Model 1/2
| Federal Electric Model 1/2
General Detroit Model 344 | |
| |
| Company | Federal Electric Company
Federal Enterprises Company |
|---|---|
| Produced | 1930s-1950s |
| Type | Omnidirectional Electromechanical |
| Horsepower | ½ hp |
| Voltage | 120/240 V AC/DC |
| Succeeded by | Federal Enterprises Model K |
The Model 1/2 is a small short-lived omnidirectional siren that was introduced in the late 1930s to early 1950s by Federal Electric. Intended to be mounted on top of traffic signals as a street clearing siren or used as a short-range fire siren, similarly to how a Klaxon SO4 is used. The Model 1/2 is essentially an omnidirectional Model D or Model L, with the addition of two ornate louvres over the rotor for sound propagation and to protect it from the elements, similar to the Sterling 2V8.
History and design
The Model 1/2 was introduced in the 1930s as a small electric siren designed for street clearing or industrial use and was a stepdown from the larger Type Mach. 1. It was one of the first sirens to use the 5½" 8-port rotor and stator that would be used on many of Federal's vehicular and industrial sirens, The Model 1/2 is driven by a ½ hp AC/DC universal motor running at either 120 or 240 V as standard. However, unlike most of Federal's small industrial sirens, the Model 1/2 is a vertical siren, designed to be mounted on a flat surface, rather than a wall or ceiling.
The Model 1/2 uses a rotor-over-motor configuration, and the motor is encased inside of a metal housing which also includes a mounting stand on the bottom. The rotor and stator are located underneath a protective housing with two ornate louvres, which direct the sound outwards and downwards. The stator ports include finger guards to prevent potential injury from misuse of the siren, as it is small enough to be handheld.
The Model 1/2 was also resold by the General Detroit Company, based out of Detroit, Michigan, which later became General City Services. This GDC rebrand of the Model 1/2, which was named the Model 344, was produced until around 1939 when World War II began. General Detroit would drop the production of it soon after in favor of manufacturing aircraft parts.
The Model 1/2 was discontinued in the 1950s, being entirely replaced by the Model K, and later LV which took all of the roles. Today, only 6 known examples of the Model 1/2 remain, with 4 being privately owned. There is a Model 1/2 located at a boy scout camp in Iowa, as well as one near a post office in Hamilton, Iowa.