Decoding Federal Beacon Ray Serial Numbers - a how to guide.

stansdds

Member
May 25, 2010
3,533
U.S.A., Virginia
February 21, 2017.

Ever wonder when your Federal Beacon Ray was made? I have wondered about my collection. After what is closing in on two decades of research and data gathering, I think I have cracked the code in the serial number system. After collecting the serial numbers of Beacon Rays, especially those known to have been installed as original equipment, I found patterns relating the serial number to the year of the vehicle upon which it was installed. elightbars member Skulldigger suggested that there might also be a month of production indicated in the serial number. I had long pondered that possibility, so I went back and made a list of all the available serial numbers in my data. Sure enough, a pattern of 12 letters emerged. Federal Signal no longer has any of this information, so this has been a labor of love to try to make sense of their serial numbering system.

Is it a perfect system? I cannot be 100% certain as Federal sometimes did some weird things. I do hope you find this information helpful and perhaps those who collect sirens will be able to use my methods to decode the serial numbers on Federal's sirens.

Mike "stansdds" Stansfield

______________________________________________________________________

The basic code for the Beacon Ray series produced up through early 1976 is as follows.

The first character is a numeral indicating voltage.
1 = 6VDC
2 = 12VDC
4 = 24VDC

The second character is a letter which, with the exception of the Model 11 Twin Beacon Ray, indicated a range of production years.

The third and fourth characters are numerals indicating the specific model of Beacon Ray. Interestingly, it seems that Federal Signal recycled some numbers for use on different Beacon Ray models.

The fifth character is a letter that likely indicates the month of manufacture unless that character is an "X". I do not know the significance of the use of an "X", but there are numerous models of the Beacon Ray line that contain an "X" before and sometimes after the year numerals and occasionally before the month letter.

The year of manufacture is indicated by the number or numbers following the fifth character.

Up through 1967, Some Model 17's will have a letter following the year numeral. Model 17/173/174/175/176's made in 1968 through early 1976 will usually have the letter "P" after the year numerals, but occasionally you may find a different letter or no suffix letter. I do not know the significance of this suffix letter.

The serial number system came to an end during 1976 and was replaced by the use of the "Series" designation.


Here are the methods to decode each model of the Beacon Ray line.
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Decoding Model 11 Twin Beacon Ray serial numbers.
Produced from 1964 through 1978.

First digit indicates voltage.
1 = 6VDC
2 = 12VDC
4 = 24VDC

The next letter seems to have no actual function with regards to dates with the Model 11, I have seen no letter other than "B".

The next two digits indicate the specific model.
10 = Model 11 Twin Beacon Ray

The letter after the model likely indicates the month, the letters "I" and "J" are skipped for the Model 11. Federal used a slightly different lettering system, with the letters "I", "J", "L", and "O" skipped, for all other Beacon Ray models and motors marked with a date code.
A = January
B = February
C = March
D = April
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = August
K = September
L = October
M = November
N = December

The final digit is the last digit of the year.

An example:
2B10D5 is 12VDC, Model 11, April, 1965.

In 1968 Federal began to change the serial numbering system. This newer serial number system is easier to decode with the letter before the last two digits likely being the month and last two digits are the year of production.
2B10D68 decodes to 12VDC, model 11, April, 1968

There are some model 11's that retained the older serial number system as late as 1969.
2B10H9 is 12VDC, model 11, August, 1969.

During 1976, Federal ceased using serial numbers and changed to a series designation.

Model 11, Series A1 = 1976-1977

Model 11, Series A1A = 1977-1978

Model 11, Series A3 = 1978

With the Series A1 through A3 Model 11's you may be able to get a determination of its date of manufacture by examining the drive motor. The Model 11 used three styles of motors and the motor may have a decal or an ink stamp indicating a code or a date. Dates on the motors likely will not match the serial number on the dome band badge for Model 11's made in the early 1970's, but are often dated one or two months earlier than the serial number on the dome band badge. I feel this is close enough to give insight into the production dates of the Series A1 through A3 Model 11's.

Motors used in the Model 11 are as follows.

Series 1 motor: Large, oval shaped motor case with large flat sides, model 84422B111-5, used from 1964 through 1977. Series 1 motors used in the 1970's may have a code inked onto the body of the motor. The code will consist of two characters, the first being a letter and the second being a numeral. The letter likely indicates the month and the numeral indicates the last digit of the year.

Month code letters for Series 1 motors:
A = January
B = February
C = March
D = April
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = August
K = September
M = October
N = November
P = December

If this code is present it will look similar to the following examples.

