Federal Signal Corporation 2-240 Manual

2-120
2-240
FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION’S
MODELS
Outdoor Warning Sirens
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & SERVICE
MANUAL
Copyright 2006 Federal Signal Corporation
255154R
07/13

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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Federal Signal reserves the right to make changes to
devices and specifications detailed in the manual at any
time in order to improve reliability, function or design. The
information in this book has been carefully checked and is
believed to be accurate; however, no responsibility is
assumed for any inaccuracies.

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SAFETY NOTICES
People’s lives depend on your selection of suitable equipment and installation sites and
your safe installation, service, and operation of our products. Federal Signal recommends the
following publications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance with
planning an outdoor warning system: 1. The “Outdoor Warning Guide” (CPG 1-17), 2. “Civil
Preparedness, Principles of Warning” (CPG 1-14), 3. FEMA-REP-1, Appendix 3 (Nuclear Plant
Guideline), 4. FEMA-REP-10 (Nuclear Plant Guideline), 5. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), 6. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and
7. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines as applicable.. Contact Alerting and
Notification System’s Customer Care Center at: http://www.alertnotification.com or 1-800-524-
3021 for further information about these publications.
It is important to read, understand and follow all instructions shipped with this product. In
addition, listed below are some other important safety instructions and precautions you should
follow.
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.
A siren that doesn’t work won’t provide any warning. After installation, service, or
maintenance, test the siren system to confirm that it is operating properly. Test the system
regularly to confirm 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.

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SAFETY NOTICES
People’s lives depend on your safe installation, service and operation of our products. It is
important to read, understand and follow all instructions shipped with this product. In addition,
listed below are some other important safety instructions and precautions you should follow:
INSTALLATION & 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 experienced electricians in accordance with national, state and any other electrical
codes having jurisdiction should perform installation. All work should be performed 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 confirm that it is operating properly. Test
the system regularly to confirm 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. For additional copies, call the Federal Warning Systems Customer Care
Center at 800-524-3021 or write to them at 2645 Federal Signal Drive, University Park, IL
60484-3167.
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.

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Limited Warranty
The Alerting and Notification Systems Division of Federal Signal Corporation
(Federal) warrants each new product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of two years on parts
replacement and factory-performed labor (one year for Informer, and Federal software
products) from the date of delivery to the first user-purchaser. Federal warrants every
2001, Eclipse and 508 Siren (Top of pole only) to be free from defects in material, per
our standard warranty, under normal use and service for a period of five years on parts
replacement.
During this warranty period, the obligation of Federal is limited to repairing or
replacing, as Federal may elect, any part or parts of such product which after
examination by Federal, are determined to be defective in material and/or
workmanship.
Federal will provide warranty for any unit which is delivered, transported prepaid, to
the Federal factory or designated authorized warranty service center for examination
and such examination reveals a defect in material and/or workmanship.
This warranty does not cover travel expenses, the cost of specialized equipment for
gaining access to the product, or labor changes for removal and re-installation of the
product. The Federal Signal Corporation warranty shall not apply to components or
accessories that have a separate warranty by the original manufacturer, such as, but
not limited to batteries.
Federal will provide on-site warranty service during the first 60-days after the
completion of the installation, when Federal has provided a turn-key installation
including optimization and/or commissioning services.
This warranty does not extend to any unit which has been subjected to abuse, misuse,
improper installation or which has been inadequately maintained, nor to units which
have problems related to service or modification at any facility other than Federal
factory or authorized warranty service centers. Moreover, Federal shall have no
liability with respect to defects arising in Products through any cause other than
ordinary use (such as, for example, accident, fire, lightning, water damage, or other
remaining acts of God).
THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL FEDERAL BE LIABLE
FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR ANY INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
ARISING OUT OF ANY SUCH DEFECT IN MATERIAL WORKMANSHIP.
2645 Federal Signal Drive, University Park, IL 60484
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.alertnotification.com

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WARNING
Read and understand the information contained in
this manual, before attempting to install or service the siren.
Pay careful attention to the following notices located on the equipment.
NOTICES - EXTERNALLY PLACED

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
SECTION I - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1-1 Scope of This Manual......................................................................1
1-2 General.............................................................................................1
1-3 Siren Description .............................................................................1
1-4 Mechanical Description ..................................................................1
1-5 Control Description..........................................................................2
1-6 Signal Description............................................................................3
SECTION II - SPECIFICATIONS
2-1 Model 2............................................................................................4
SECTION III - INSTALLATION
3-1 Siren Location..................................................................................5
3-2 Physical Installation.........................................................................6
3-3 Electrical Connections.....................................................................11
3-4 Preoperation Checks........................................................................12
SECTION IV - CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
4-1 Siren Control Description................................................................13
SECTION V - SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
5-1. General.............................................................................................14
5-1.A Minimum Recommended Inspection...............................................14
5-1.B Annual Inspection............................................................................14
5-2 Corrective Maintenance...................................................................15

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SECTION I
CHARACTERISTICS
Figure 1-1. Model 2 Siren
1-1. SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL
This service manual describes the characteristics, specifications, installation, controls, theory of operation
and servicing of the Federal Signal Model 2 Outdoor Warning Siren.
1.2. GENERAL
The Federal Signal Model 2 Outdoor Warning Sirens are omni-directional sirens that are capable of
producing high intensity warning signals over a large area. Federal Signal provides mounting hardware that
enables the user to install a siren on a utility pole or on the roof of a building. As a result, the siren can be installed
in almost any situation. The high efficiency of these siren models enables them to produce a high sound level
while making moderate demands on the power source.
1-3. SIREN DESCRIPTION
The Model 2 Siren (Figure 1-1) is a 102dB single tone siren.
The Model 2 siren mechanism is enclosed in a sheet metal housing. A conical dome is mounted on the
top of the housing and two truncated conical cowls are attached to the housing, approximately one-third and
two-thirds along the height of the housing.
A Model RC2W Motor Starter is required to operate the siren. The Model 2 uses a 120 or 240 volt universal
motor that can operate from either dc or 25-60Hz single-phase AC.
1.4. MECHANICAL DESCRIPTION
The mechanism of all siren models covered in this manual consists of a vertically installed motor with a
stator attached to the motor housing, and a rotor mounted on the drive-shaft concentric to the stator. The rotor and

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stator each contain at least one row of ports. As the motor rotates the rotor, air is drawn through an intake tube,
and passes through the rotor and stator ports in pulses. These pulses are produced because the rotor alternately
opens and closes the stator ports. The pulses of air produce sound at a frequency (pitch) that is dependent on the
instantaneous rotational speed of the motor, and the number of ports in the rotor-stator combination.
A Model RC2W Motor Starter is required to operate the siren. The Model 2 uses a 120 or 240 volt universal
motor that can operate from either dc or 25-60Hz single-phase AC.
1-5. CONTROL DESCRIPTION
A. Models RC2W-120 (120VAC), AND RC2W-240 (240VAC)
The Model RC2W Motor Starters are basically a heavy-duty relay that is required for the starting and
operating current of a Model 2 siren. The RC2W is enclosed in a NEMA type 3R enclosure. The unit must be
installed on a vertical surface.
B. Models FC (1-way status), or FCTB (2-way status) Controllers
The FC, or FCTB siren control units provide RF and/or wire line control of individually programmable
timing cycles for contact closure outputs. The versatility of the FC makes it an ideal choice for virtually all
siren control applications or any other process that can be controlled via relay contacts.
The microprocessor based controller contains the following features:
Synthesized Radio Receiver (Low Band, High Band, or UHF - 3 separate models)
Two-Tone and DTMF Decoders
Up to 4 Individually Programmable Output Relays
Siren Tone Generator
Push Buttons for Local Control
Contact Closure Inputs for Land Line Control
RS232 Programming Port
Diagnostic LED’s
Programmability
All functions of the FC controller are programmable from a current WINDOWS compatible computer
with an RS232 port using Federal Signal's easy to use FSPWARE programming software. The software allows
easy configuration, uploading and downloading of control programs.
Programming options include:
Radio Receiver Frequency
Single and Two-Tone Sequential Decode Tones & Tone Lengths
DTMF Decode Digits
Output Relay Timing Patterns
Tone Generation Frequencies & Durations
Up to six (6) control timing sequences may be programmed into the controller. Standard siren control
timings can be chosen or custom relay output timings can be designed. The control functions can be activated
from any combination of six (6) Single Tone, Two Tone Sequential and/or DTMF tones. Timing sequences can
also be initiated using the local push buttons and contact closure inputs.
Configuration programs are stored in nonvolatile E2memory to ensure retention even during a complete
power failure.

