Federal Signal Corporation IMPAXX Series Manual

Installation and
Maintenance Manual
2562370D
REV. D1 0220
Printed in U.S.A.
© Copyright 2009-2020 Federal Signal Corporation
IPX3 IMPAXX®Light Heads

Limited Warranty
This product is subject to and covered by a limited
warranty, a copy of which can be found at www.fedsig.
com/SSG-Warranty. A copy of this limited warranty can
also be obtained by written request to Federal Signal
Corporation, 2645 Federal Signal Drive, University Park,
IL 60484, email to [email protected] or call
[phone].
This limited warranty is in lieu of all other warranties,
express or implied, contractual or statutory, including,
but not limited to the warranty of merchantability,
warranty of fitness for a particular purpose and any
warranty against failure of its essential purpose.
2645 Federal Signal Drive
University Park, Illinois 60484
www.fedsig.com
Customer Support
Police/Fire-EMS: 800-264-3578 • [phone]
Work Truck: 800-824-0254 • [phone]
Technical Support 800-433-9132 • [phone]
All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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Installation and Maintenance Manual
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Contents
Safety Messages..................................................................................... 4
Unpacking the Product .......................................................................... 9
An Overview of the IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads......................... 9
Installing the IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads ................................. 10
Converting a Light Head from Controller to Follower....................... 10
Mounting the IMPAXX to a Vehicle...................................................... 12
Wiring the IMPAXX in the Vehicle ....................................................... 14
Selecting a Flash Pattern ................................................................................ 15
Maintaining the IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads ............................. 17
Cleaning the Light Heads ...............................................................................17
Getting Technical Support and Service.............................................. 18
Getting Repair Service......................................................................... 19
Ordering Replacement Parts............................................................... 19

Safety Messages
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Safety Messages
Safety Messages to Installers and Service Personnel
of Warning Light Equipment
People’s lives depend on your proper installation and servicing
of Federal Signal products. It is important to read and follow all
instructions shipped with this product. Listed below are some other
important safety instructions and precautions you should follow.
Before Installation or Service
Qualifications
• To properly install or service this equipment, you must
have a good understanding of automotive mechanical and
electrical procedures and systems, along with proficiency
in the installation and service of safety warning equipment.
Always refer to the vehicle service manuals when performing
equipment installations on a vehicle.
Light Hazards
• To be an eective warning device, this product produces bright
light that can be hazardous to your eyesight when viewed at a
close range. Do not stare directly into this lighting product at a
close range, or permanent damage to your eyesight may occur.
• Do not install the light system in an area that would block,
impair, or blind the driver’s vision. Ensure that the light system
is mounted in a position that is outside of the driver’s field of
vision, so the driver can safely operate the vehicle.
• Federal Signal power supplies and light heads are designed
to work together as a system. Combining light heads and a
power supply from dierent manufacturers may reduce the
warning eectiveness of the lighting system and may damage
the components. Verify or test your combination to ensure that
the system works together and meets federal, state, and local
standards or guidelines.

Safety Messages
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Electrical Hazards
• Strobe systems present a shock hazard because they use high
voltage to operate. Do not handle strobe cables, the power
supply, or bulbs or remove the lens while the equipment is
connected. Strobe systems can also hold their charge even after
they have been turned o. After disconnecting power to the
unit, wait at least five minutes before handling any parts of the
strobe system.
• A light system is a high current system. For the system to
function properly, a separate negative (-) connection and
positive (+) connection must be made. All negative connections
should be connected to the negative battery terminal and a
suitable fuse should be installed on the positive battery terminal
connection as close to the battery as possible. Ensure that all
wires and fuses are rated correctly to handle the device and
system amperage requirements.
• Never attempt to install aftermarket equipment that connects
to the vehicle wiring without reviewing a vehicle wiring
diagram available from the vehicle manufacturer. Ensure that
your installation will not aect vehicle operation or mandated
safety functions or circuits. Always check the vehicle for proper
operation after installation.
• The lighting system components, especially light bulbs, strobe
tubes, LEDs, and the outer housing, get hot during operation.
Disconnect power to the system and allow the system to cool
down before handling any components of the system.
• Halogen light bulbs and strobe tubes are pressurized and, if
broken, can burst and result in flying glass. Always wear gloves
and eye protection when handling these components.
• Do not mount a radio antenna within 18 inches (45.7 cm) of the
lighting system. Placing the antenna too close to the lighting
system could cause the lighting system to malfunction or be
damaged by strong radio fields. Mounting the antenna too close
to the lighting system may also cause the radio noise emitted
from the lighting system to interfere with the reception of the
radio transmitter and reduce radio reception.