M.S.I. 2723 D3. This motor would be April, 1973 and was found in a Federal 11 Twin Beacon Ray, serial number 2B10E73, which would be May, 1973.
12V DC E6. This motor had the code inked on the voltage line, the D6 indicating May, 1976, in a model 11 serial number 2B10G6, which would be July, 1976.
2723 F7. This motor was in a Model 11, Series A1 and would decode to June, 1977 for the motor.

Series 2 motor: Round motor case with two flattened sides, model 84422B111-15, marked "Made in China", and were used from 1973 through 1977. These motors may have a decal with a numerical month and year date or a numerical month and year date inked onto the body of the motor.

Series 3 motor: Round motor case with two vent slots near the base of the motor, model 84422B111-25. This is the same motor that was used in the Model 24 Aerodynic. These motors could be found in the Model 11 Series A1A and Series A3. These motors usually bear a decal that contains a numerical month and year date.

The cast aluminum bulb holders used in Series A1 and A1A supported the bulb around its entire circumference. The Model 11 Series A3 introduced the use of a lighter weight cast aluminum bulb holder. This new bulb holder supported the bulb only at its top edge, where the quick change bulb holder clamp latched, and along the bottom edge of the bulb between the two hinge points of the bulb holder clamp.

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Decoding the Model 15 Junior Beacon Ray serial numbers.
Produced from 1958 through 1982.

1958 to 1976 serial numbers
The first digit indicates voltage.
1 = 6VDC
2 = 12VDC
4 = 24VDC

The second character is a letter indicating the era of production
A = 1958-1969
B = 1970-1976

The third and fourth characters are numbers indicating the model.
10 = 15 magnetic mount, 1958-early 1961.
16 = 15 magnetic mount, 1961-1976.
11 = 15-A permanent mount 1958-early 1961.
17 = 15-A permanent mount 1961-1976.
12 = 15-B stanchion mount 1962-1974.
20 = 15-D de-mountable, most likely range of production is 1964-1972.
21 = 15-E stanchion mount, severe service cast aluminum base 1961-1982.

The letter after the model likely indicates the month, the letters "I", "J", "L", and "O" are skipped.
A = January
B = February
C = March
D = April
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = August
K = September
M = October
N = November
P = December

The final digit indicates the last digit of the year.

Some serial number examples:
2A10F8 Decodes to 12VDC, model 15 (1958- early 1961), June, 1958.

1A16N6 Decodes to 6VDC, model 15 (1961-1968), January, 1966.

2A11A1 Decodes to 12VDC, model 15-A (1958- early 1961), January, 1961.

2A17E1 Decodes to 12VDC, model 15-A (1961-1976), May, 1961.

Some pre-1968 Junior Beacon Ray's may have the year as the last two digits of the serial number.
2A16X65 is a Model 15, produced sometime in 1965.

Beacon Rays made in 1968-1976 are easier to decode as the last two digits in the serial number indicate the year.
2B17A70 Decodes to 12VDC, model 15-A (1968-1976), January, 1970.

During 1976, Federal ceased using serial numbers and changed to a series designation. For the 15 and 15-A, Series A1 was the first series, followed by Series A1A. I do not know when the Series A1A was introduced nor what change it signified.
The 15-E seemed to start as a Series A1A and I have seen one 15-E with a serial number of 2B21B76-A1A. This appears to be a combination of serial number systems, manufacture date would be February, 1976.

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Decoding the Model 17 Beacon Ray serial numbers.
Produced from 1948 through 1985.

Two dome sizes used:
17/173 domes from 1948-1967 measured 8-1/8" across the dome's mounting flange. 174/175/176 domes were larger and measured 8-3/8" across the dome's mounting flange and the skirt had a larger hole for the larger dome. In 1968, Federal standardized the skirt and dome size with the 17 and 173 using the same skirts and domes as the 174/175/176, but some 1968 model 17's did have the smaller dome.

First digit indicates voltage.
1 = 6VDC
2 = 12VDC
4 = 24VDC

The next letter indicates a range of years.
A,B,C,D = 1948-1954.
H,I,M = 1954-1958.
N = 1956-1963.
P = 1964-early 1968.
R = Late 1967-1976.

The next two digits indicate the specific model of the beacon.
16 = 17 and 17-H permanent mount
14,57 = 17-A stanchion mount.
22 = 17-B Quick disconnect mount
11,12 = 17-C special California model with a PAR-46 bulb in a Unity fixture attached to the beacon's skirt, "P" serial.
14 = 17-C special California model with a PAR-46 bulb in a Unity fixture attached to the beacon's skirt, "R" serial.
48,52,56,58 = 17-D De-mountable.
33 = Flange skirt.

