2561472A
REV. A 898
Printed in U.S.A.
INSTRUCTION SHEET
FOR
SIGNALMASTER™ MODELS SM428A-NFPA AND SM518A-NFPA
SAFETY MESSAGE TO INSTALLERS
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 this light: you must have a good
understanding of automotive electrical procedures
and systems, along with proficiency in the installa-
tion 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.
•
In order for the light to function properly, a separate
ground connection must be made. If practical, it
should be connected to the fusible link at the front
fender between the negative (-) battery terminal and
chassis ground. 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 control so the VEHICLE and CON-
TROL can be operated safely under all driving
conditions.
•
Do not attempt to activate or deactivate light control
while driving in a hazardous situation.
•
You should frequently inspect the light 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.
GENERAL.
The Federal SignalMaster™ Models SM518A-NFPA and
SM428A-NFPA are economical, low wattage, directional light
assemblies that are designed for use in a flashing mode. Lens
colors available are: amber (standard), red, blue, green, and clear.
These models provide three distinctive and prioritized
lighting patterns. The highest priority pattern is the left arrow
and right arrow directional signal. When this signal is selected,
the lamps are individually illuminated in a sequential sweeping
motion until all eight lamps are illuminated. The lower priority
pattern is the warn signal. When this signal is selected, an
alternating flash of the four outside lamps with the two inside
lamps occurs. This signal may be used when a directional signal is
not appropriate. The lowest priority pattern is the low power warn
signal. When this signal is selected, the two outside lamps on each
side of the light assembly will alternately flash.
II.
SPECIFICATIONS.
Input Voltage
11VDC to 16VDC.
Polarity
Negative ground only.
Operating Temperature
-30
°
C to +65
°
C.
Range
Standby Current
Zero amperes.
+BAT Fuse
25 amperes.
Output Drive
8, 27 watt lamps.
Capability (Total)
Flash Rate:
Directional
35 patterns/min.
Warn
60 patterns/min.
Low Power Warn
60 patterns/min.
Dimensions:
SM518A
SM428A
Height
2.6"
2.6"
Length
50.9"
42.0"
Depth
3.4"
3.4"
Cable Length
35'
15'
WARNING
These lights are intended for
secondary
warning only.
They are
not
intended for use as a primary warning
system.
III.
INSTALLATION.
CAUTION
The SignalMaster’s circuitry can be damaged, or
destroyed, by static discharge. To prevent ESD, observe
anti-static procedures during installation.
A.
SignalMaster Light Assembly.
Install the light assembly as described in the instruc-
tions packed with the mounting kit.
B.
Control Head.
WARNING
When installing equipment inside air bag equipped
vehicles, the installer MUST ensure that the equipment
is installed ONLY in areas recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer.
Failure to observe this warning will reduce the effective-
ness of the air bag, damage the air bag, or potentially
damage or dislodge the equipment, causing serious injury
or death to you or others.
Assemble the control head as shown in figure 1. For
proper operation of the unit, the switches must be installed as
shown. To install the control head, proceed as follows:
