Whelen Engineering Company LiFe LA28 User manual

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©2017 Whelen Engineering Company Inc.
Form No.14B11 (081517) For warranty information regarding this product, visit www.whelen.com/warranty
• Proper installation of this product requires the installer to have a good understanding of automotive electronics, systems and procedures.
• Whelen Engineering requires the use of waterproof butt splices and/or connectors if that connector could be exposed to moisture.
• Any holes, either created or utilized by this product, should be made both air- and watertight using a sealant recommended by your vehicle
manufacturer.
• Failure to use specified installation parts and/or hardware will void the product warranty.
• If mounting this product requires drilling holes, the installer MUST be sure that no vehicle components or other vital parts could be damaged
by the drilling process. Check both sides of the mounting surface before drilling begins. Also de-burr the holes and remove any metal shards
or remnants. Install grommets into all wire passage holes.
• If this manual states that this product may be mounted with suction cups, magnets, tape or Velcro®, clean the mounting surface with a 50/50
mix of isopropyl alcohol and water and dry thoroughly.
• Do not install this product or route any wires in the deployment area of your air bag. Equipment mounted or located in the air bag deployment
area will damage or reduce the effectiveness of the air bag, or become a projectile that could cause serious personal injury or death. Refer to
your vehicle owner’s manual for the air bag deployment area. The User/Installer assumes full responsibility to determine proper mounting
location, based on providing ultimate safety to all passengers inside the vehicle.
• For this product to operate at optimum efficiency, a good electrical connection to chassis ground must be made. The recommended
procedure requires the product ground wire to be connected directly to the NEGATIVE (-) battery post (this does not include products that use
cigar power cords).
• If this product uses a remote device for activation or control, make sure that this device is located in an area that allows both the vehicle and
the device to be operated safely in any driving condition.
• Do not attempt to activate or control this device in a hazardous driving situation.
• This product contains either strobe light(s), halogen light(s), high-intensity LEDs or a combination of these lights. Do not stare directly into
these lights. Momentary blindness and/or eye damage could result.
• Use only soap and water to clean the outer lens. Use of other chemicals could result in premature lens cracking (crazing) and discoloration.
Lenses in this condition have significantly reduced effectiveness and should be replaced immediately. Inspect and operate this product
regularly to confirm its proper operation and mounting condition. Do not use a pressure washer to clean this product.
• It is recommended that these instructions be stored in a safe place and referred to when performing maintenance and/or reinstallation of this
product.
• FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT OR VEHICLE
AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY TO YOU AND YOUR PASSENGERS!
Automotive: Other
Warnings to Installers
Whelen’s emergency vehicle warning devices must be properly mounted and wired in order to be effective and safe. Read and follow all of Whelen’s written
instructions when installing or using this device. Emergency vehicles are often operated under high speed stressful conditions which must be accounted for
when installing all emergency warning devices. Controls should be placed within convenient reach of the operator so that they can operate the system without
taking their eyes off the roadway. Emergency warning devices can require high electrical voltages and/or currents. Properly protect and use caution around
live electrical connections.Grounding or shorting of electrical connections can cause high current arcing, which can cause personal injury and/or vehicle
damage, including fire. Many electronic devices used in emergency vehicles can create or be affected by electromagnetic interference. Therefore, after
installation of any electronic device it is necessary to test all electronic equipment simultaneously to insure that they operate free of interference from other
components within the vehicle. Never power emergency warning equipment from the same circuit or share the same grounding circuit with radio
communication equipment. All devices should be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and securely fastened to vehicle elements of
sufficient strength to withstand the forces applied to the device. Driver and/or passenger air bags (SRS) will affect the way equipment should be mounted. This
device should be mounted by permanent installation and within the zones specified by the vehicle manufacturer, if any. Any device mounted in the deployment
area of an air bag will damage or reduce the effectiveness of the air bag and may damage or dislodge the device. Installer must be sure that this device, its
mounting hardware and electrical supply wiring does not interfere with the air bag or the SRS wiring or sensors. Mounting the unit inside the vehicle by a
method other than permanent installation is not recommended as unit may become dislodged during swerving; sudden braking or collision. Failure to follow
instructions can result in personal injury. Whelen assumes no liability for any loss resulting from the use of this warning device. PROPER INSTALLATION
COMBINED WITH OPERATOR TRAINING IN THE PROPER USE OF EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES IS ESSENTIAL TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND THE PUBLIC.
Warnings to Users
Whelen’s emergency vehicle warning devices are intended to alert other operators and pedestrians to the presence and operation of emergency vehicles and
personnel. However, the use of this or any other Whelen emergency warning device does not guarantee that you will have the right-of-way or that other
drivers and pedestrians will properly heed an emergency warning signal. Never assume you have the right-of-way. It is your responsibility to proceed safely
before entering an intersection, driving against traffic, responding at a high rate of speed, or walking on or around traffic lanes. Emergency vehicle warning
devices should be tested on a daily basis to ensure that they operate properly. When in actual use, the operator must ensure that both visual and audible
warnings are not blocked by vehicle components (i.e.: open trunks or compartment doors), people, vehicles, or other obstructions. It is the user’s responsibility
to understand and obey all laws regarding emergency warning devices. The user should be familiar with all applicable laws and regulations prior to the use of
any emergency vehicle warning device. Whelen’s audible warning devices are designed to project sound in a forward direction away from the vehicle
occupants. However, because sustained periodic exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss, all audible warning devices should be installed and
operated in accordance with the standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.