The letter after the model likely indicates the month, the letters "I", "J", "L", and "O" are skipped.
A = January
B = February
C = March
D = April
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = August
K = September
M = October
N = November
P = December

The final digit is the last digit of the year.

So 1C22B3 is 6VDC, model 17B, February, 1953.

"R" serial numbers are introduced in the middle of 1967. "R" serials for 1967 decode in the same fashion as the "P" serials.
2R14K7 was a Model 17-C, August, 1967 production.

The serial numbers beginning in 1968 are easier to decode as Federal simply stamped the year as the last two digits of the serial number.
So 2R57M69P is 12VDC, model 17-A, October, 1969.

Oddities in the serial numbering do occur in 1968, when you might see things like 2P16C68XP. This looks like a combination of "P" and "R" serial number systems as this would be March, 1968 production. This may be Federal Signal using up an existing supply of badges before using new badges or a transitional period in the numbering scheme.

During 1976, Federal ceased using serial numbers and switched to marking the 17 Beacon Ray as Series A1. During the Series A1 production, Federal exhausted their supply of the large diameter motor and switched to the motor used in the Model 24 Aerodynic. These motors are smaller in diamter and have two vent slots near the base of the motor. These motors may also have a label on them that contains the date for the motor.

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Decoding the Model 173 Beacon Ray serial numbers.
Produced from 1950 through 1982.

Two dome sizes used:
17/173 domes from 1948-1967 measured 8-1/8" across the dome's mounting flange. 174/175/176 domes were larger and measured 8-3/8" across the dome's mounting flange and the skirt had a larger hole for the larger dome. Federal began the sporadic use the larger dome on the Model 173 as early as 1961. In 1968, Federal standardized the dome and skirt sizes with the 17 and 173 using the same skirts and domes as the 174/175/176.

First digit indicates voltage.
1 = 6VDC
2 = 12VDC
4 = 24VDC

The next letter indicates a range of years.
N = 1950-1959
P = 1960-early 1968.
R = Late 1967-1976.

The next two digits indicate the specific model of the beacon.
37 = 173 permanent mount, "N" and "P" serials.
78 = 173 permanent mount, "R" serial.
59 = 173-A Stanchion mount
49 = 173-D De-mountable through 1968
72 = 173-D De-mountable 1969 to 1982

The letter after the model likely indicates the month, the letters "I", "J", "L", and "O" are skipped.
A = January
B = February
C = March
D = April
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = August
K = September
M = October
N = November
P = December

The final digit is the last digit of the year.

So 2N49F0 is 12VDC, model 173D, June, 1950.

"R" serial numbers are introduced in the middle of 1967. "R" serials for 1967 decode in the same fashion as the "P" serials.

Serial numbers beginning in 1968 are easier to decode as Federal simply stamped the year as the last two digits of the serial number.

So 2R78K75P is 12VDC, model 173, August, 1975.

During 1976, Federal ceased using serial numbers and switched to marking the 173 Beacon Ray as Series A1. During the Series A1 production, Federal exhausted their supply of the large diameter motor and switched to the motor used in the Model 24 Aerodynic. These motors are smaller in diameter and have two vent slots near the base of the motor. These motors may also have a label on them that contains the date for the motor.

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Decoding the Model 174 Super Beacon Ray serial numbers.
Produced from 1958 through 1987.

First digit indicates voltage.
1 = 6VDC
2 = 12VDC
4 = 24VDC

The next letter indicates a range of years.
N = 1958-1959
P = 1960-early 1968
R = Late 1967-1976

The next two digits indicate the specific model of the beacon.
10 = 174 permanent mount and 174D De-mountable
11 = 174A Stanchion mount

The letter after the model likely indicates the month, the letters "I", "J", "L", and "O" are skipped.
A = January
B = February
C = March
D = April
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = August
K = September
M = October
N = November
P = December

The final digit is the last digit of the year.

So 2P10M6 is 12VDC, model 174, October, 1966.

"R" serial numbers are introduced in the middle of 1967. "R" serials for 1967 decode in the same fashion as the "P" serials.

Serial numbers beginning in 1968 are easier to decode as Federal simply stamped the year as the last two digits of the serial number.

So 2R10A76P is 12VDC, model 174, January, 1976.

