Input needed on a Thunderbolt mounting issue

[Thun-1003guy]

Hello everyone, I was just wanting some input on the following issue. A couple of our original Thunderbolt installs use a two pole method with a platform that the blower sits on. I recently went over to one of the siren locations and noticed how bad the utility pole is warped down by the control boxes platform. Do you think this pole will need to be replaced immediately, or it will last a few more years. It's caused the platform and blower to shift, making a gap between the standpipe and pole. I just wants your guy's input on how safe this is.

[SuperBanshee]

No, this is not safe - the pole will just continue to get worse as the years go by. Seeing how warped it is, I do not think it is suitable for holding up the Thunderbolt siren anymore.
It would be a good idea to re-mount the siren as soon as possible. You might like to re-mount it on just one pole like the majority of Thunderbolts out there. Adhere to the service manual for different mounting configurations.

http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/siren ... bolt-2.pdf

[SoundMaster 391]

You could re-mount the blower like the one in the picture down below. Back when the Hawaii EMA was installing Thunderbolts the contractor who installed the siren would make their own blower platform out of wood instead of making the Federal recommended metal platform. You could also make some wooden boxes for the RCM 1 and ARCH control boxes. It will protect the controls from rust and weather.

[Thun-1003guy]

I don't think they'll single pole mount it, they'll keep the double pole mount and just replace the one pole. That would make the most sense

[gman 1]

I don't think the double pole installation is even mentioned in the service manual. I just opened my copy and that type of mounting isn't shown of mentioned. I may have missed it though.

[Thun-1003guy]

It's not, but I don't see the issue in having it mounted the way it is, it's lasted since the early 80's. I like the way it's mounted, deters vandalism having the blower up therd

[gman 1]

The single pole style also deters vandals. It also allows for the blower to be mounted high up. The style also requires less wood, which means less money.

[SuperBanshee]

The reason I suggest re-mounting the siren differently is because two-pole setups had a tendency for warping and eventually failing to hold the siren. If you replace the pole and other warped wooden components, you could re-mount the siren using the same setup. It was simply my impression that using a simpler mounting setup would be more convenient.

[Valra Bellkeys]

In my opinion, you should do a single pole install. It would not only save time of having to put up 2 entire poles, it would also save money. As said, a dual pole mount wouldn't prevent vandals any more than a single pole mount would. The blower is suspended on a wooden platform, and the control box is on the pole.

Here is a random picture I found of a Thunderbolt in Hawaii.

Thunderbolt hawaii.jpg (32.41 KiB) Viewed 4229 times

I highly suggest that you use a single pole mount.

[SoundMaster 391]

Single pole mounts.