Installation and Programming Instructions
5
SignalMaster
™
Model 330104 SMC1 Light Bar Controller
Federal Signal
www.fedsig.com
BATTERY EXPLOSION: To avoid a battery explosion, always disconnect the negative battery
cable first and reconnect it last. Avoid causing a spark when connecting near or to the battery.
The gases produced by a battery can cause a battery explosion that could result in vehicle
damage and serious injury.
CONNECTING THE RED AND BLACK WIRES: To avoid damage and ensure proper operation, the
red and black wires MUST be installed as shown in Figure 2 on page 6.
2.
Connect the black ground wire to the lug as shown in Figure 2 on page 6. Securely tighten the
binding screw using a 1/4-inch flat tip screwdriver passing through the opening in the cover.
3.
Route the ground wire through the firewall and toward the battery. Connect it to a good frame
ground near the battery. For gauge recommendations, see Table 5. In most vehicles, a wire from the
negative terminal of the battery is routed and attached to the screw at the body/frame at the fender.
Table 5 Minimum wire gauge
Distance to
Battery
20 A Peak
5 ft
18 AWG
10 ft
16 AWG
20 ft
12 AWG
30 ft
12 AWG
40 ft
10 AWG
4.
Connect the red wire from the nine-conductor cable of the SignalMaster™ to the vehicle battery
through a 20 A fuse holder that is located as close to the battery as possible.
Do not install the
fuse until all other electrical connections have been made.
To run between the fuse and the
SignalMaster, use a properly-sized red wire. For wire gauge recommendations, see Table 5.
5.
Select a termination point for the 18 AWG red power wire from the controller. As applicable, route
the 18 AWG red wire toward the vehicle fuse block or through the firewall toward the battery. If the
controller power is to be connected to the battery, install a installer-supplied, in-line fuse in the
18 AWG red wire as close to the battery as possible and terminate it as required. If the red wire is to
be terminated to the fuse block, select an appropriate fused circuit.
IMPORTANT:
The termination point of the 18 AWG red wire from the controller determines when the
directional signal can be activated. When the wire is attached to a vehicle fuse that is powered when
the ignition switch is in the run or start position, the ignition switch must be in the run position to
operate the directional signal. When the wire is attached to the vehicle battery, the directional signal
can be operated at any time. To avoid draining the battery, Federal Signal recommends that the
power wire from the controller be terminated to a switched source.
NOTE:
The controller draws 7 mA (0.007 A) in the off position when connected directly to the vehicle
battery.
6.
Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from all of the wires that will enter nine-position the terminal block. Make
all of the required connections to the terminal block as described in the next section.
7.
Connect the 18 AWG red wire to the position labeled on the terminal block for +12-24 Vdc.