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1-6. SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
All of the vertical sirens are capable of providing a sustained steady signal, and a wailing signal. The
steady signal is frequently used as a Civil Defense “Alert” signal. The wailing signal is often used as a Civil
Defense “Attack”. However, the signal can be used for any desired indication. These signals are shown
graphically in Figure 1-2 for both single tone and dual tone vertical siren models.
Figure 1-2. Signal Characteristics

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SECTION II
SPECIFICATIONS
2-1. MODEL 2.
Power Requirements...................................................................... 120Vac/dc, single-phase 24A. or
240Vac/dc, single-phase 12A.
Physical
Diameter........................................................................... 18" (46 cm)
Height ............................................................................. 25.5" (65 cm)
Shipping Weight............................................................... 85 lb. (36 kg.)
Miscellaneous
Sound Output.................................................................... 102dBC at 100 ft. (30.5m - Model 2)
Motor Type....................................................................... Single phase ball bearing, universal
series 120Vac/dc, or single phase ball
bearing universal series 240V ac /dc
Power ............ ............................................................................. 2 HP
Top Frequency
Single Tone ...................................................................... 533Hz (60Hz) or 444Hz (50Hz)
Operating Temperature.................................................................. -30° C to 65° C

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SECTION III
INSTALLATON
DANGER
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 electrical codes.
3-1. SIREN LOCATION
The information in this section provides guidelines to aid the user in the selection of an installation site that
makes the best possible use of the siren.
WARNING
The output levels of the Model 2 siren are capable of causing permanent hearing damage. To
prevent excessive exposure, carefully plan placement of siren and post warnings.
If the siren is being installed as part of a Civil Defense Warning system, always follow Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) recommendations.
Careful consideration of the factors affecting the propagation of sound from the siren and the response of the
human ear to the sound will optimize the ability of the siren to effectively warn the community.
The reduction of signal intensity, as the distance from the siren increases and the minimum desired signal level
at the fringe of the area to be covered are important considerations when choosing a siren installation site. As the
distance from the siren increases, sound level losses accumulate. These losses are a result of weather conditions, the
terrain, and obstructions in the sound path, the pitch of the sound and the height of the siren. Optimum sound
propagation conditions exist when there are no obstructions in the sound path, the terrain is flat, and the air is calm.
Under these conditions, each time the distance from the siren is doubled, the sound level decreases by approximately
8dB. For example, the sound level 100 feet (30.5m) from a Model 2 is 102dB, at 200 feet (61m), the sound level drops
to 94dB; at 400 feet (122m) the sound level drops to 86dB; etc. This is referred to as the “loss per distance doubled”.
A loss per distance doubled of 8dB is seldom experienced. This is because buildings and other obstructions
are frequently present in the sound path. In addition, the atmosphere is rarely calm, and the terrain may not be flat. As
a result, a typical loss per distance doubled in residential areas may be 10dB, and as high as 12dB in areas having tall
buildings.
Experience indicates that an individual with normal hearing will probably hear a warning signal whose
intensity is at least as high as the ambient noise level.
Experience has also shown that the ambient noise level in industrial districts is typically 90dB. Therefore, for
a person to hear a warning signal in an industrial area, the sound level intensity of that signal must also be
approximately 90dB. In this situation, any point receiving a signal having less than 90dB intensity is considered to be
outside the effective range of the siren.
In business districts an ambient noise level of 80dB is common and in residential areas, 70dB of ambient noise
is typical. Assuming a 10dB loss per distance doubled and a 70dB minimum sound level, the effective range of a

