Code 3 550 Beacon User Manual

INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL

MODEL 550

Model 550

REVOLVING BEACON

IMPORTANT:

Contents:

Introduction ......................................................... 2

Unpacking & Pre-Installation .............................. 2

Installation & Mounting ....................................... 2

Wiring Instructions .......................................... 2

Stanchion Mounting ........................................ 3

Magnetic Mounting ......................................... 3

Permanent - Resilient Mounting ..................... 4

Maintenance ....................................................... 5

Parts List (Replacement Parts / Exploded View) 6

Warranty ............................................................. 8

Read all instructions and warnings before installing and using.

INSTALLER:

This manual must be delivered to the end user of this equipment.

Introduction

The 550TM beacon has a single rotating warning signal which exceeds by several times the SAE Standards set for 360 degree rotating warning lights, and is available in permanent, magnetic, or stanchion mount configurations.

The use of this or any warning device does not insure that all drivers can or will observe or react to an

The use of this or ant warning device does not insure that all drivers can or will observe or react to an emergency warning signal. Never take the right-of-way for granted. It is your responsibility to be sure you can proceed safely before entering an intersection, driving against traffic, responding at a high rate of speed, or walking on or around traffic lanes.

WARNING!

The effectiveness of this warning device is highly dependent upon correct mounting and wiring. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before installing or using this device. The vehicle operator should insure daily that all features of the device operate correctly. In use, the vehicle operator should insure the projection of the warning signal is not blocked by vehicle components (i.e.: open trunks or compartment doors), people, vehicles, or other obstructions.

This equipment is intended for use by authorized personnel only. It is the user’s responsibility to understand and obey all laws regarding emergency warning devices. The user should check all applicable city, state and federal laws and regulations.

Code 3, Inc., assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this warning device.

Proper installation is vital to the performance of this warning device and the safe operation of the emergency vehicle. It is important to recognize that the operator of the emergency vehicle is under psychological and physiological stress caused by the emergency situation. The warning device should be installed in such a manner as to: A) Not reduce the output performance of the system, B) Place the controls within convenient reach of the operator so that he can operate the system without losing eye contact with the roadway.

Emergency warning devices often require high electrical voltages and/or currents. Properly protect and use caution around live electrical connections. Grounding or shorting of electrical connections can cause high current arcing, which can cause personal injury and/or severe vehicle damage, including fire.

PROPER INSTALLATION COMBINED WITH OPERATOR TRAINING IN THE PROPER USE OF EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES IS ESSENTIAL TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND THE PUBLIC.

Unpacking & Pre-installation

Carefully remove the beacon and place it on a flat surface, taking care not to scratch the lens. Examine the unit for transit damage, broken lamps, etc. If it is convenient, you may wish to test the unit before installation. To test, touch the black wire to ground (earth) and the red wire to +12 volts D.C. A battery charger may be used for this purpose. If the vehicle has an electrical system other than 12 volts D.C. negative ground (earth), and you have not ordered a specially wired beacon, contact your local representative or call the factory for instructions.

Installation & Mounting

Wiring Instructions

The Model 550TM Beacon is designed to operate on a 12 volt D.C. negative ground (earth) system or alternatively on a 24 volt system when specified. Use a minimum 16 gauge wire, 14 gauge on runs longer than 15 ft. Use "SXL" type wire in the engine compartment. Solder all crimped connectors and cover with shrink tubing on any hand splices. DO NOT use insulation displacement connectors (e.g. 3M® Scotch Lock type connectors). Connect the ground (earth) lead (black) to the vehicle chassis, or preferably the negative (earth) terminal of the battery. Bring the positive lead (red) to the user supplied control switch, and then to the battery or to the stud on the battery side of the starter solenoid or alternator. Install a fuse or circuit breaker of 10 amps capacity in the supply line to protect the vehicle's wiring system against short circuits. Locate the wire exit to the rear of the beacon.

FIGURE 1

Nylock Nut

Base

Gasket Magnet

Fender Washer #10-24 x 7/8" Screw

Larger wires and tight connections will provide longer service life for components. For high current wires it is highly recommended that terminal blocks or soldered connections be used with shrink tubing to protect the connections. Do not use insulation displacement connectors (e.g. 3M® Scotchlock type connectors). Route wiring using grommets and sealant when passing through compartment walls. Minimize the

WARNING!

number of splices to reduce voltage drop. High ambient temperatures (e.g. under hood) will significantly reduce the current carrying capacity of wires, fuses, and circuit breakers. Use "SXL" type wire in engine compartment. All wiring should conform to the minimum wire size and other recommendations of the manufacturer and be protected from moving parts and hot surfaces. Looms, grommets, cable ties, and similar installation hardware should be used to anchor and protect all wiring.

Fuses or circuit breakers should be located as close to the power takeoff points as possible and properly sized to protect the wiring and devices.

Particular attention should be paid to the location and method of making electrical connections and splices to protect these points from corrosion and loss of conductivity.

Ground terminations should only be made to substantial chassis components, preferably directly to the vehicle battery.

The user should install a fuse sized to approximately 125% of the maximum Amp capacity in the supply line to protect against short circuits. For example, a 30 Amp fuse should carry a maximum of 24 Amps. DO NOT USE 1/4" DIAMETER GLASS FUSES AS THEY ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR CONTINUOUS DUTY IN SIZES ABOVE 15 AMPS. Circuit breakers are very sensitive to high temperatures and will "false trip" when mounted in hot environments or operated close to their capacity.

Stanchion Mounting

The 550TM Beacon can be modified for stanchion mounting by purchasing one of the factory available threaded flanges, 1/2" NPT, 3/4" NPT or 1" NPT kits. A universal pipe flange mounting kit is also available.

Magnetic Mounting

1) Rust Stains: The magnetic mount is not intended as a permanent mounting for the beacon. Long

WARNING!

To Operate: Plug Code 3 supplied coil cord into a 12 volt D.C. cigarette lighter; rotate and push firmly to insure the best possible connection. The beacon should be placed in the center of the roof where the least amount of curvature takes place. The magnetic beacon should not be used on a vinyl covered roof. Before installing, check magnet for clinging debris. Any foreign matter can reduce holding power and scratch the vehicle's paint. The roof surface should be dry and have a dull, not glossy finish. A glossy, highly waxed finish will reduce the friction and the magnets, though quite powerful, will have a greatly reduced magnetic effect. Place and remove your beacon without sliding to avoid scratching. When removing, lift one edge, then the other straight up without sliding.

duration usage of any magnet will expose the high iron content of the steel causing rust. The device should be removed when not used to prevent rust stains. Metallic debris collected by the magnet will also contribute to rust stains. Insure that the magnet is kept clean.

2) Surface rust stains can usually be removed with chrome polish, available at most auto part stores.

3) As with any magnetically-mounted warning device, its use on the exterior of a moving vehicle is at

the sole discretion and responsibility of the user.

This magnetic mount product provides a secure, temporary installation in most circumstances and is recommended for stationary use only. For maximum warning signal, mount the beacon on the highest possible flat, level surface of the vehicle.

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