Safety Messages
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Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
• Do not attempt to wash any unsealed electrical device while it is
connected to its power source.
During Installation and Service
• DO NOT get metal shavings inside the product. Metal shavings
in the product can cause the system to fail. If drilling must be
done near the unit, place an ESD-approved cover over the
unit. Inspect the unit after mounting to ensure that there are no
shavings present in or near the unit.
• DO NOT connect this system to the vehicle battery until
ALL other electrical connections are made, mounting of all
components is complete, and you have verified that no shorts
exist. If the wiring is shorted to the vehicle body or frame, high
current conductors can cause hazardous sparks, resulting in
electrical fires or flying molten metal.
• DO NOT install equipment or route wiring (or the plug-in cord) in
the deployment path of an air bag.
• Before mounting any components, check the manual to make
sure that the component you are installing is suitable for use in
that area of the vehicle. Many components are not suitable for
use in the engine compartment or other extreme environmental
exposure areas.
• The service life of light bulbs and strobes tubes will be
shortened if the glass portion is touched during installation. Use
gloves when handling these components. If the glass portion
has been touched, clean the glass carefully with isopropyl
alcohol.
• Before drilling into a vehicle structure, ensure that both sides
of the surface are clear of anything that could be damaged.
Remove all burrs from drilled holes. To prevent electrical shorts,
grommet all drilled holes through which wiring passes. Ensure
that the mounting screws do not cause electrical or mechanical
damage to the vehicle.

Safety Messages
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• Refer to the manual packed with the lighting system for proper
electrical connections, additional precautions and information.
• Locate the light system controls so the VEHICLE and
CONTROLS can be operated safely under all driving conditions.
After Installation or Service
• After installation, test the light system to ensure that it is
operating properly.
• Test all vehicle functions, including horn operation, vehicle
safety functions, and vehicle light systems, to ensure proper
operation. Ensure that the installation has not aected the
vehicle operation or changed any vehicle safety function or
circuit.
• Scratched or dull reflectors, mirrors, or lenses will reduce the
eectiveness of the lighting system. Avoid heavy pressure and
the use of caustic or petroleum-based products when cleaning
the lighting system. Replace any optical components that may
have been scratched or crazed during system installation.
• Do not attempt to activate or deactivate the light system
controls while driving in a hazardous situation.
• Frequently inspect the light system to ensure that it is operating
properly and that it is securely attached to the vehicle.
• After installation and testing are complete, provide a copy
of these instructions to instructional sta and all operating
personnel.
• File these instructions in a safe place and refer to them when
maintaining and/or reinstalling the product.
Failure to follow all safety precautions and instructions may result in
property damage, serious injury, or death to you or others.
Retain and refer to these messages.

Safety Messages
8IMPAXX®LED Light Heads
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Safety Message to Operators of Warning Light Equipment
People’s lives depend on your safe use of our products. Listed
below are some important safety instructions and precautions you
should follow.
• Do not attempt to activate or deactivate the light system control
while driving in a hazardous situation.
• Although your warning system is operating properly, it may
not be completely eective. People may not see or heed your
warning signal. You must recognize this fact and continue to
drive cautiously.
• Situations may occur that obstruct your warning signal when
natural and manmade objects are between your vehicle and
others, such as raising your hood or trunk lid. If these situations
occur, be especially careful.
• To be an eective warning device, this product produces bright
light that can be hazardous to your eyesight when viewed at a
close range. Do not stare directly into this lighting product at a
close range, or permanent damage to your eyesight may occur.
• It is important that you fully understand how to safely operate
this warning system before use.
• Operate your vehicle and its light/sound system in accordance
with your department’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• If a selected function does not perform properly or if any of the
lamps remain illuminated when the control is o, disconnect the
power connector from the control unit and contact the nearest
service center.
• At the start of your shift, ensure that the entire warning light
system and the siren system are securely attached and
operating properly.
Failure to follow these safety instructions and precautions may
result in property damage, serious injury, or death to you, to
passengers, and to others.
RETAIN AND REFER TO THESE MESSAGES.