During 1976, Federal ceased using serial numbers and switched to marking the 174 Super Beacon Ray as Series A1. During the Series A1 production, Federal exhausted their supply of the large diameter motor and switched to the motor used in the Model 24 Aerodynic. These motors are smaller in diamter and have two vent slots near the base of the motor. These motors may also have a label on them that contains the date for the motor.

_____________________________________________________________________

Decoding the Model 175 Beacon Ray serial numbers.
Produced from 1961 through 1982.

First digit indicates voltage.
1 = 6VDC
2 = 12VDC
4 = 24VDC

The next letter indicates a range of years.
N = 1961-1962
P = 1963- early 1968
R = Late 1967-1976

The next two digits indicate the specific model of the beacon.
10 = All 175 versions except special order, "N" and "P" serials.
15 = All 175 versions except special order, "R" serial.
11, 12, 14 = Special order 175-H for the New York City Police Department, Upward tilted bulb reduced from 45* to 15* tilt.

The letter after the model likely indicates the month, the letters "I", "J", "L", and "O" are skipped.
A = January
B = February
C = March
D = April
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = August
K = September
M = October
N = November
P = December

The final digit is the last digit of the year.

So 1N10P1 is 6VDC, model 175, December, 1961.

"R" serial numbers are introduced in the middle of 1967. "R" serials for 1967 decode in the same fashion as the "P" serials.

Serial numbers beginning in 1968 are easier to decode as Federal simply stamped the year as the last two digits of the serial number.

So 2R15M71P is 12VDC, model 175, October, 1971.

During 1976, Federal ceased using serial numbers and switched to marking the 175 Beacon Ray as Series A1. During the Series A1 production, Federal exhausted their supply of the large diameter motor and switched to the motor used in the Model 24 Aerodynic. These motors are smaller in diameter and have two vent slots near the base of the motor. These motors may also have a label on them that contains the date for the motor.

_____________________________________________________________________

Decoding the Model 176 Beacon Ray serial numbers.
Produced from 1961 through 1982.

First digit indicates voltage.
1 = 6VDC
2 = 12VDC
4 = 24VDC

The next letter indicates a range of years.
N = 1961-1962
P = 1963-early 1968
R = Late 1967-1976

The next two digits indicate the specific model of the beacon.
11 = All versions 176, "N" and "P" serials.
13 = All versions 176, "R" serial.

The letter after the model likely indicates the month, the letters "I", "J", "L", and "O" are skipped.
A = January
B = February
C = March
D = April
E = May
F = June
G = July
H = August
K = September
M = October
N = November
P = December

The final digit is the last digit of the year.

So 2P11M6 is 12VDC, model 176, October, 1966.

"R" serial numbers are introduced in the middle of 1967. "R" serials for 1967 decode in the same fashion as the "P" serials.

Serial numbers beginning in 1968 are easier to decode as Federal simply stamped the year as the last two digits of the serial number.

So 2R13B76P is 12VDC, model 176, February, 1976.

During 1976, Federal ceased using serial numbers and switched to marking the 176 Beacon Ray as Series A1. During the Series A1 production, Federal exhausted their supply of the large diameter motor and switched to the motor used in the Model 24 Aerodynic. These motors are smaller in diamter and have two vent slots near the base of the motor. These motors may also have a label on them that contains the date for the motor.

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Skulldigger

Member
Aug 23, 2015
1,739
Georgia / USA
Thanks ! Finally that 1st letter makes sense. You truly did break the code that even Federal doesn't know.
 

stansdds

Member
May 25, 2010
3,533
U.S.A., Virginia
I just updated the month info for the models 15/17/173/174/175/176. In my initial post I had accidentally used the month codes for the motors and model 11 for all the other Beacon Ray models. This is just a correction to the month codes.
 
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NoUserName

New Member
Jul 7, 2019
1
Kingman, Arizona
I have a model 174 Super Beacon Ray with a serial number of "2N10 B2" which doesn't correspond with the information provided here. The second digit in the serial number, an "N," would signify a year range of 1958-1959 But the "2" at the end would signify a year ending in 2. A little bit of background information; this light was removed from the first Las Vegas Nevada ladder truck, a 1949 Seagrave. I hope this information helps to further enhance this database.
 

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dmathieu

Lifetime VIP Donor
May 20, 2010
8,766
S.W. New Hampshire, USA
The 174 came out in 1958, to confirm part of the answer to the puzzle. LOL, looks like some time between 1958 and 1962.
Looking at the tag, It also looks like the tags were pre stamped 2N10 and the date possibly stamped when the light was manufactured.
I'm going to go with February 1962.
 

