Federal Signal Corporation Commander 371ST-250 Manual

256820E
REV. E 811
Printed in U.S.A.
Commander®
Strobe Warning Light
Model 371ST-250
Installation and
Maintenance Manual

Warranty – Seller warrants all goods for ve years on parts and 2-1/2 years
on labor, under the following conditions and exceptions: Seller warrants that
all goods of Seller's manufacture will conform to any descriptions thereof for
specications which are expressly made a part of this sales contract and at the
time of sale by Seller such goods shall be commercially free from defects in
material or workmanship. Seller reserves the right at the Seller’s discretion
to “Repair and Return” or “Replace” any item deemed defective during the
warranty period. This warranty does not cover travel expenses, the cost of
specialized equipment for gaining access to the product, or labor charges for
removal and reinstallation of the product. This warranty shall be ineffective
and shall not apply to goods that have been subjected to misuse, neglect,
accident, damage, improper maintenance, or to goods altered or repaired by
anyone other than Seller or its authorized representative, or if ve years have
elapsed from the date of shipment of the goods by Seller with the following
exceptions: lamps and strobe tubes are not covered under this warranty.
Outdoor warning sirens and controllers manufactured by Federal Warning Sys-
tems are warranteed for two years on parts and one year on labor. No agent,
employee, representative or distributor of Seller has any authority to bind the
Seller to any representation, afrmation, or warranty concerning the goods
and any such representation, afrmation or warranty shall not be deemed to
have become a part of the basics of the sales contract and shall be unenforce-
able. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU
OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
FOR PURPOSE AND OF ANY OTHER TYPE, WHETHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED. These warranties shall not apply unless Seller shall be given
reasonable opportunity to investigate all claims for allegedly defective goods.
Upon Seller's instruction a sample only of allegedly defective goods shall be
returned to Seller for its inspection and approval. The basis of all claims for al-
leged defects in the goods not discoverable upon reasonable inspection thereof
pursuant to paragraph 8 hereof must be fully explained in writing and received
by Seller within thirty days after Buyer learns of the defect or such claim shall
be deemed waived.
Industrial Systems
2645 Federal Signal Drive • University Park, IL 60484-3167
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] • www.federalsignal-indust.com

Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light 3
Contents
Safety Messages to Installers .......................................................... 5
An Overview of Model 371ST-250..................................................... 6
Unpacking the Light.......................................................................... 6
Mounting the Light ............................................................................ 7
Pipe Mounting the Light .......................................................... 8
Surface Mounting the Light ..................................................... 8
Wiring the Light ................................................................................. 9
Safety Messages to Maintenance Personnel ................................ 11
Replacing the Flash Tube................................................................ 12
Cleaning the Dome.......................................................................... 14
Getting Service, Assistance, and Parts ......................................... 14
Repair Service ....................................................................... 14
Technical Assistance ............................................................... 14
Accessories and Replacement Parts ....................................... 15
Tables
Table 1 Electrical and environmental ratings......................................7
Table 2 Dimensions............................................................................7
Table 3 Replacement parts ..............................................................15
Table 4 Accessories ......................................................................... 15

4Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
Contents
Figures
Figure 1 Mounting options .................................................................8
Figure 2 Dome and lens assembly removed ...................................10
Figure 3 Flash tube replacement..................................................... 13

5
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
Safety Messages to Installers
It is important to follow all instructions shipped with this product.
This device is to be installed by a trained electrician who is
thoroughly familiar with the National Electrical Code and/
or Canadian Electrical Code and will follow the NEC and/or
CEC Guidelines as well as all local codes. This light should be
considered a part of the warning system and not the entire warning
system.
The selection of the mounting location for the light, its controls
and the routing of the wiring are to be accomplished under the
direction of the facilities engineer and the safety engineer. In
addition, listed below are some other important safety instructions
and precautions you should follow:
• Read and understand all instructions before installing or
operating this light.
• Do not connect this light to the system when power is on.
• After installation, make sure that all set screws and threaded
joints are properly tightened.
• After installation, test the light to make sure that it is
operating properly.
• After testing is complete; provide a copy of this instruction
booklet to all personnel.
• Establish a procedure to routinely check the light for proper
activation and operation.
Failure to follow all safety precautions and instructions may result
in property damage, serious injury, or death.

6
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
An Overview of Model 371ST-250
The Federal Signal Model 371ST is a single-ash strobe housed
in a Type 4X enclosure. At 60 ashes per minute and 275 effective
candela, the Commander® is the largest strobe signal in the Federal
Signal product line.
The 371ST-250 features a heat resistant glass dome available in
three colors: amber, blue, and red. The letter (A, B, or R) after the
model number 371ST-250 represents the dome color. The dome-
and-ring assembly screws on for easy access to the strobe tube and
printed circuit board assembly.
The base of the Commander features textured black powder paint
for greater corrosion resistance. Wiring can be routed through
the pipe-mount opening in the bottom of the light or the side
knockouts can be used for side entry wiring. Installation can be
surface or 1-inch NPT pipe mount. Optional wall and corner
mount brackets are available for the 371ST. The Commander is
rated Type 4X, IP66 (watertight, dust tight, corrosion resistant).
The LWMB2 wall-mount bracket and the LCMB2 corner-mount
bracket can be used to mount the Model 271ST-250. For surface
mounting on solid substrates, the separately purchased Model
371BRCKT three-point surface-mount bracket is available.
Unpacking the Light
After unpacking the Model 371ST-250, examine it for damage that
may have occurred in transit. If the light has been damaged, do
not attempt to install or operate it. File a claim immediately with
the carrier, stating the extent of the damage. Carefully check all
envelopes, shipping labels, and tags before removing or discarding
them. Disposal of all shipping materials must be carried out in
accordance with national and local codes and standards. If any
parts are missing, please call Federal Signal Customer Support at
708-534-4756.

