Federal Signal Corporation PVS220W-24 User manual

Installation Manual
255379
Rev. E3 0917
Printed in U.S.A.
© Copyright 2017 Federal Signal Corporation
Solar Power Systems
Models: PVS220W-24, PVS220W-48,
PVS240W-24, and PVS240W-48

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 tness for a particular
purpose and any warranty against failure of its essential purpose.
2645 Federal Signal Drive
University Park, Illinois 60484-3617
www.fedsig.com
Customer Support 800-548-7229 • [phone]
Technical Support 800-524-3021 • [phone]

3
Installation Manual
Contents
Safety Messages..................................................................................................................................... 5
General Description ............................................................................................................................... 8
Required Equipment........................................................................................................................... 8
Weight................................................................................................................................................. 8
Installation Instructions......................................................................................................................... 9
Installing the Solar Panel Bracket....................................................................................................... 9
Side Pole Installation................................................................................................................... 9
Top-of-Pole Installation ............................................................................................................. 14
Power Supply and Wiring .................................................................................................................... 16
Power Supply ................................................................................................................................... 16
Wiring the 48 V Junction Box ........................................................................................................... 16
Wiring the 24 V Junction Box (55 W Modules) ................................................................................. 17
Wiring the 24 V Junction Box (110 W Modules, three conductors) .................................................. 20
Wiring the Junction Box for 24 V (110 W Modules, four-wire) .......................................................... 21
Getting Service ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Tables
Table 1 Required Tools .......................................................................................................................... 8
Table 2 Side Pole Mount ........................................................................................................................ 8
Table 3 Top-of-Pole Mount..................................................................................................................... 9

4
Solar Power Systems
Figures
Figure 1 Placement of 55 W Module (Top View) .................................................................................11
Figure 2 Placement of 60 W Module (Top View) ................................................................................ 12
Figure 3 Side Pole Mount (55 W or 60 W Modules) ........................................................................... 13
Figure 4 Side Pole Mount (110 W Modules) ....................................................................................... 14
Figure 5 Top-of-Pole Mount ................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 6 Module Wiring (back view) ................................................................................................... 18
Figure 7 Wiring PVS220W Systems.................................................................................................... 19
Figure 8 Wiring PVS240W Systems.................................................................................................... 20
Figure 9 Module Wiring 110 W Panels ................................................................................................ 22
Figure 10 Wiring PVS220W Systems.................................................................................................. 23
Figure 11 Module 110 W Placement.................................................................................................... 24
Figure 12 Final Assembly Solar Bracket 55 W or 60 W (4 Panel)..................................................... 25
Figure 13 Final Assembly Solar Bracket Side Mount 110 W ............................................................ 26
Figure 14 Final Assembly Solar Bracket Top-of-Pole Mount 110 W (2 Panel) ................................ 27
Figure 15 DCB and DCFCB Solar Wiring............................................................................................ 28
Figure 16 DCFCTB Solar Wiring.......................................................................................................... 29
Figure 17 One-Way Solar UltraVoice Wiring Diagram ...................................................................... 30
Figure 18 Two-Way Solar UltraVoice Wiring Diagram ...................................................................... 31
Figure 19 Hawaii UltraVoice Wiring Diagram ..................................................................................... 32
Figure 20 Solar Assembly for the UltraVoice..................................................................................... 33
Figure 21 Solar Assembly for the DC Series Siren Control System................................................ 34

5
Safety Messages
Installation Manual
Safety Messages
It is important to follow all instructions shipped with this product. This device
is to be installed by trained personnel who are thoroughly familiar with the
country electric codes and will follow these guidelines as well as local codes.
Listed below are important safety instructions and precautions you should follow.
Important Notice
Federal Signal reserves the right to make changes to devices and specications detailed in
the manual at any time in order to improve reliability, function or design. The information
in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no
responsibility is assumed for any inaccuracies.
Publications
Federal Signal recommends the following publications from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency for assistance with planning an outdoor warning system:
• The “Outdoor Warning Guide” (CPG 1-17)
• “Civil Preparedness, Principles of Warning” (CPG 1-14)
• FEMA-REP-1, Appendix 3 (Nuclear Plant Guideline)
• FEMA-REP-10 (Nuclear Plant Guideline).
Planning
• If suitable warning equipment is not selected, the installation site for the siren
is not selected properly or the siren is not installed properly, it may not produce
the intended optimum audible warning. Follow Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) recommendations.
• If sirens are not activated in a timely manner when an emergency condition
exists, they cannot provide the intended audible warning. It is imperative that
knowledgeable people, who are provided with the necessary information, are
available at all times to authorize the activation of the sirens.
• When sirens are used out of doors, people indoors may not be able to hear the
warning signals. Separate warning devices or procedures may be needed to
effectively warn people indoors.
• The sound output of sirens is capable of causing permanent hearing damage. To
prevent excessive exposure, carefully plan siren placement, post warnings, and
restrict access to areas near sirens.
• Activating the sirens may not result in people taking the desired actions if those to
be warned are not properly trained about the meaning of siren sounds. Siren users
should follow FEMA recommendations and instruct those to be warned of correct
actions to be taken.