Unpacking the Product
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Unpacking the Product
Each IMPAXX®comes with the mounting hardware shown in
Figure1 on page 13. After unpacking the IMPAXX Series LED
Lights and mounting hardware, inspect them for damage that
may have occurred in transit. If a product has been damaged, do
not attempt to install or operate it. File a claim immediately with
the carrier, describing the extent of damage. Carefully check all
envelopes, shipping labels, and tags before removing or destroying
them.
An Overview of the IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads
The IPX3 IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads are fully sealed, low-
current warning lights that can be mounted on the inside or outside
of the vehicle. IMPAXX uses Solaris®LED reflector technology to
provide a bright and eective secondary warning signal. IMPAXX
models have three LEDs that are either amber, blue, green, red,
or white with a clear lens. The IMPAXX can also be ordered with
colored lenses that match the LED color.
LEDs are available in enhanced o-axis or focused configurations.
IMPAXX has an internal flashing circuit with 23 selected flash
patterns, including a steady burn pattern for use with an external
flasher. Patterns are selected by touching a pattern-selection wire
to ground (−GND).
Light heads can be set to synchronize, synchro-shift, or both.
The synchronize/synchro-shift feature is fully compatible with the
Federal Signal Viper S2 warning lights. IMPAXX also has several
floating-synch pattern sets that are within one flash per minute of
each other. See Table 2 on page page 16. If one light is set at
74 FPM and another at 75 FPM, for example, the lights appear to
migrate in and out of synchronization.
All IMPAXX models are designed for use with all Federal Signal
switch controllers. The IMPAXX light head is supplied with a black
polycarbonate bezel, a rubberized gasket, and mounting hardware
for surface mounting. The IMPAXX has an operating temperature of
−22˚F to +176˚F (−30˚C to +80˚C).

Installing the IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads
10 IMPAXX®LED Light Heads
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Installing the IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads
LIGHT HAZARD: To be an eective warning device, an emergency
warning system produces bright light that can be hazardous to your
eyesight when viewed at a close range. Do not stare directly into
this lighting product at a close range, or permanent damage to your
eyesight may occur.
Before installing the IMPAXX,read all instructions and plan all
wiring and cable routing. Use grommets, wire ties, looms, and cable
mounts (installer supplied) as needed to secure and protect the
wiring.
To install the unit:
1. Optionally set a light head to control the flash patterns of one or
more light heads in the IMPAXX system (see next section).
2. Mount the IMPAXX system to the vehicle.
3. Wire the IMPAXX system to the vehicle.
4. Select a flash pattern for the controller light head.
Converting a Light Head from Controller to Follower and
Vice Versa
Several IMPAXX®light heads can be controlled through the
selected flash pattern of one controller light head. All IMPAXX
Series light heads are shipped as controllers. Before the start of
your installation, determine which light head will be the controller
and which light head or heads will be followers.
LEDS AND LENS COLORS: The LED color and lens color must
match. Either use a clear lens or match the color of the lens with the
LED. Using a lens that is a dierent color than the LED will greatly
reduce the light output and reduce the eectiveness of the light for
emergency signaling purposes. Failure to follow this warning may
result in personal injury or death.

Converting a Light Head from Controller to Follower and Vice Versa
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SET ONLY ONE CONTROLLER: When putting together systems of
IPX600 light heads ensure there is only one controller light head.
If more than one light head in a system is a controller, the follower
light heads will malfunction.
To convert a light head from controller to follower:
1. Connect the black wire from the light head to negative ground
power (-GND).
2. Apply 12 Vdc (+BAT) to the red wire from the light head.
3. Hold the green pattern-selection wire to negative ground
power (-GND) until the light head goes out then flashes once.
This procedure will take approximately 3 seconds to complete.
While still holding the green wire to negative ground power
(-GND), wait 1 second, and then remove the green wire from
-GND. The light head will go to a full power steady burn for
about 2 seconds and then to a low power steady burn. This
low-power mode continues until the light head is connected to
a controlling light head. The patterns for the light head are now
ready to be controlled by another “controller” light head.
To convert a light head from follower to controller:
1. Connect the black wire from the light head to negative ground
power (-GND).
2. Apply 12 Vdc (+BAT) to the red wire from the light head.
3. Hold the green pattern-selection wire to negative ground
power (-GND) until the light head goes out then flashes once.
This procedure will take approximately 3 seconds to complete.
While still holding the green wire to negative ground power
(-GND), wait one second, and then remove the green wire from
-GND. The light head has now been placed into pattern #1,
which is Null (o). Subsequent flash patterns can be achieved
by tapping the green pattern-selection wire to negative ground
power (-GND).