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Model 2 is approximately 910 feet (278m).
Wind speed and direction often affect the propagation of sound from the siren. Consequently, the
direction of the prevailing wind may also be a factor to consider when selecting the installation site(s) of a small, one or
two-siren system. For example, if the prevailing wind is from the west, it may be desirable to install the siren toward
the western edge of the area to be covered.
Other factors to consider before selecting the installation site include the availability of electrical power, the
ease of installation and maintenance, and the height of surroundingobstructions.
3-2. PHYSICAL INSTALLATION
WARNING
Moving parts could cause severe cuts or amputation. DO NOT reach into the siren openings.
A. GENERAL
Most siren installations are one of two types; Pole Mount or Flat Surface Mount. These two configurations
make it possible to install a siren in almost any situation. If neither of the installations in this paragraph is suitable,
modification of one of the configurations described may be necessary. Contact the factory for further assistance.
A siren is typically installed 35 to 40 feet above the ground. If the installation is less than 35 feet above the
ground, the sound intensity at close range mayincrease, but the effective range of the siren may be reduced.
Conversely, if the siren is located more than 40 feet above the ground, the effective range of the siren may increase, but
the sound may skip over areas closer to the siren. These variables may make it desirable to test the sound coverage of
the siren at various heights and locations whenever possible. ALWAYS insure that the air intakes are clear when the
siren is being tested and when it is installed at its final location.
1. Model 2 (Pole Mounting)
A Model PMS Pole Mounting Stand is required when mounting the Model 2 on a utility pole.
The PMS consists of a mounting plate, three angle iron legs, six 1/2"-13 x 2" hex head cap screws, six
1/2"-13 nuts, and six 1/2" lock washers.
(a) Uncrate the siren and remove the siren from the shipping base.
(b) Attach the cast iron legs of the siren mechanism to the mounting plate using 3/8" lock-
washers, nuts, and bolts through the 3 slots in the mounting plate (see figure 3-1).
(c) Set the siren housing over the siren mechanism on the mounting plate. Center the housing
over the mechanism. Attach the housing to the plate using aluminum clips, 1/4" lock-washers, nuts,
and bolts through the three 3/8" diameter holes (see figure 3-1 and figure 5-8).

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Figure 3-1. Mounting Plate Drilling Detail
(d) Lay the siren mechanism on its side and attach the three legs to the mounting plate using three
angle iron clips and six 1/2"-13 nuts and bolts. Attach the legs through three .75" X 1” slotted holes
indicated in figure 3-1.
(e) Dig the hole for the Class 2 utility pole and lay the pole on the ground as close as practical to
the installation site.
(f) With the siren laying on its side, and the pole laying on the work surface attach the siren to the
utility pole using at least two 5/ 8" lag bolts at least four inches long (not supplied) for each leg. If
necessary, install shims between the siren legs and the pole.
(g) Wrap a cable or chain capable of bearing at least one ton around the pole-siren combination at
least three times. Wrap the chain or cable around the legs of the siren. Use the chain or cable in
conjunction with a crane or hoist capable of lifting at least one ton to erect the pole in accordance
with accepted practice.
(h) Install the Model RC2W Motor Starter and a fused disconnect switch in a location on the pole
that is readily accessible to service personnel, but discourages vandalism. The RC2W must be
installed in a vertical position for proper operation. Install the electrical devices following NEC
recommendations and local electrical codes. A suggested installation configuration is shown in
figure 3-2.

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Figure 3-2. Typical Model 2 Pole-Mounted Installation

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2. Model 2 (Flat Surface Mounting)
WARNING
Moving parts could cause severe cuts or amputation. DO NOT reach into the siren openings.
(a) Center the siren mechanism on the mounting surface, and using the mounting holes in the legs
of the mechanism as a template, drill three 7/16" holes in the mounting surface (see figure 3-3).
(b) Temporarily set the siren housing over the siren mechanism on the mounting plate. Center the
housing over the mechanism.
(c) Using the housing and the aluminum clips as a template, drill three 1/4" holes approximately
equidistant around the circumference of the housing. Lift the housing off of the siren. It will be
reinstalled later.
d) Mount the siren-base plate assembly on the mounting surface using lag bolts or nuts and bolts,
as appropriate. Do NOT replace the housing on the siren. It will be replaced later. If the siren is
mounted directly on a roof (without a platform or weight distribution mat) be sure to install
waterproof joints where the mounting bolts pass through the roof so that water does not enter the
building.
(e) Install the RC2W Motor Starter, fused disconnect switch, and other control devices as close as
practical to the siren following local electrical codes and NEC recommendations. If the siren is
installed on the roof of a building, it may be desirable to install the RC2W and other control devices
inside of the building. The unit must be installed vertically to operate correctly (see figure 3-3).

