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== History == | |||
In the 1940s, François Odoux-Lefebvre, CEO of Constructions Électriques du Nord (CEN) in Tourcoing, France, sought to expand the reach of individual controls for small machines. CEN, established in 1897, had long been a leading manufacturer of electrical machinery. However, at the time, many small machines were still controlled by pulley devices and belt transmissions. Seeing an opportunity to innovate, Odoux-Lefebvre founded Moteurs FOX on April 1, 1949, to complement CEN's production by focusing on fractional horsepower motors. Moteurs FOX initially specialized in manufacturing small fractional motors (0.1 to 1 horsepower) used in various industrial applications, such as mechanical, textile, and agricultural machinery. | |||
These motors also found use in household appliances, notably in the washing machines that were becoming increasingly popular in the post-war era. The company grew quickly, with the workforce increasing to 40 employees, ⅓rd of whom participated in evening classes to earn diplomas in electrical coil winding, mechanical turning, and fitting. By 1956, Moteurs FOX had shifted its focus toward refining its product line, introducing a new series of electric motors, particularly the AS series (Armored closed motors with blown wings and external fans). During the late 1950s, the company pioneered a revolutionary aluminum foundry process for producing short-break circuit rotors and convection stator frames, significantly enhancing the performance of their motors. | |||
Notably, Moteurs FOX became the first company in France to manufacture cooling turbines and fans using Rylsan in 1958/1959. On September 1, 1959, Moteurs FOX transitioned to a Société Anonyme (S.A.), further expanding its production capabilities to 4 hp motors. This expansion allowed the company to serve a wider range of industries, with applications in geared motors, fans, pumps, mixers, and sirens. Around this time, François Odoux’s sons joined the leadership of the company, helping guide its continued success. During the 1960s, Moteurs FOX diversified its operations, repairing and rebuilding motors of small and medium sizes while maintaining its production of standard electric motors. The company also discontinued its rotor and stator sheet cutting activities to streamline its manufacturing processes for small motors. | |||
In 1964, Moteurs FOX revived its research and production of air raid warning sirens, a field CEN had involved in under François Odoux's direction in 1926. During World War II, CEN had supplied outdoor warning sirens for civil defense in France, and Moteurs FOX sought to build on this legacy. 2 new siren models, MONICA and PAKITA, were developed and named after classical music and ballet pieces beloved by the Odoux family. The MONICA sirens, known for their harmonic tones, were ultimately discontinued, while the PAKITA sirens, better suited to civil defense needs, became the flagship product. Today, PAKITA sirens remain available and continue to serve in France’s national alert system. In 1968, Moteurs FOX further improved its manufacturing capabilities, focusing on dynamic balancing of rotating components such as rotors and fans. | |||
On January 1, 1969, the company transitioned to a Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL), signaling another phase in its evolution. In more recent years, Gérard D. Odoux, grandson of François Odoux, took over the leadership of Moteurs FOX, continuing the family legacy. In 2013, Christine Odoux, granddaughter of François Odoux, joined the company to expand its international presence and oversee communication and customer service. Today, Moteurs FOX is a prominent player in France's of electric motor field, contributing to both industrial and public safety projects. The company's renowned PAKITA sirens have been chosen by the French government for the nationwide SAIP (Alert System and Information of Populations) and are one of the most common sirens in France. Additionally, Moteurs FOX is leading research into new electromechanical technologies, including advanced motors for the automotive industry, driven by innovations in power electronics and variable-frequency alternating currents. | |||
== Products == | |||
=== MONICA === | |||
MONICA is a brand of outdoor warning siren that was formerly produced by Moteurs FOX for a limited time, before being discontinued in favor of the PAKITA, which was apparently better suited for civil defense. It is unknown what exactly MONICA sirens looked like, due to their likely lack of popularity and limited production run. The sirens likely shared a similar design to the PAKITA, albeit with (most likely) a different port ratio which would produce a harmonic tone. Very little is known about MONICA sirens beyond what Moteurs has already said about them/ | |||
== PAKITA == | |||
'''PAKITA''' is a brand of outdoor warning siren produced by Moteurs FOX, a maintenance and repair company and manufacturer of electric motors, based in Tourcoing, HDF. PAKITA sirens have been produced at least since 1964 at the earliest, and their simple design and ruggedness have made them one of the most common sirens in France's nationwide siren system. | '''PAKITA''' is a brand of outdoor warning siren produced by Moteurs FOX, a maintenance and repair company and manufacturer of electric motors, based in Tourcoing, HDF. PAKITA sirens have been produced at least since 1964 at the earliest, and their simple design and ruggedness have made them one of the most common sirens in France's nationwide siren system. | ||
=== PP PAKITA === | === PP PAKITA === | ||
The '''PP PAKITA''' is one of the smallest sirens in the PAKITA lineup. An extremely simple siren, the PP PAKITA consists of | The '''PP PAKITA''' is one of the smallest sirens in the PAKITA lineup. An extremely simple siren, the PP PAKITA consists of a 12-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. The siren is driven by a small 50/60 Hz 1.1 kW (1.5 hp) 1 (220/230 V) or 3 ph (380/400 V) motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2850 rpm. A rain shield with a conical center is located above the rotor and protects the siren from the elements, while a flat circular base below the motor allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also available for the PP PAKITA upon request. The siren weighs around 28 kg (61.7 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the PP PAKITA's output at 105 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft). | ||
=== PP1 PAKITA === | === PP1 PAKITA === | ||