7
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
Table 1 Electrical and environmental ratings
Operating Voltage: 225 Vdc to 300 Vdc
Operating Current: 0.25 A
Energy Output: 10.0 J
Flash Rate: 60 FPM
Candela, Peak
1:625,000
ECP
2:275
Lamp Life: 10,000 Hours
Light Source: Strobe Tube
Operating Temperature: –31 °F to 150 °F
(–35 °C to 66 °C)
Environmental Ratings: Type 4X, IP66
1 Peak candela is the maximum light intensity generated by
a ashing light during its light pulse.
2ECP (Effective Candela) is the intensity that would
appear to an observer if the light were burning steadily.
Table 2 Dimensions
Height: 11.38 in (289.0 mm)
Diameter: 9.13 in (231.9 mm)
Net Weight: 10.0 lb (4.54 kg)
Shipping Weight: (12.4 lb) 5.62 kg
Mounting the Light
The Model 371ST-250 light is designed for mounting on a at
horizontal surface or on a 1" NPT pipe. If conduit side-entries
are to be used, disassemble the light as described in “Wiring the
Light” on page 9 and remove one or more knockouts with a blunt
tool before mounting the light. Use a le to remove excess ash
around the knockout.

8
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
Figure 1 Mounting options
371ST-250 LIGHT
ASSEMBLY
PIPE MOUNT
PIPE MOUNT SURFACE MOUNT
GASKET
MOUNTING
SURFACE
1/4" FLATWASHERS
DRILL THREE 9/32"
(7.143 mm) HOLES
1/4" SCREWS
1" NPT
PIPE
290A3948B
Pipe Mounting the Light
Attach the light to the 1-inch NPT pipe by threading the light
clockwise on the pipe (Figure 1). For information on making
the electrical connections, see “Wiring the Light on page 9.”
Surface Mounting the Light
To mount the light on a at surface:
1. Using the gasket as a template, scribe four drill-position
marks on the mounting surface (Figure 1).
2. Drill a 9/32" (7.1 mm) diameter hole at each of the outside
drill position marks for mounting.
3. Drill or punch a 1-3/8" (34.9 mm) diameter hole at the
center drill-position mark for the wire entry.

9
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
4. Attach 1" NPT conduit or a suitable user-supplied 1" NPT
hub or connector to the conduit entrance in the bottom of
the light.
5. Set the light on the gasket and attach it to the mounting
surface with the provided 1/4" screws and washers.
6. For information on making the electrical connections, see
the next section.
Wiring the Light
SHOCK HAZARD
To avoid electrical shock hazards, do not connect wires while
power is applied.
The Model 371ST-250 comes assembled from the factory. Models
are supplied with two power leads for wiring to the supply circuit.
If you are using conduit side entries or if you are using the housing
as a junction box, perform the following steps:
1. Disassemble the light:
a) Remove the dome assembly by grasping the die-cast ring
attached to the dome and turning it counter-clockwise.
b) Remove the three #10 hex-head screws that secure the
strobe-spinning assembly to the housing.
c) Remove the strobe-spinning assembly.
2. If you are using conduit side-entries, attach a Myers®
STTTB-2 or a T&B® H075TBH 3/4-inch NPT conduit hub
with a 3/4-inch NPT close nipple (both user-supplied) to
the housing and tighten the hub securely. When side entries
are used, the bottom 1-inch NPT conduit entry must be
plugged with a threaded plug (user-supplied). (See Table 4:
Accessories on page 15).
NOTE: Polarity MUST be observed for proper operation.

10
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
Figure 2 Dome and lens assembly removed
DOME ASSEMBLY
DIE CAST RING
GASKET
GROUND SCREW
STROBE SPINNING
ASSEMBLY
SCREWS, #10
HEX HEAD (3)
BASE
TURN DIE-CAST RING
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
TO REMOVE
290A3949B
A
CONDUIT HUB
(USER SUPPLIED)
CONDUIT NUT
(USER SUPPLIED)
CONDUIT PLUG
(USER SUPPLIED)

11
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
3. Route the supply wires (12 AWG to 16 AWG) into housing.
Connect the red (+) lead to the positive power source.
4. Connect the black (–) lead to the negative power source.
5. Re-assemble the light and test it for proper operation.
Safety Messages to Maintenance Personnel
Listed below are some important safety instructions and
precautions you should follow:
• Read and understand all instructions before operating this
system.
• Any maintenance to the light system must be done with the
power turned off.
• Any maintenance to the light system must be performed by a
trained electrician in accordance with NEC/CEC Guidelines
and local codes.
• Never alter the unit in any manner. Safety may be endangered
if additional openings or other alterations are made to units.
• The nameplate, which contains cautionary or other information
of importance to maintenance personnel, should not be
obscured.
• If the dome is damaged in any way, the complete dome
assembly MUST be replaced.
• After performing any maintenance, test the light system to
ensure that it is operating properly.
Failure to follow all safety precautions and instructions may result
in property damage, serious injury, or death.