Safety First
This document provides all the necessary information to allow your Whelen product to be properly and safely installed. Before beginning the installation and/or
operation of your new product, the installation technician and operator must read this manual completely. Important information is contained herein that could
prevent serious injury or damage.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Methylene Chloride which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and
Bisphenol A, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Owners Manual:
LiFe Series Portable Area Light
Model LA28
51 Winthrop Road
Chester, Connecticut 06412-0684
Phone: [phone]
Internet: www.whelen.com
Sales e-mail: [e-mail]
Customer Service e-mail: [email protected]
®
ENGINEERING COMPANY INC.

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6.75
7.50
No structure or mounted equipment allowed
within this clearance area:
3-inch (min) to the front
1-inch (min) to remaining 3 sides
Introduction....
The Whelen LiFe model LA28 portable scene light features a Lithium
Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. This type of battery provides efficient
and long-lasting energy. Spill proof construction allows safe operation in
any position. Approved for transport by air. DOT, IATA, FAA and CAB
certified. Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology for superior
performance.
For maximum battery life, there are precautions that must be followed
to ensure long battery life. Be sure to follow the information contained in
this manual carefully.
Installation
1. Select a mounting location for the IIC (Intelligent Inductive
Charger) base. The base may be mounted on any smooth, flat
surface of ambient temperature. This surface can be either
horizontal or vertical (provided the base is properly oriented).
IMPORTANT! The location selected must not allow the LA28
to be exposed to temperatures above 140°F or below -4°F.
This will cause permanent damage to the battery and void the
warranty.
2. Position the base against the proposed mounting surface. When
determining the location for the base, remember there needs to be
sufficient room for the LA28 to be easily removed from and
returned to the base for charging (see below). Additionally, the
Release Button/Diagnostic Display needs to be clearly and readily
visible.
3. With the base in position, mark the locations of the four mounting
holes with an awl, marker or similar tool. Remove the base from
the mounting location and using a 1/4 inch bit, drill 4 mounting
holes. Be sure to deburr these holes before continuing.
4. Return the base to its mounting location and using the hardware
provided, secure the base to its mounting surface.
Wiring
DC chargers - Using appropriately sized wire, extend the wires coming
from the base to an ignition controlled, 12VDC circuit capable of
accommodating a current draw of 5 amps. The circuit used should be
fused at 7.5 Amps. IMPORTANT! Failure to use an ignition
controlled circuit could, over time, result in vehicle battery drain.
AC Chargers - AC chargers (120/240 VAC) do not require any special
wiring. The base features an AC adapter and includes a removable
power cord that plugs into a standard AC receptacle.
Operation
After installation of the charging base has been completed, mount the
LA28 onto the base. Orient the LA28 so that the light is facing away
from the release button/diagnostic display. Place the LA28 onto the
base so that the four, metal, mounting tabs are located just ahead of the
mounting tab retainers. Slide the LA28 backwards until it fully engages
the mounting release button with a ‘click’.
Once the LA28 is latched into position, the IIC will evaluate the battery
state and report its condition by illuminating the Release Button in one
of four colors. Each color represents a different property of the battery
and serves to keep the user informed as to the battery’s state:
RED - Indicates that the LA28 is properly positioned and the battery
is charging.
GREEN - Indicates that the battery has been fully charged. Note: This
color may remain lit for a few moments after the LA28 has
been removed from the charger.
AMBER - Indicates that the temperature of the LA28 is outside its
acceptable range (140° to -4°F). The user must
immediately move the light into an area within the
acceptable operating range.
BLUE - Alerts the user that a metal object has been placed on or
near the charger and should be removed. After removal,
wait for the Blue light to go out before placing the LA28
in the charger. This may take up to 30 seconds. Do not
place any object other than the LA28 on the charger!
While the LA28 is on its base, the battery is being constantly monitored
and charged as needed. The translucent release button doubles as the
diagnostic display and provides important information about the state of
the battery. Note that the LA28 can not be activated while on the
base.
LA28 shown latched
onto the charging base

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Operating Modes
The LA28 can be used in one of three operating modes. As outlined in
their descriptions, the duration of each mode is estimated using a 76°F
ambient temperature. As the temperature moves away in either
direction, the estimated battery life will diminish. The further away it
moves, the more significant the reduction of usable battery life.
The modes are as follows
High Power High power mode produces the brightest, most
intense light. To turn the light on in high power mode,
press and release the power button.
In this mode, a fully charged battery will last for
approximately 1.5 hours of continuous use.
Battery Saver Battery Saver mode is used to extend battery life
when a less intense light output is acceptable. To
change to Battery Saver mode, turn the light on in
high power, then press and hold the power button.
When you see the light output has been reduced,
release the button.
In this mode, a fully charged battery will last for
approximately 3 hours of continuous use.