Skulldigger

Member
Aug 23, 2015
1,739
Georgia / USA
I just updated the month info for the models 15/17/173/174/175/176.

We may have discussed this before but I can't find it. I have a Model 17 with a serial number of 1M15DC
1=6v is correct
M= 1954-1958 is correct
15= ?
D = April
6= 1956.

This seems to be a basic Model 17 permanent mount, but the 15 appears to be different than the usual numbers. Any idea?

The only thing different about this light is it rotates clockwise. It also has a separate mounting plate that holds the bushing for the shaft coming through the base plate. Is that our hint for the 15 designation?
 

Skulldigger

Member
Aug 23, 2015
1,739
Georgia / USA
Possibly a military version?

No idea. Here is the original post about that light. The pictures are still there.

 

leslawman

New Member
Mar 11, 2020
5
Midway, TX
Has anyone here done that same thing regarding Federal electric sirens? I’ve run a search and didn’t find anything. I have a Model 28 and the serial number starts 2D15. Any ideas?
 

Tony P

Moderator
Sep 13, 2015
1,940
Midwest, USA
Has anyone here done that same thing regarding Federal electric sirens? I’ve run a search and didn’t find anything. I have a Model 28 and the serial number starts 2D15. Any ideas?
Not that has been posted on the site. Feel free to post a new thread requesting that info, to keep this thread on track with the original topic
 

TDC

Lifetime VIP Donor
Dec 4, 2012
174
Carswell AFB, TX
We may have discussed this before but I can't find it. I have a Model 17 with a serial number of 1M15DC
1=6v is correct
M= 1954-1958 is correct
15= ?
D = April
6= 1956.

This seems to be a basic Model 17 permanent mount, but the 15 appears to be different than the usual numbers. Any idea?

The only thing different about this light is it rotates clockwise. It also has a separate mounting plate that holds the bushing for the shaft coming through the base plate. Is that our hint for the 15 designation?

I have a similar light, but the tag reads 2N16B2 (I assume it is correct)

It rolls clockwise, faster than normal, marked "A-23" on the base underside. The motor says "CTFA" in bright orange paint stencil.
 

Skulldigger

Member
Aug 23, 2015
1,739
Georgia / USA
I have a similar light, but the tag reads 2N16B2 (I assume it is correct)

2= 12v
N= 1956 -1963
16- Permanent Mount
B= February
2= 1962
They were still using an early motor that spins clockwise assuming it is an original motor. Most of the clockwise motors I have seen are 6v. Are you sure it's not a 6v that would account for it spinning faster than normal. Would not be unusual for the skirt with the tag and the insides to be from two different lights, a shop using parts to repair something.

The 6v motors I have are stamped in the metal 6v on the front of the motor meaning you would have to remove it to see.
20170831_160349.jpg
 
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TDC

Lifetime VIP Donor
Dec 4, 2012
174
Carswell AFB, TX
2= 12v
N= 1956 -1963
16- Permanent Mount
B= February
2= 1962
They were still using an early motor that spins clockwise assuming it is an original motor. Most of the clockwise motors I have seen are 6v. Are you sure it's not a 6v that would account for it spinning faster than normal. Would not be unusual for the skirt with the tag and the insides to be from two different lights, a shop using parts to repair something.

The 6v motors I have are stamped in the metal 6v on the front of the motor meaning you would have to remove it to see.
View attachment 223476
Thank you. Replacement base/tag is definitely a possibility.
- I did not know that there were clockwise turning units.
- Until this, and some experimenting, I did not realize that the Beacon Ray unit spins the same way regardless of the polarity.
 

stansdds

Member
May 25, 2010
3,533
U.S.A., Virginia
Thank you. Replacement base/tag is definitely a possibility.
- I did not know that there were clockwise turning units.
- Until this, and some experimenting, I did not realize that the Beacon Ray unit spins the same way regardless of the polarity.
When viewed from above, the Federal Signal beacons produced into the mid-1960's rotated clockwise. Some time in the mid-1960's, the rotation direction was switched to counter clockwise. I have a Series A1 Federal Model 14, which is likely a first year unit, that would be 1963, and it rotates clockwise, but all the other 14's I have seen rotated counter clockwise.

If 12 VDC makes it spin so as to roughly double the advertised flash rate, then it is a 6 VDC motor.
 
Jun 18, 2013
3,709
PA
So I am going to repro a tag for a 173 that is pretty mangled. It appears to Read 2R78F71P. The last 2 digits are really bad.

