Federal Signal Corporation VECTOR User manual

256989B
REV. B 799
Printed in U.S.A.
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
VECTOR™ WRECKER SPECIAL LIGHT BAR
SAFETY MESSAGE TO INSTALLERS
OF
FEDERAL SIGNAL LIGHT SYSTEMS
People’s lives depend on your safe installation of our products.
It is important to read, understand and follow all instructions
shipped with the products. In addition, listed below are some other
important safety instructions and precautions you should follow:
• To properly install a light assembly: you must have a
good understanding of automotive electrical proce-
dures and systems, along with proficiency in the
installation and use of safety warning equipment.
• When drilling into a vehicle structure, be sure that
both sides of the surface are clear of anything that
could be damaged.
• A light system is a high current device. In order for it
to function properly, a separate ground connection
must be made. If practical, it should be connected to
the negative battery terminal. At a minimum, it may
be attached to a solid metal body or chassis part that
will provide an effective ground path as long as the
light system is to be used.
• Locate light system controls so the VEHICLE and
CONTROLS can be operated safely under all driving
conditions.
• You should frequently inspect the light system to
ensure that it is operating properly and that it is
securely attached to the vehicle.
• 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.
I. UNPACKING.
After unpacking the Vector light bar, inspect it for damage
that may have occurred in transit. If the unit has been damaged,
file a claim immediately with the carrier, stating the extent of
damage. Carefully check all envelopes, shipping labels and tags
before removing or destroying them.
II. INSTALLATION.
The light bar is completely wired at the factory and does not
require any additional internal wiring. All the conductors
necessary for control of any and all basic and optional functions
are contained in the cable(s).
The basic light functions of the unit must be controlled by a
user supplied control head.
Before proceeding, ensure that the light bar has been
installed on the vehicle roof in accordance with the instructions
packed with the mounting kit. Route the light bar cable as
described below.
WARNING
Light system controls must be located so that VEHICLE
and CONTROLS can be operated safely under all driving
conditions.
A. Route the control cable(s) into the vehicle and under the
dash, near the eventual location of the user-supplied control head.
WARNING
To prevent personal injury and/or damage to vehicle com-
ponents, in the event of a short-circuit in the power cable,
install a fuse in each incoming cable conductor.
B. For proper light operation, the light bar control cable
must be properly terminated inside the user supplied control head.
Using figure 1 as a guide, make the appropriate electrical
connections shown in Table 1. Ensure that the lines are ade-
quately fused as shown in figure 1.
NOTE
Any of the light bar functions can be activated by applying
12VDC to the appropriate control line. The heavy black
lead (-) must be connected to vehicle ground, to perform
a function check.
C. Connect the black lead to chassis ground.
D. Connect the light bar’s red power lead to a fuse or circuit
breaker rated at 50 amperes. Connect the other side of the fuse /
circuit breaker to the +12VDC supply.
III. BASIC MAINTENANCE.
WARNING
High voltages are present inside the light bar, when the
strobe light option is installed. Wait at least ten (10)
minutes, after shutting off power, before servicing this
unit. Failure to do so may result in property damage,
serious injury, or death to you or others.
A. Cleaning the Plastic Domes.
Ordinary cleaning of the plastic domes can be accom-
plished by using mild soap and a soft rag. Should fine scratches or
a haze appear on the domes, they can ordinarily be removed with a
non-abrasive, high quality, one-step automotive paste cleaner/wax
and a soft cloth.
CAUTION
The use of other materials such as strong detergents,
solvents, petroleum products, etc. can cause crazing (crack-
ing) of the plastic domes.
B. Lamp Replacement.
WARNING
A serious injury may result if lamp is touched when hot.
Always allow lamp to cool before removing. Halogen
lamps are pressurized and if broken can result in flying
glass. Always wear gloves and eye protection when
handling the lamps.
CAUTION
Service life of lamp will be shortened if glass portion is
touched. If glass has been handled, clean carefully with a
grease solvent.

Table 1. Electrical Connections.
Wire Color Options
RED Rotating or Fast Rotating Lights
(Pods 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6)
GRN Right Brake/Turn
ORN Left Brake/Turn
GRY Tail Lights
YEL Work
RED/WHT Marker
BLK Power (-)
BRN/WHT N.C.
BRN N.C.
BLU N.C.
BLK/WHT Rotating Lights (Pods 1 and 7)
Figure 1.
1. Stationary Lamps.
See figure 2. To replace the lamp, Twist to unlock
and then pull the defective lamp out of the socket. Install a new
lamp of the same type in the socket.
-2-
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
2. Rotating or Oscillating Lamps.
CAUTION
Forced rotation of the light mechanism will cause damage
to the worm gear. ALWAYS rotate the light mechanism by
rotating the motor shaft.
a. Rotate the reflector until the C-clip (located at
the base of the lamp) can be removed, and remove the C-clip by
sliding it away from the reflector.
b. See figure 3. Note the lamp’s orientation and
replace the lamp (Federal Part No. 8440A265) with the straight
edge of the lamp’s base toward the reflector.
c. Reassemble the light.
C. Cleaning Reflectors and Mirrors.
Use a soft tissue to clean the reflector and mirrors. Avoid
heavy pressure and the use of caustic or petroleum base solvents
which will scratch or dull the surface.