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Figure 3-3. Typical Model 2 Platform Mount

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3-3. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS.
Note: For FC, FCTB controller connections refer to their installation manuals 255294, 255326.
DANGER
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 electrical codes.
The power and control circuitry of a typical Model 2 installation is shown in figure 3-4. The schematic
diagram of the Model RC2W Motor Starter is also shown in the figure.
The RC2W Motor Starter is provided with various size knockout holes. Some of the knockouts can
accommodate 1/2" conduit fittings, others can accept 3/ 4" conduit fittings, and still others can accommodate 1"
conduit fittings. These various sized knockout holes are provided because electrical wiring requirements are
frequently unpredictable. The diameter of the conduit required for the installation depends on the AWG size of
the wiring used, the type of insulation on the wiring, and local electrical codes. Therefore, be sure that the size of
the conduit selected meets the requirements of the installation.
Figure 3-4. RC2W Electrical Connection
To connect the motor starter and siren to the power source and control circuitry, proceed as follows (see
figure 3-4):
1. Install conduit between the RC2W and the electrical leads on the side of the siren motor.
2. Install conduit between the RC2W and the disconnect switch.

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3. Install conduit between the disconnect switch and the electrical power source. If the siren is installed
on a utility pole, add an entrance cap to the end of the conduit, as shown in figure 3-2.
4. Route two wires of the proper size from T1 and T2 in the RC2W, through the conduit to the siren
motor leads.
5. Route two wires of the proper size from L1 and L2 through the conduit to the power disconnect
switch.
6. Route two wires, of the proper size, from the disconnect switch to the power source.
7. Connect the FC to terminals L1 and 3 in the motor starter. See figure 3-4.
8. Replace the housing on the siren.
9. As a safety precaution to protect both personnel and equipment, it is highly recommended that the
siren and all control devices be solidly connected to an earth ground. If the siren is installed on a building,
ground the system to a metallic object known to be grounded. For pole mounted installations, drive a metal
rod or bar at least two feet (61 cm) into the ground, or as close as practical to the base of the pole. For
maximum protection, use a separate, continuous 10AWG or larger, wire from the siren frame to ground and
the cabinet of each control device to ground.
3-4. PREOPERATION CHECKS
After the siren has been completely installed, perform the following checks before putting the siren into
service.
WARNING
The output level of a siren is capable of causing severe hearing discomfort or permanent
hearing damage. Therefore, ALWAYS wear hearing protection when performing tests or
maintenance on the siren.
A. Make sure that all air intakes and sound outlets are not obstructed.
B. For local test activation refer to the FC control installation manual no. 255294.
C. Check the operation of the control circuitry by initiating one or more signals from the FC control.
After the installation is complete and it has been established that the siren is operating properly, Federal
recommends that all control devices be padlocked to discourage tampering and vandalism.

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SECTION IV
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
4-1. SIREN CONTROL DESCRIPTION
The Model RC2W is used to operate a Model 2 Siren.
The RC2W is a motor starter that switches the power to the Model 2 siren. The RC2W requires a siren
controller to provide Steady and Wail type siren signals typically used for warning applications. The
siren controller will hold a contact closed to activate the RC2W for a Steady signal and will cycle the
contact open and closed to create a Wail signal. The RC2W also provides overload protection for the
siren motor.
As shown in figure 3-4, the motor starter includes an overload relay. The relay protects the motor
starter and the motor in the event that excess current is drawn. The overload relay is activated when
there is sufficient current through one or more of its heaters to cause the heater(s) to expand enough to open the
relay contacts. The opening of the relay contacts opens the motor starter control circuit. As a result the motor
starter de-energizes, protecting the circuit against damage. After the motor starter de-energizes, the relay contacts
reset automatically when the heater(s) cools sufficiently. The overload relay can also be reset manually after
approximately one minute.