So 71P is what I am assuming it says.. is this correct? could be an R If I a gonna get a repro badge I don't wanna make a derp choice on restamping.
 

stansdds

Member
May 25, 2010
3,533
U.S.A., Virginia
So I am going to repro a tag for a 173 that is pretty mangled. It appears to Read 2R78F71P. The last 2 digits are really bad.

So 71P is what I am assuming it says.. is this correct? could be an R If I a gonna get a repro badge I don't wanna make a derp choice on restamping.
2R78F71P would indicate a 12 VDC, permanent mount Model 173 made in June, 1971. The letter at the end of the date code would be "P" and I have no idea what it meant.
 
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Sparky_911

Supporting Donor
May 15, 2013
2,648
Central Illinois
Decoding some Jr beacons I was asked to restore. Got one done (thank you @stansdds for the decoder!) But I'm stumped on the 2nd.
Screenshot_20231103_061438_Gallery.jpg
Model 15-S.....SERIAL 2A19F68
2=12v
A=era 58-69
19=? (Couldn't find in the decoder)
F=made in June
68= made in '68

No magnets. 3 holes in the bottom plate near the edge close to the skirt. Any guesses?
 

dmathieu

Lifetime VIP Donor
May 20, 2010
8,766
S.W. New Hampshire, USA
19 must be the missing code for the Model 15S which is the uncommonly seen single stud mount "roof mount" option. The 15S description is from a couple of my old product bulletins and parts drawing/number sheets.
 
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stansdds

Member
May 25, 2010
3,533
U.S.A., Virginia
The 15-S (quick disconnect mount) was rather uncommon, so not many examples available for logging and deciphering codes. Federal Signal certainly did, at times, use multiple numerical codes for the same version of a beacon, the NYPD's special ordered 175-H is a great example of this practice.

The 3 holes in the bottom plate is consistent with a permanent mount Model 15. It is always possible that someone swapped some parts during a repair or change the method of mounting this beacon.
 
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dmathieu

Lifetime VIP Donor
May 20, 2010
8,766
S.W. New Hampshire, USA
The exploded drawing and parts lists that I have describes the 15 S as Roof mount using a single stud instead of the 3 bolts used in the Permanent mount. Those don't list or show the 15B, although the 15B is refered to in the product bulletins that I have, and describe it as Stanchion/pipe mount, for when a chrome skirt is desired in pipe mounting, instead of using the 15E pipe mount option.
I seem to remember (???) seeing a 15B, and it had a pipe flange mounted to a bottom plate
 

Sparky_911

Supporting Donor
May 15, 2013
2,648
Central Illinois
I'll snap some pics for the archive. It could be a repair job and mixed parts. It goes back to owner today.
 
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stansdds

Member
May 25, 2010
3,533
U.S.A., Virginia
The exploded drawing and parts lists that I have describes the 15 S as Roof mount using a single stud instead of the 3 bolts used in the Permanent mount. Those don't list or show the 15B, although the 15B is refered to in the product bulletins that I have, and describe it as Stanchion/pipe mount, for when a chrome skirt is desired in pipe mounting, instead of using the 15E pipe mount option.
I seem to remember (???) seeing a 15B, and it had a pipe flange mounted to a bottom plate
The 15-B had a skirt like any other 15, but the base plate was set up for a threaded pipe mounting. The 15-E had the threaded pipe mounting, but the base was a cast aluminum basket, completely enclosing the base and was billed as being intended for more severe duty.
 

Sparky_911

Supporting Donor
May 15, 2013
2,648
Central Illinois
15-S pic. The 3 skirt screws are fine but the 3 bottom ones are corroded in place. The bolt pictured was used as a ground. Owner stopped by before i could take it apart again to get motor photos.20231103_154920.jpg
 

dmathieu

Lifetime VIP Donor
May 20, 2010
8,766
S.W. New Hampshire, USA
The 3 inboard would probably fit a flange, which I believe the 15B had. The 15S would have had a hole in the middle for a stus, at least according to my literature.
Who knows what changes were made to the light or federal's numbering system over so many years.
 

stansdds

Member
May 25, 2010
3,533
U.S.A., Virginia
15-S pic. The 3 skirt screws are fine but the 3 bottom ones are corroded in place. The bolt pictured was used as a ground. Owner stopped by before i could take it apart again to get motor photos.View attachment 247147
That is a 15-A, permanent mount, base. The power wires should enter through the hole with the grommet. The three outermost holes are for mounting bolts.
 

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