Do’s and don’ts for sirens

[Elliottalexa]

What are some do’s and don’ts for having a siren?
Just curious!

[Lycanroc76]

DO follow local laws. This is crucial for owning a siren if you plan to set it off.

[ArxCyberwolf]

DO NOT harass municipalities or fire departments asking for their sirens or to set them off. Remember, "No" is a full sentence and you're not going to get anywhere by being obnoxious. If you're kind, polite and patient, you're more likely to succeed. Being rude about it gives our whole community a bad look and makes it less likely for them to want to work with us in the future.

[OwenLester]

Similar to what Andrew said, don't harass or pressure departments into sounding off a siren or giving it to you. Always be polite, understanding, and patient.

Don't sound off your siren unless it's a test day for very close sirens that's in the town, an emergency, or given county permission.

Do make sure you have an area to store it in before buying one. Sirens can be way bigger than they look.

[HDN]

Make sure your siren is disconnected from power before servicing it, touching it, licking it, etc.

If you have long hair or jewelry, keep it someplace where it won't get caught in anything that moves otherwise your friends might start referring to you as "baldy" or "fingers".

[29 ALF]

Ditto to what has already been said, and additionally, share the hobby with friends and family; they can help you with things you may find difficult.

[PelicanStateSirens]

Listen to other people's advice. As a person who ignored what people told me to do with my siren, I deeply regret it and that same siren is now dysfunctional. Working on your sirens can get pricey, and sometimes hard to maintain without help. I recommend if servicing your siren; to get advice from a fellow, experienced enthusiast.

[Eclipse DDS]

I've heard a good few horror stories involving siren-related incidents.

1. Keep fingers WELL CLEAR of the rotor vanes and stator, even if you're just spinning it with your hand. No one deliberately breaks their finger in a siren, all it takes it a slight slip and you hear the sound of a carrot being chopped. If you do feel the urge to spin the rotor, go ahead, just stay very, VERY aware of the danger that your hands are in.

2. Especially if your siren uses 3-phase electrical input, make sure that the wiring is sound. If you're wiring it yourself (especially if its for the first time), it's probably a good idea to check with a more experienced individual whether it's set up correctly. Also, make sure to avoid any unexpected electric conduction. Trust me, you do NOT want a 3-phase current pulsating through you!

3. If you hear strange, non-siren sounds (such as a rumbling or clattering sound) it might be worth checking the insides of the siren motor, or whether there's anything affecting the shaft or rotor in general. A common cause of rumbling can be damaged or pitted bearings, which is untreated can cause more serious issues. My M.E.Z. has had both bearings replaced since they were pitted, but my Castle Castings had a more unique issue... somehow a few insects and other bits of debris had entered part of the motor.

Anyway, so long as you responsibly use the siren, don't abuse it and maintain it if necessary, there's really not that much to go wrong with them. Of course this differs from model to model, but these are some of the general things to know.

[Elliottalexa]

it sounds to me that a siren is just like a non-waterproof garbage disposal.

[PelicanStateSirens]

it sounds to me that a siren is just like a non-waterproof garbage disposal.

Can we please stick to the topic and NOT make childish, and unprofessional remarks? Seriously, you had no reason to say that.