Alert Mode Alert mode produces a flashing light. To turn the light
on in alert mode, with the power off, press and hold
the power button until the light begins to flash.
In this mode, a fully charged battery will last for
approximately 3.5 hours of continuous use.
IMPORTANT! While the LiFe portable light is
capable of flashing, it is not a warning light!
Critical Mode When there is approximately 15 minutes of usable
battery life left, the light will automatically switch
to critical mode. Until the battery has been
recharged, no other mode of operation is
available.
During Critical mode, light output is reduced to
10% of full intensity.
When the light has switched to critical mode, it
must be recharged before it can be returned to
service.
ONCE THE LA28 HAS SWITCHED TO CRITICAL
MODE, IT WILL TAKE APPROXIMATELY 6 HOURS
TO FULLY CHARGE THE BATTERY.
Angle Adjustment
The angle of the projected light may be adjusted as needed by rotating
the Angle Adjustment Knob. The total sweep is 180° in 15° increments.
Battery Removal / Installation
1. Remove the 12 screws securing the bottom cover to the housing.
Carefully lift the bottom cover away from the housing and
disconnect the harness connector from the electrical assembly.
2. Remove the 7 screws securing the interior mounting plate and lift
the plate out of the housing and from around the harness
connector.
ENGINEERING COMPANY INC. CHESTER, CT. 06412-0684 [phone]
WWW. .COM
R
PIONEER LiFe LF28
USE OF ANY OTHER BATTERY
WILL PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THIS PRODUCT.
IF REPLACING BATTERY, VERIFY PROPER DIP SWITCH POSITION:
ON
12
-LiFePO4 BATTERY (ON,ON)
ONLY REPLACE WITH:
K2 ENERGY #K2B12V10EB
ON
12
-STANDARD BATTERY (OFF,ON)
(LEAD ACID)
High Power
1.5 Hours
Estimated
Duration*
*Duration based on a fully charged battery @ 76°F
Battery Saver
3Hours
Alert Mode
3.5 Hours
ENGINEERING COMPANY INC. CHESTER, CT.06412-0684 [phone]
WWW. .COM
R
PIONEER LiFe LA28
USE OF ANY OTHER BATTERY
WILL PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THISPRODUCT.
IFREPLACING BATTERY, VERIFY PROPER DIPSWITCH POSITION:
ON
12
-LiFePO4 BATTERY (ON,ON)
ONLY REPLACE WITH:
K2 ENERGY #K2B12V10EB
ON
12
-STANDARD BATTERY (OFF,ON)
(LEAD ACID)

Page 4
3. With the battery now accessible, remove it from the housing and
disconnect the Red and Black wires from the battery terminals.
IMPORTANT! The label on the interior mounting plate lists the
batteries that may be used with this product. Do not install any
battery other than what is listed on this label.
4. To install a battery, connect the RED wire to the POSITIVE (+)
battery terminal and connect the BLACK wire to the NEGATIVE (-)
battery terminal. CONNECTING THE WIRES TO THE WRONG
TERMINAL COULD CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE
BATTERY AND VOID THE WARRANTY! Return the battery to its
installed location.
5. Route the harness connector through its opening in the Interior
Mounting Board. Position the Board in its original mounting
location, making sure not to pinch any wires. Secure using the
original hardware removed in step 2.
6. Connect the harness plug to the connector on the bottom cover,
position the cover in its original mounting location and secure
using the original hardware removed in step 2.
7. Before reinstalling the bottom cover, make sure that the gasket
seal is properly positioned and not twisted. Position the cover onto
the housing and secure it to the housing using the original
hardware removed in step 1.
8. Place the LA28 onto its base and allow it to fully charge before
returning it to service.
9. If you are replacing the battery verify the proper dip switch
position:
WARNING: USE OF ANY OTHER BATTERY WILL PERMANENTLY
DAMAGE THIS PRODUCT
Attention!
If for any reason it becomes necessary to ship the LiFe battery,
whether installed in the LiFe Light or not, there are critical shipping
guidelines and procedures that need to be strictly followed.
Contact your shipping company for their specific packaging and
labeling requirements regarding the transportation of “Lithium Iron
Phosphate” batteries.
ON
12
-LiFePO4 BATTERY (ON,ON)
ONLY REPLACE WITH:
K2 ENERGY #K2B12V10EB
ON
12
-STANDARD BATTERY (OFF,ON)
(LEAD ACID)
IMPORTANT! When the battery has reached the end of its usable life, it is important that it be disposed of safely and properly.
Contact your local officials for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) or lead acid battery disposal guidelines and battery recycling
locations for your area.
MODEL PS-1270 F1
12 Volt 7.0 Amp. Hr.
Warning:
Risk of fire, explosion, or burns.
Do not disassemble, heat above60 C, or incinerate.
RechargeableSealed Lead-AcidBattery
DC power,constant voltagecharge
Cycleuse: 14.4 - 15.0V(20 C)
Standby use:13.5 - 13.8V(20 C)
Initial current: 2.1AMAX
80
13340 01000
Sealed Rechargeable
Battery
120070260211
Sealed Rechargeble Battery