Installation and Programming Instructions
6
Model 331105 SMC5 SignalMaster Controller
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 3 on page 7.
2.
Connect the black ground wire to the lug as shown in Figure 3 on page 7. Securely tighten the binding
screw using a 1/4" 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 4. 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.
4. Connect the red wire from the nine-conductor cable of the SignalMaster to the vehicle battery through a
fuse holder that is located as close to the battery as possible. The fuse should be a 20 A to protect a single
lightbar and 40 A if two lightbars are to be protected by a single fuse.
Do not install the fuse until
all other electrical connections have been made.
To run between the fuses and each SignalMaster,
use a properly-sized red wire. If a single conductor will be used to provide power to two SignalMaster
lightbars, ensure that the wire is of the recommended gauge for the total load. For wire gauge
recommendations, see Table 4 on page 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, use an 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, and will be active only when powered by the ignition switch, 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 battery.
6.
See Figures 2 and 3 on page 7. Strip 1/4" of insulation from all wires that you plan to connect to the
15-position terminal block of the controller. 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.