6
Safety Messages
Solar Power Systems
• After installation, service, or maintenance, test the siren system to conrm
that it is operating properly. Test the system regularly to conrm that it will be
operational in an emergency.
• If future service and operating personnel do not have these instructions to refer
to, the siren system may not provide the intended audible warning and service
personnel may be exposed to death, permanent hearing loss, or other bodily
injury. File these instructions in a safe place and refer to them periodically. Give a
copy of these instructions to new recruits and trainees. Also give a copy to anyone
who is going to service or repair the siren.
Installation and Service
• Electrocution or severe personal injury can occur when performing various
installation and service functions such as making electrical connections, drilling
holes, or lifting equipment. Therefore only experienced electricians should install
this product in accordance with national, state and any other electrical codes
having jurisdiction. Perform all work under the direction of the installation or
service crew safety foreman.
• The sound output of sirens is capable of causing permanent hearing damage.
To prevent excessive exposure, carefully plan siren placement, post warnings
and restrict access to areas near the sirens. Sirens may be operated from remote
control points. Whenever possible, disconnect all siren power including batteries
before working near the siren.
• After installation or service, test the siren system to conrm that it is operating
properly. Test the system regularly to conrm that it will be operational in an
emergency.
• If future service personnel do not have these warnings and all other instructions
shipped with the equipment to refer to, the siren system may not provide the
intended audible warning and service personnel may be exposed to death,
permanent hearing loss, or other bodily injury. File these instructions in a safe
place and refer to them periodically. Give a copy of these instructions to new
recruits and trainees. Also, give a copy to anyone who is going to service or repair
the sirens.
Operation
Failure to understand the capabilities and limitations of your siren system could result in
permanent hearing loss, other serious injuries or death to persons too close to the sirens
when you activate them or to those you need to warn. Carefully read and thoroughly
understand all safety notices in this manual and all operations-related-items in all
instruction manuals shipped with equipment. Thoroughly discuss all contingency plans
with those responsible for warning people in your community, company, or jurisdiction.

7
Safety Messages
Installation Manual
Read and understand the information contained in this manual before
attempting to install or service the siren.
Solar modules generate DC electricity when exposed to light. Exposure
to this voltage can result in serious injury or even death. Follow all safety
precautions.
To stop production of electricity, cover panel surfaces with opaque material
while working on system. Avoid touching terminals and/or wire ends until
connections are made.
Pay careful attention to the notices located on the equipment.

8
General Description
Solar Power Systems
General Description
This manual describes how to install the Solar Power Systems.
The Solar Power Systems provide an all inclusive solar powering options for all outdoor
sirens. Solar powering of batteries is an efcient and economical method of powering
remote sirens, alerting, or control equipment. Applications include, but are not limited to,
remote tsunami sirens, muster stations, and tornado sirens.
The PVS220W-24 and PVS220W-48 provide 220 W of power for charging of batteries in
24 or 48 Vdc applications. The PVS240W-24 and PVS240W-48 provide 240 W of power
for charging of batteries in 24 or 48 Vdc applications. These systems are equipped with
solar regulators for accurate control, protection, and monitoring of the solar panels. These
kits use four 55 W highly efcient solar panels, each with junction boxes to allow ease of
wiring.
The mounting hardware is aluminum for light weight and high strength, able to withstand
wind loads up to 170 mph. The kit includes thirty feet of cable to allow wiring from the
panels to the Battery Cabinet. The solar regulators support gel, sealed or ooded batteries
with temperature compensation to extend battery life and improve system performance.
Federal Signal determines the proper direction and tilt for each solar application based on
location. Federal Signal recommends gel batteries for solar applications.
Required Equipment
You need the following equipment.
Table 1 Required Tools
Large at head screwdriver
Medium at head screwdriver
Narrow (3/16-in) at head screwdriver
Medium cross head screwdriver
Socket driver set with 7/16-in, 9/16-in and 3/4-in sockets
7/16-in open end wrench
9/16-in open end wrench
Adjustable wrench
Wire cutters
Needle nose pliers
Wire strip and crimp tool
Electric drill with 1/4-in drill bit
Utility knife
Measuring tape
Weight
Table 2 Side Pole Mount
Net Weight 115 pounds (52 kg)
Shipping Weight 153 pounds (69 kg)

