnership for Emergency

ESL’s partnership with RAMTEK strengthens our ability to serve customers in Southern California by providing localized support and expertise in Emergency Power Connection Solutions. RAMTEK’s established industry relationships and deep market knowledge will enhance ESL’s reach and ensure customers receive best-in-class service and solutions for their power connectivity needs.

Looking Ahead

We are confident that this collaboration will provide greater accessibility, technical support, and tailored solutions to our valued customers in the region. ESL is thrilled to welcome RAMTEK to our expanding network of trusted partners.

For more information about RAMTEK, visit their website at ram-tek.com.

For inquiries or project quotes on ESL’s Emergency Power product line, visit our representative map to locate the suitable representative for your project.


Media Contact:
Erika Thorson, Marketing Manager
ethorson@eslpwr.com

ESL Announces Doug Roy as Interim CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Corona, CA – July 15, 2024 – ESL Power Systems, Inc. (ESL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Roy as the new Interim CEO. This decision follows a thorough consideration of the company’s current circumstances, with the belief that Doug’s leadership will provide the stability and focus needed to guide ESL through this period of change.

Doug Roy, ESL Interim CEO

Mr. Roy brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to ESL’s values and mission. With over 26 years of dedicated service at ESL, including the past five years as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Roy has consistently demonstrated success in strategic and financial planning. His dedication to cultivating a positive, people-centered culture makes him the ideal choice to lead ESL forward. Michael Hellmers, Chief Sales Strategist and Chairman of the Board, expressed confidence that “under Mr. Roy’s guidance, ESL will continue to grow and thrive.”

“ESL has a legacy of delivering exceptional custom-engineered solutions. Our commitment to quality and customer service has historically driven our success. Moving forward, we will prioritize customer needs, uphold our core values, and integrate recent improvements. We will continue to focus on positive interactions with our employees, customers, and vendors, all based on respect. I’m excited about the future and look forward to making a positive impact,” said Mr. Roy.

Doug Roy holds a Master of Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. He has extensive experience in financial operations for mid-cap organizations, and is also experienced in ESOPs, ERP implementations, business valuations, and mergers and acquisitions.

About ESL

A 100% employee-owned company, ESL is a leader in developing, manufacturing, and integrating advanced power system solutions that ensure essential businesses and supply chains remain operational while reducing environmental impact. With a robust portfolio that includes high-efficiency charging stations and innovative power management systems, ESL is at the forefront of supporting sustainable innovation.

Media Contact:

Erika Thorson
ESL Power Systems, Inc.
2800 Palisades Dr.
Corona, CA 92878
+1 (951) 739-7000
ethorson@eslpwr.com
https://eslpwr.com