Mounting the IMPAXX to a Vehicle
12 IMPAXX®LED Light Heads
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For information about available flash patterns, see “Selecting a
Flash Pattern” on page 15.
Mounting the IMPAXX to a Vehicle
ROOF SUPPORT STRUCTURE: There is a roof support piece that
spans the distance between the driver side and passenger side. DO
NOT DRILL THROUGH THIS PIECE! Adjust any hole locations until
the holes can be drilled without going through this support. Failure
to follow this warning will weaken the roof of the vehicle and may
lead to an increased chance of bodily injury or death in a rollover
accident.
LOCATING OPERATOR CONTROLS: The controls for the light
system must be located so that the VEHICLE and CONTROLS can
be operated safely under all driving conditions.
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT: Do not install equipment or route wiring in
the deployment path of an airbag. Failure to observe this warning
will reduce the eectiveness of the airbag or potentially dislodge
the equipment, causing serious injury or death.
VISION OBSTRUCTION: Do not install the light in a location that will
obstruct or impair the driver’s vision. Locate the light out of direct
view of the driver, and test the system to make sure excessive stray
light from this light does not impair the driver’s vision. Minimize
both direct light and reected light from the driver’s vision. Failure
to follow this warning could result in injury or death.
1. Determine the mounting location for the IMPAXX®module.
2. Using the bezel as a template, scribe the mounting-hole
locations on the mounting surface.
3. Scribe a wire routing hole location on the mounting surface in
the center of the bezel.

Mounting the IMPAXX to a Vehicle
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DRILLING PRECAUTIONS: When drilling holes, check the area
you are drilling into to ensure that you do not damage vehicle
components while drilling. All drilled holes should be de-burred,
and all sharp edges should be smoothed. All wire routings going
through drilled holes should be protected by a grommet or
convolute/split loom tubing.
4. Use a #34 drill bit to drill two 0.111-inch holes at the scribed
mounting hole locations.
5. Drill a 1/2-inch hole at the wire-routing location.
6. Remove all burrs and sharp edges, and insert grommets to
prepare the hole for the wires by.
7. Route the wires from the module through the holes in the
gasket and mounting surface. See Figure 1. Use grommets,
wire ties, looms, and cable mounts (not supplied) as needed to
secure and protect the wiring.
8. Place the mounting bezel over the module and secure it to the
mounting surface with the #6 sheet metal screws provided.
Figure 1 IMPAXX with mounting hardware

Wiring the IMPAXX in the Vehicle
14 IMPAXX®LED Light Heads
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Wiring the IMPAXX in the Vehicle
WIRING PRECAUTION: Never attach both the orange wire AND
the yellow wire from the CONTROLLER light head to the same
FOLLOWER light head. Connecting both signal wires to the same
FOLLOWER will cause the light heads to malfunction.
REVERSE POLARITY/MISWIRING: Reverse polarity may damage the
siren amplier. To avoid damage to the siren/amplier, ensure that
the battery voltage is the same voltage as the rating of the light and
that the correct polarity is observed.
Make the connections shown in Figure 2. For single light head
applications and applications usingalternative flashing control, such
as Federal Signal IntelliFlash™, cut and seal the orange and yellow
IMAXX wires.
FUSE ELECTRICAL SOURCES: Always fuse current/voltage
sources with a fuse connected near the power source. Ensure that
the fuse is properly rated to protect the electrical load, the wiring,
and the connectors used in the circuit. Failure to follow this notice
could result in vehicle or equipment damage.
IMPORTANT: You must place a fuse in line with the power
connection. See Figure 2 for the fuse recommendations.

Wiring the IMPAXX in the Vehicle
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Figure 2 Wiring from one controller to one follower
290A5943C
ALTERNATING
12 Vdc (+BAT)
RED RED
CONTROLLER
LIGHT HEAD
ORG ORG
BLACK BLACK
FOLLOWER
LIGHT HEAD
GROUND (–GND)
FUSE*
SYCHRONIZED
12 Vdc (+BAT)
CONTROLLER
LIGHT HEAD
RED RED
YELLOW YELLOW
BLACK BLACK
FOLLOWER
LIGHT HEAD
GROUND (–GND)
FUSE*
* FOR 1 TO 4 LIGHT HEADS: 3 A FUSE
FOR 5 TO 8 LIGHT HEADS: 5 A FUSE
FOR MORE THAN 8 LIGHT HEADS: 10 A FUSE
Selecting a Flash Pattern
When the light heads are connected in a configuration, the
controller LED light head can be used to control the flash pattern of
the entire system.
To select a flash pattern:
1. Tap and remove the green pattern selection wire from the
controller light head to negative ground power (-GND) as many
times as needed to display the pattern you want.