9
Installation Instructions
Installation Manual
Table 3 Top-of-Pole Mount
Net Weight 112 pounds (51 kg)
Shipping Weight 150 pounds (68 kg)
Installation Instructions
Installing the Solar Panel Bracket
Electrocution or severe personal injury can occur when making electrical
connections, drilling holes, or lifting equipment. Therefore, installation should
be performed by experienced electricians in accordance with national and
local codes.
Most bracket installations are one of two types: Side Pole Mount or Top Pole Mount.
These two congurations make it possible to provide solar power in almost any situation.
If the installations in this manual are not suitable, it may be practical to modify one of the
congurations.
For best results, the solar modules must face true south. Consult FEMA CPG 1-17 and
CPG 1-14 and your local Federal Signal representative to properly place your outdoor
warning equipment.
Side Pole Installation
The bracket is typically mounted on a Class 2 utility pole (ANSI type wooden pole or
equivalent) with a minimum horizontal ground stress rating of 3,700 pounds (1678 kg).
Insure that soil loads will conform to this size utility pole.
NOTE: Certain soil conditions may require guying for the pole. Check with proper
building authorities.
To install a side pole mount solar bracket onto a wooden utility pole, do the following:
1. Uncrate and identify the various parts. You can use an empty box as a platform to
protect assembly and modules from damage.
2. Place the solar modules face down with their junction boxes toward center for the
55 W and 60 W modules or toward top for the 110 W panels.
NOTE: 55 W modules come in two alternate sizes (See 55 W Module
Placement).
3. Assemble the solar bracket onto the solar modules per nal assembly drawing.
Apply thread locking compound to all fastening hardware to ensure secure
assembly.
4. Find the desired elevation on the pole. For best results, the solar modules must
face true south. Mark the eight mounting holes on the pole for the bracket.
5. Drill a 3/8-inch pilot hole at each of the locations. Drill each hole at least
3-1/2 inch deep.

10
Installation Instructions
Solar Power Systems
6. Using eight 1/2-inch stainless steel lag screws (minimum of 5 inches in length)
or two sections of ¾-inch wide stainless steel strapping, secure the solar bracket
onto the pole.
7. Locate your site and nd the latitude of your location. For the Northern
Hemisphere, add or set the tilt angle at the value specied in the following table.
Latitude Range Tilt Angle
90° to 60° 60°
60° to 25° +15°
25° to 20° +5°
20° to 0° 25°
Tilt angles are limited to a minimum of 25° and maximum of 60° degrees.
8. Find the vertical distance Y for your setup from the tilt angle charts.
For any other type of pole, such as a galvanized steel pole, install the side mount solar
bracket as follows:
1. Uncrate and identify the various parts. Use an empty box as a platform to protect
assembly and modules from damage.
2. Start by placing the solar modules face down with their junction boxes toward
center for the 55 W and 60 W modules or toward top for the 110 W panels.
NOTE: 55 W modules come in two alternate sizes (see Placement of 55 W
Module).
3. Assemble the solar bracket onto the solar modules per nal assembly drawing.
Apply thread locking compound to all fastening hardware to ensure secure
assembly.
4. Find the desired elevation on the pole. For best results, the solar modules must
face true south. Mark the two placement locations on the pole for the bracket.
5. Secure the solar bracket by clamping it onto the pole by using two sections of
¾-inch wide stainless steel strapping and the tilt angle charts.
6. Locate your site and nd the latitude of your location. For the Northern
Hemisphere, add or set the tilt angle at the following table.
Latitude Range Tilt Angle
90° to 60° 60°
60° to 25° +15°
25° to 20° +5°
20° to 0° 25°
Tilt angles are limited to a minimum of 25° and maximum of 60° degrees.

