MurCal, Inc

Back in 1958, Art Murphy opened the doors of Murphy Safety Switch of California in Los Alamitos, California. His goal was to distribute the entire line of FW Murphy safety switches, control panels, and automation devices to the oil and irrigation operations in the growing customer base throughout the entire seven-state West Coast area. Art was with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company of Tulsa for 16 years in various engineering and construction capacities prior to working with his brother Frank, founder of FW Murphy Manufacturing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He held the posts of general manager and vice president in charge of engineering and development during his 5 years at FW Murphy.

To fully understand the origination of Murphy Switch of California, we have to roll back the clock seventy-five years to the open plains of the post-depression Midwest. During the 1930's Art's brother, Frank W. ('Pat') Murphy, was a sales manager for an Allis Chalmers' distributor. He found that his customers' main complaint was 'burned up' engines. They were equipped with poor quality, non-indicating safety switches which were difficult to test and often inoperative. Pat decided to develop a simpler yet more effective 'safety switch'.

His idea was to combine an indicating gauge with a switch that would stop the engine when low oil pressure or high coolant temperature existed. His invention was first installed on a number of unattended oil field engines. Operators loved the design because they could see the operating gauge, could adjust the contact to their needs, and could test the switch for operation. Pat decided to become a manufacturer when Allis Chalmers declined to buy the switch-gauge design. Production began with Pat and his wife, Rosalie, building the instruments on their kitchen table in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. During the 1940's Pat's 'Guardian Safety Switch' was put into service in the oilfields in Indiana and Illinois. Adaptations allowed the product to protect pipeline pumps as well.

In 1945, Tulsa was becoming home to the booming oil industry, so the Murphy's moved the business to Oklahoma, where they were able to move into a 'spacious' block building. The 1950's brought stabilization and growth prompted by innovation. Murphy began serving a new market in West Texas, as irrigation farmers were also losing unattended engines. A magnetic trip switch was developed to adapt the 'Safety Switch' to battery ignition and diesel engines. This switch would be renamed the 'Tattletale®', for its pushbutton that stays out once the switch is tripped indicating the cause of the shutdown.

The decade also ushered in the first Murphymatic® control panels as well as the first level regulators. As the 50's were coming to a close, Art packed up his family and moved to California to start his own company, Murphy Safety Switch of California. Through hard work, dedication and high ethical standards his company grew and prospered. Before long, Art packed up the family once again and moved the business a few hours north of Los Angeles to the small community of Palmdale. During the early years in Palmdale the organization was strengthened through the creative inspiration and leadership that Art's son, John, brought to the company.

John grew up in the family business. Through the 80's and 90's he guided the company through a period of great product innovation and built a thriving custom municipal panel business. Like his father before him, John's success prompted a move to a larger, more modern facility. In 2001 the Murphy family dedicated their new headquarters in the memory of the company founders, Art & Essie Murphy. In October of 2007 John passed the torch to his son Bob, marking the beginning of a third generation of family leadership. MurCal, formerly Murphy Switch of California, has come a long way from Pat's kitchen table in Mount Carmel.

The MurCal line now includes hundreds of products which monitor and control engine 'vital signs': pressure, temperature, level and overspeed. Products that range from simple start/stop operation to sophisticated automation systems. MurCal's product portfolio now includes related engine control products. Air-fuel ratio controls, ignition systems, actuation and throttle control mechanisms, catalysts and replacement elements, particulate filters, DC contactors and engine start battery chargers complement our full line of FW Murphy instrumentation and control products.

As we look toward the future, we’d like to take just a moment to thank you for continuing to turn to us for your instrumentation and control needs. With over 50 years under our belt, you don't have to worry about whether or not we'll be around next year. We are confident in our products and in our ability to deliver on our promises. We look forward to strengthening our business and personal relationships and to many years of continued success. Once again, your friends at MurCal thank you for making the journey with us.

MurCal is the premier West Coast distributor of emission control and engine monitoring systems. We represent FW Murphy, Compliance Controls, Johnson Matthey, Testo, Trombetta, Denso, and Murphy Power Ignition. This lineup of world class products combined with fifty-seven years of experience makes us a one stop resource for all of your engine automation, control, and emission compliance needs.

Service & Installation

MurCal has built a solid reputation by standing behind the products that we sell. We want to make sure you get the part you need and know how to install it. Many answers to your technical questions are just a phone call away. However, there may come a time when advanced technical assistance or ongoing mechanical service is required.

If your job involves an engine or electric driven motor, you need to monitor and control it. Using the MurCal family of control, instrumentation and emission products means that you've made a decision to buy the very best solutions available. However, dependable installation combined with an ongoing service plan is crucial to protect your equipment investment. 

MurCal has been designing, programming and installing custom control and emission compliance panels for use primarily in agriculture, municipal pumping, and industrial applications for nearly forty years. Our service technicians have the experience you need.

Service Contracts

MurCal now offers custom service contracts, tailored to your business needs. Maybe your equipment needs a seasonal tune-up to adjust your set points. Or you may want the newest software installed, as well as a system operations refresher course for your lead operator. 

Some customers can't afford to purchase a portable emission analyzer of their own. With Tier 4 compliance coming soon, engine owners will be under increased scrutiny. Inspections will commence and fines will be heavy. We've got the necessary equipment to visit your property and test your engine. We've got the right mix of leading emissions products to recommend an affordable solution.

Down-time is expensive. We can help you create a comprehensive maintenance program to help avoid costly down-time. When it comes to protecting your investment, we'll get our hands dirty.

We're Certified for Emissions Testing

On February 1, 2009, the Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) implemented Rule 1110.2. This new rule requires operators to periodically measure NOx and CO engine emissions using a portable electrochemical analyzer on all stationary and portable engines over 50 rated brake horsepower (50 bhp). Murcal has taken the necessary steps to help you reach compliance. Please contact your Regional Sales Manager or Inside Technical Sales for assistance with emissions testing questions.