12
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
Replacing the Flash Tube
SHOCK HAZARD
Strobe and HID light systems generate high voltages. Disconnect
power from the strobe system and wait at least 5 minutes before
opening the unit. Do not apply power to the unit while the unit is
open. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury
or death.
After extended operation, occasionally check for ash tube
degradation. Should the ash tube misre, have a noticeable
decrease in light output, glow continuously or darken, replace it.
To replace the strobe tube:
1. Disconnect power to the light and wait at least 5 minutes
to allow the lamp to cool and the internal high voltages to
discharge.
2. Remove the dome assembly by grasping the die-cast ring
attached to the dome and turning it counter-clockwise.
NOTE: If the dome assembly is difcult to remove, place a
screwdriver blade against one of the four bosses on the die-
cast ring attached to the dome. Gently tap the screwdriver
handle to loosen the dome assembly from the housing.
MAINTAIN WATERTIGHTNESS
To maintain the watertight enclosure, do not damage dome
or threads while disassembling or reassembling the unit.
Lubricated threaded joints exposed for long periods of time
may attract small particles of dirt or other foreign materials. Re-
assemble joint immediately after performing maintenance.
3. Remove the two #8 screws retaining the Fresnel dome to
its mounting base and lift the dome off the strobe spinning
assembly (Figure 3 on page 13).

13
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
HANDLE STROBE AND HALOGEN LAMPS CAREFULLY
Strobe and halogen lamps get hot enough to burn you. Always
allow these devices to cool before handling them. Halogen
and strobe lamps are also pressurized and if broken can result
in flying glass. Always wear gloves and eye protection when
handling these devices. Failure to follow this caution may result
in personal injury.
Figure 3 Flash tube replacement
DOME ASSEMBLY
DIE CAST RING
FRESNEL LENS
#8 SCREWS (2)
STROBE SPINNING
ASSEMBLY
FLASH TUBE
BASE
TURN DIE CAST RING
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
TO REMOVE
290A3950B

14
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
4. Carefully remove the ash tube from its socket by grasping
the connector and lifting upwards using a slight rocking
motion.
DO NOT TOUCH LAMPS WITH BARE HANDS
Oil deposits on the glass portion of a strobe or halogen lamp can
cause the glass to fracture during use. If you are unsure whether
the glass portion has been handles without gloves, clean the
glass using a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol before installing
the lamp.
5. Install a new ash tube by fully seating it into the socket.
6. Reassemble the light.
7. Test the light to ensure it operates properly.
Cleaning the Dome
NOTE: Maintenance procedures sometimes require xtures to be
hosed down for good housekeeping. The electrical circuit should
be turned off prior to hosing down the light.
Clean the dome periodically to maintain maximum light output.
Use only mild, non-abrasive cleaning agents.
Getting Service, Assistance, and Parts
Federal Signal will service your product and provide technical
assistance and support. Please call the phone numbers listed below.
For instruction manuals and information about related products,
please go to http://www.federalsignal-indust.com.
Repair Service
Products returned for repair require a Return Authorization
form. To obtain service for the product, please contact the
Federal Signal Service Department at 708-534-4858.
Technical Assistance
For technical assistance, please call Technical Support at
708-534-3424, extension 5823.

15
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
Model 371ST-250 Strobe Light
Accessories and Replacement Parts
To order accessories and replacement parts, please call Federal
Signal Customer Support at 708-534-4756.
Table 3 Replacement parts
Description Part Number
Glass Dome Assembly, Amber K8459126
Glass Dome Assembly, Blue K8459126-01
Glass Dome Assembly, Red K8459126-02
Fresnel Lens, Clear K8422B428
Gasket, Dome Ring K8459123
Gasket, Surface Mount K8459127
Flash Tube K149122
Printed Circuit Board Assembly, 250 Vdc K2001070
Table 4 Accessories
Description Part Number
Wall Mount Bracket LWMB2
Corner-Mount Bracket LCMB2
Mounting Bracket, Surface 371BRCKT
Conduit Hub Kit, 3/4" NPT K8459138
Close-Up Plug, 1" NPT K8459130
Commander is a registered trademark of Federal Signal Corporation.
Myers is a registered trademark of Coopers Industries.
T&B is a registered trademark of Thomas & Betts Corporation.

Industrial Systems
2645 Federal Signal Drive • University Park, IL 60484-3167
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] • www.federalsignal-indust.com
© 2011 Federal Signal Corporation. All rights reserved.