11
Installation Instructions
Installation Manual
7. Find the vertical distance Y for your setup from the tilt angle charts.
Figure 1 Placement of 55 W Module (Top View)

12
Installation Instructions
Solar Power Systems
Figure 2 Placement of 60 W Module (Top View)
LOCATOR
HOLE
24.75

13
Installation Instructions
Installation Manual
Figure 3 Side Pole Mount (55 W or 60 W Modules)
Y
TILT ANGLE°
291355C
Tilt Angle
from horizontal
Vertical Distance Y Hole Number
25° 15.00 in (38.10 cm) 1
30° 20.50 in (52.07 cm) 1
35° 26.00 in (66.04 cm) 1
40° 26.00 in (66.04 cm) 2
45° 31.50 in (80.01 cm) 2
50° 33.50 in (85.09 cm) 3
55° 42.50 in (107.95 cm) 3
60° 48.00 in (121.92 cm) 3

14
Installation Instructions
Solar Power Systems
Figure 4 Side Pole Mount (110 W Modules)
TILT ANGLE°
Y
Tilt Angle
from horizontal
Vertical Distance Y Hole Number
30° 23.00 in (58.42 cm) 1
35° 30.00 in (76.20 cm) 1
40° 28.75 in (73.03 cm) 2
45° 37.50 in (95.25 cm) 2
55° 48.00 in (121.92 cm) 1
60° 51.25 in (130.18 cm) 1
Top-of-Pole Installation
To install a top-of-pole solar bracket, do the following:
1. Uncrate and identify the various parts. Use an empty box as a platform to protect
assembly and modules from damage.
2. Start by placing the solar modules face down with their junction boxes toward
center for the 55 W and 60 W modules or toward top for the 110 W panels.
3. Assemble the solar bracket onto the solar modules per nal assembly drawing.
Apply thread locking compound to all fastening hardware to ensure secure
assembly.

15
Installation Instructions
Installation Manual
4. Locate your site and nd the latitude of your location. For the Northern
Hemisphere, add or set the tilt angle at the value specied in the following table.
Latitude Range Tilt Angle
90° to 60° 50°
60° to 25° +15°
25° to 20° +5°
20° to 0° 25°
Tilt angles are limited to a minimum of 25° and maximum of 50° degrees.
5. Find the vertical distance Y for your setup from the tilt angle chart. For best
results, the solar modules must face true south.
6. Using the stainless steel u-bolt provided, secure the solar bracket onto the pole.
Figure 5 Top-of-Pole Mount
TILT
ANGLE°
Y
291356B

16
Power Supply and Wiring
Solar Power Systems
Tilt Angle
from horizontal
Vertical Distance Y
25° 5.00 in (12.70 cm)
30° 5.50 in (13.97 cm)
35° 6.25 in (15.88 cm)
40° 7.00 in (17.78 cm)
45° 7.50 in (19.05 cm)
50° 7.75 in (19.69 cm)
Power Supply and Wiring
Power Supply
Connect four 55 W or 60 W, 12 V solar modules in series to supply a 48 Vdc power
supply for the 2001-130, Equinox, 508-128, and Eclipse8 electro-mechanical siren
controls.
Connect four 55 W or 60 W, 12 V solar modules in series/parallel to supply a 24 Vdc
power supply for the UV electronic siren controls.
Connect two 110 W, 12V solar modules in series/parallel to supply a 24 Vdc power
supply for the UV electronic siren controls.
Wiring the 48 V Junction Box
To wire the junction box for the 48 V (55 W or 60 W Modules), do the following:
1. Open the module junction box covers.
2. Knock out the appropriate junction box holes in the modules to allow addition of
cable clamps. An additional knockout will be required for the array output wires
leading from the array to the Control Cabinet.
3. Coat module terminals with NO-OX or an equivalent corrosion inhibitor to
prevent corrosion.
4. Cut the three-conductor cable 8-foot length (2.44 m) into three 32-inch
(81.28 cm) sections.
5. Connect the black wires from the three-conductor cable sections as follows:
• Negative (-) terminal of module A to positive (+) terminal of module B
• Negative (-) terminal of module B to positive (+) terminal of module C
• Negative (-) terminal of module C to positive (+) terminal of module D
6. Run one side of the two-conductor PV output cable 30-foot length (9.144 m)
through the cable clamp, to module D junction box. Connect the black wire to the
negative (-) terminal and butt splice the red wire to the red wire from the three-
conductor cable within the junction box. Use wire tie wraps provided to secure
the output cable to the bracket.

