The Siren Board

Hello - Not sure I'm in the right forum for this, but I have a type 2 that we took of the firehouse in October to be fixed. It's been declared D.O.A. because the electrician could not find brushes/holders for it. I believe it is older than the one that tony991 posted. I've read through the posts above and am not particularly encouraged. I got it back and it is in pieces. I've got nothing to follow to put it back together if I were able to get the brushes/holders replaced. I would appreciate some direction/guidance, maybe even a drawing, as I am no expert. I have copies of the patents, but they are from 1922 and 1925 and I've not deciphered them as yet. The drawings are visually not the same as the type 2. Any thoughts?

You probably should have started your own topic on this.

You are correct that your siren is older than the one at the beginning of this thread. The only difference between the two is only the company name change. I believe Federal Electric changed their name to Federal Enterprises in the 1940's.

Your siren appears to be in rough condition. It looks as though it was exposed to the elements without protection for a long time. Did it have a shroud on it? If it was exposed to the elements your two biggest concerns would be the condition of the insulation on the motor windings and the condition of the brush holders. If the insulation on the motor armature and field windings has degraded both would need to be rewound or replaced. Both parts can still be obtained. If your brush holders are destroyed that is the end of that sirens life. That style brush holder can no longer be obtained. Federal changed the brush holder design, and the new holders are not compatible with that motor frame. Another concern is the bearing condition. Fortunately the bearings are still available and fairly affordable.

The disassembly and reassembly of this siren are fairly simple.

Thank you, Westgate Thunderbolt. That helps alot. It does indeed have a shroud, which is in far better shape than the siren body. It has the same serial number that the siren has and has been over top of the siren as long as I've been a member. The motor windings were re-done about 30 years ago. (before my time) That gives me something to ask the electrician, with regard to the holders. That will be the deciding factor. Thanks again for the input. Much appreciated.

What is the condition of the brush holders?

If I am reading your screename right, you are here in the great state of confusion... I mean Pennsylvania. Which department is this Model 2 from? I have a few spare Model 2's that I MIGHT be able to rob brushes off of if they will fit and you are close enough for me to drive (and you agree to pull the apparatus out for pictures of course LOL J/K)