Wiring the IMPAXX in the Vehicle
16 IMPAXX®LED Light Heads
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
2. To reverse the direction of pattern selection, hold the green
wire to negative ground power (-GND) for slightly longer than
1second, but less than 3 seconds.
3. When finished, cut and seal the green wire.
Table 1 Flash patterns for IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads
Flash
Pattern Description
Flash
Pattern Description
1Null (o󰀨) 14 75 FPM Double
2 79 FPM Power Quad* 15 150 FPM Triple
3 150 FPM Single 16 75 FPM Triple
4 151 FPM Single 17 5 Single at 680 FPM
4 Single at 216 FPM
5 74 FPM Single* 18 4 Single at 570 FPM
3 Single at 246 FPM
6 75 FPM Single 19 3 Single at 460 FPM
2 Quad at 75 FPM
7 240 FPM Single 20 Progressive (ashes
start slow and increase
in speed)
8 241 FPM Single 21 4 Single at 154 FPM
2 Quad at 75 FPM
9 240 FPM Double* 22 Random
10 241 FPM Double 23 3 quick ashes, then
stays in Steady Burn
11 150 FPM Double 24 FedPulse 75
12 151 FPM Double 25 Steady Burn
13 74 FPM Double
*Conforms to CCR Title 13
NOTE: Single, Double, and Quad refer to the number of flashing
intervals.

Maintaining the IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads
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Maintaining the IMPAXX Series LED Light Heads
Periodically cleaning the IMPAXX lenses using proper procedures
and compatible cleaners will prolong their service life.
There are no user serviceable parts contained within the light
module; however, you can order replacements for mounting
hardware. See Table 3 “IMPAXX replacement parts” on page 19.
Cleaning the Light Heads
CRAZING HAZARD: Crazed, cracked, or faded domes or reectors
reduce the light output and the eectiveness of the lighting system.
Tops or reectors showing this type of aging must be replaced.
Failure to follow this warning may result in bodily injury or death to
you or others.
CLEANING SOLUTION WARNING: The use of cleaning solutions,
such as strong detergents, solvents, and petroleum products, can
cause crazing (cracking) of the domes and reectors. Failure to
follow this warning can damage the domes and reectors and may
result in bodily injury or death to you or others.
1. Rinse the mounting bezel and lenses with lukewarm water to
loosen dirt and debris.
2. Use a mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft cloth to gently
clean the plastic surfaces. To avoid damaging the lenses, do
not use heavy pressure or cleaners that are caustic, abrasive,
or petroleum-based.
3. Rinse and dry the plastic surfaces with a soft cloth to prevent
water spotting.
4. To remove fine scratches and haze, use a specialty plastic
cleaner/polish and a soft cloth. You can also use a high quality
automotive paste cleaner/wax that is non-abrasive.

Getting Technical Support and Service
18 IMPAXX®LED Light Heads
Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Testing the System
SOUND HAZARD: All eective sirens and horns produce loud
sounds (120 dB) that may cause permanent hearing loss. Always
minimize your exposure to siren sounds and wear hearing
protection. Do not sound the siren indoors or in enclosed areas
where you and others will be exposed to the sound.
LIGHT HAZARD: To be an eective warning device, an emergency
warning system produces bright light that can be hazardous to your
eyesight when viewed at a close range. Do not stare directly into
this lighting product at a close range, or permanent damage to your
eyesight may occur.
After the installation, test the emergency warning system to ensure
that it is operating properly. Test all vehicle functions, including
horn operation, vehicle safety functions, and vehicle lighting
systems to ensure proper operation. Ensure that the installation
has not aected the vehicle operation or changed any vehicle
safety functions or circuits. After testing is complete, provide a
copy of these instructions to the instructional sta and all operating
personnel.
Do not test the sound and light system while driving. Operating the
vehicle warning systems may pose a hazard to the operator and
other drivers if the systems do not function as expected. Test the
vehicle in a controlled environment.
Getting Technical Support and Service
For technical support and service, please contact:
Service Department
Federal Signal Corporation
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

Getting Repair Service
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Federal Signal www.fedsig.com
Getting Repair Service
The Federal Signal factory provides technical assistance with any
problems that cannot be handled locally.
Any units returned to Federal Signal for service, inspection, or
repair must be accompanied by a Return Material Authorization
(RMA). Obtain a RMA from a local Distributor or Manufacturer’s
Representative.
Provide a brief explanation of the service requested, or the nature
of the malfunction.
Address all communications and shipments to the following:
Federal Signal Corporation
Service Department
2645 Federal Signal Drive
University Park, IL 60484-3167
Ordering Replacement Parts
To order replacement parts, call Customer Support at
1-800-264-3578, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (CT) or
contact your nearest distributor.
Table 2 IMPAXX replacement parts
Description Part Number
IMPAXX Mounting Bezel 8613137
IMPAXX Mounting Gasket 8613138

2645 Federal Signal Drive
University Park, Illinois 60484
www.fedsig.com
Customer Support
Police/Fire-EMS: 800-264-3578 • [phone]
Work Truck: 800-824-0254 • [phone]
Technical Support 800-433-9132 • [phone]