17
Power Supply and Wiring
Installation Manual
7. Measure the voltage between red (+) and black (-) wires at the end of the PV
output cable with the modules exposed to sunlight. If the wiring is correct, the
voltage measures between 60 and 92 Volts. If the voltage is not in this range,
check the wire connections to ensure all steps were followed.
8. Close junction box covers.
9. Run the other side of the two-conductor PV output cable (30-foot length) down
the pole to the Control Cabinet. Use wire tie wraps provided to secure the output
cable. Form a drip loop where the cable enters the Control Cabinet. Run the
cable through the ½-inch NPT aluminum cord grip provided and connect to solar
regulator using the spade terminals.
10. Installation is now complete.
Wiring the 24 V Junction Box (55 W Modules)
To wire the junction box for the 24 V (55 W or 60 W Modules), do the following:
1. Open the module junction box covers.
2. Knock out the appropriate junction box holes in the modules to allow addition of
cable clamps. An additional knockout will be required for the array output wires
leading from the array to the Control Cabinet.
3. Coat module terminals with NO-OX or an equivalent corrosion inhibitor to
prevent corrosion.
4. Cut a 32-inch (81.28 cm) section from the three-conductor cable 8-foot length
(2.44 m).
5. Connect the white wire from the three-conductor section as follows:
• Negative (-) terminal of module A to positive (+) terminal of module B
• Negative (-) terminal of module C to positive (+) terminal of module D
6. Run the two-conductor PV output cable 30-foot length (9.144 m) through the
cable clamp, to module D junction box. Connect the black wire to the negative
(-) terminal and butt splice the red wire to the red wire from the three-conductor
cable within the junction box. Use wire tie wraps provided to secure the output
cable to the bracket.
7. Measure the voltage between red (+) and black (-) wires at the end of the PV
output cable with the modules exposed to sunlight. If the wiring is correct, the
voltage measures between 30 and 46 Volts. If the voltage is not in this range,
check the wire connections to ensure all steps were followed.
8. Close junction box covers.

18
Power Supply and Wiring
Solar Power Systems
9. Run the two-conductor PV output cable (30-foot length) down the pole to the
Control Cabinet. Use wire tie wraps provided to secure the output cable. Form
a drip loop where the cable enters the Control Cabinet. Run cable through the
½-inch NPT aluminum cord grip provided and connect to solar regulator using
the spade terminals.
10. Installation is now complete.
Figure 6 Module Wiring (back view)
3-CONDUCTOR CABLE (QTY. 3)
(BACK VIEW)
MODULE WIRING
TO SOLAR REGULATOR IN
CONTROL CABINET
CABLE CLAMP (QTY. 7)
2-CONDUCTOR CABLE
291357B

19
Power Supply and Wiring
Installation Manual
Figure 7 Wiring PVS220W Systems
BLK (-)
-
(PVS220W-48)
-
-
+ +
+
+-
WHT
+ -
+
-- + + -
+ -
+ + - -
+ -
WHTRED
55W,12V 55W,12V 55W,12V 55W,12V
-
-
-
+ +
+
+- + -
+
-- + + -
+ -
+ + - -
+ -
55W,12V 55W,12V 55W,12V 55W,12V
RED (+)
3-COND CABLE 3-COND CABLE 3-COND CABLE
BUTT SPLICE
BLK (-)
RED (+)
2-COND CABLE
RED WHT WHT
BLK
2-COND CABLE
3-COND CABLE 3-COND CABLE 3-COND CABLE
BUTT SPLICE
(PVS220W-24)
291358B

20
Power Supply and Wiring
Solar Power Systems
Figure 8 Wiring PVS240W Systems
WHT
BLK RED
+
-
WHT
+
-+ -+ -
48 VOLT SYSTEM (PVS240W-48)
60W,12V 60W,12V 60W,12V 60W,12V
WHT
TO SOLAR REGULATOR PV+
TO SOLAR REGULATOR PV-
WHT
BLK
RED
RED
+
-
WHT
BLK
+
-+ -+ -
24 VOLT SYSTEM (PVS240W-24)
60W,12V 60W,12V 60W,12V 60W,12V
TO SOLAR REGULATOR PV+
TO SOLAR REGULATOR PV-
A B C D
A B C D
Wiring the 24 V Junction Box (110 W Modules, three conductors)
To wire the 24 V junction box (110 W modules, three conductors), do the following:
1. Open the module junction box covers.
2. Knock out the appropriate junction box holes in the modules to allow addition of
cable clamps. An additional knockout will be required for the array output wires
leading from the array to the Control Cabinet.
3. Coat module terminals with NO-OX or an equivalent corrosion inhibitor to
prevent corrosion.
4. Connect the white wire from the short three-conductor cable 3-foot length
(91.44 cm) as follows:
• Negative (-) terminal of module A to positive (+) terminal of module B
5. Run the long three-conductor PV output cable 60-foot length (18.288 m) through
the cable clamp, to module B junction box. Connect the black wire to the negative
(-) terminal and butt splice the red wire to the red wire from the three-conductor
cable within the junction box. Use wire tie wraps provided to secure the output
cable to the bracket.