The '''PP1 PAKITA''' is a 1 ph-only variant of the PP PAKITA, with minimal differences. The PP1 PAKITA is relatively identical to its original counterpart, consisting of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. The siren is driven by a small 50/60 Hz 1.1 kW (1.5 hp) 1 (220/230 V) motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2850 rpm. A rain shield with a conical center is located above the rotor protects the siren from the elements, while a flat circular base with a mount that attaches to the side of the motor allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also available for the PP1 PAKITA upon request. The siren weighs around 36 kg (79.3 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the PP1 PAKITA's output at 105 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft), | The '''PP1 PAKITA''' is a 1 ph-only variant of the PP PAKITA, with minimal differences. The PP1 PAKITA is relatively identical to its original counterpart, consisting of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. The siren is driven by a small 50/60 Hz 1.1 kW (1.5 hp) 1 (220/230 V) motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2850 rpm. A rain shield with a conical center is located above the rotor and protects the siren from the elements, while a flat circular base with a mount that attaches to the side of the motor allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also available for the PP1 PAKITA upon request. The siren weighs around 36 kg (79.3 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the PP1 PAKITA's output at 105 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft), similar to the PP PAKITA. | ||
=== LM PAKITA === | === LM PAKITA === | ||
The '''LM PAKITA''' is the next step | The '''LM PAKITA''' is the next step up from the PPs, which features a relatively similar design. The siren consists of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. 8 stainless/galvanized steel horns attached to each stator port are available to order with the siren, which likely significantly improves its audible range. The LM PAKITA is driven by a 50/60 Hz 2.2 kW (3 hp) 1 (220/230 V) or 3 (380/400 V) ph motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2850 rpm. The LM PAKITA comes with a 3 ph ATEX explosion-proof motor upon request. A rain shield with a conical center is located above the rotor and protects the siren from the elements, while a flat circular base below the motor allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also available for the LM PAKITA upon request. 1 ph units's bases come equipped with stands that attach to the side of the motor. The siren weighs around 59 kg (130 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the LM PAKITA's output at 115 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft). | ||
=== LCi PAKITA === | === LCi PAKITA === | ||
The '''LCi PAKITA''' is one of the most popular PAKITA sirens, consisting of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. 8 stainless/galvanized steel horns attached to each stator port are available to order with the siren, which likely significantly | The '''LCi PAKITA''' is one of the most popular PAKITA sirens, consisting of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. 8 stainless/galvanized steel horns attached to each stator port are available to order with the siren, which likely significantly improves its audible range; units without horns are referred to as '''LCi 3G'''s, while units with them are named '''LCi 3P'''s. The LM PAKITA is driven by a 50/60 Hz 4 kW (6 hp) 3 ph 220/230 or 380/400 V motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2750 rpm. Unlike most other sirens in the series, the LCi PAKITA's motor is above the stator rather than below it; this reverses the direction the rotor spins, now rotating clockwise instead of anticlockwise. A small circular plate bolted to the top of the motor protects it from the elements. A cylindrical base below the stator allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also available for the LCi PAKITA upon request. The siren weighs around 90 kg (198.4 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the LCi PAKITA's output at 120 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft). | ||
=== DS PAKITA === | === DS PAKITA === | ||
The '''DS''' '''PAKITA''' is easily the most popular PAKITA siren, making up for most PAKITA installations in total. The siren consists of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. 8 stainless/galvanized steel horns attached to each stator port are available to order with the siren, which likely significantly | The '''DS''' '''PAKITA''' is easily the most popular PAKITA siren, making up for most PAKITA installations in total. The siren consists of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. 8 stainless/galvanized steel horns attached to each stator port are available to order with the siren, which likely significantly improves its audible range; units without horns are referred to as '''DS3P'''s, while units with them are named '''DS3G'''s. The LM PAKITA is driven by a 50/60 Hz 9 kW (12 hp) 3 ph 220/230 or 380/400 V motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2850 rpm. The DS3 PAKITA comes with a 3 ph ATEX explosion-proof motor upon request; ATEX motor units without horns are referred to as '''DS3AG'''s, while units with them are named '''DS3AP'''s. A rain shield with a conical center is located above the rotor and protects the siren from the elements, while a flat circular base below the motor allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also an option for the DS PAKITA. Units equipped with ATEX motors have small stands mounted to the base of the siren which attach to the side of the motor. The siren weighs around 135 kg (297.6 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the DS3 PAKITA's output at 130 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft). | ||
=== BB PAKITA === | === BB PAKITA === | ||
Revision as of 16:37, 12 September 2024
History
In the 1940s, François Odoux-Lefebvre, CEO of Constructions Électriques du Nord (CEN) in Tourcoing, France, sought to expand the reach of individual controls for small machines. CEN, established in 1897, had long been a leading manufacturer of electrical machinery. However, at the time, many small machines were still controlled by pulley devices and belt transmissions. Seeing an opportunity to innovate, Odoux-Lefebvre founded Moteurs FOX on April 1, 1949, to complement CEN's production by focusing on fractional horsepower motors. Moteurs FOX initially specialized in manufacturing small fractional motors (0.1 to 1 horsepower) used in various industrial applications, such as mechanical, textile, and agricultural machinery.
These motors also found use in household appliances, notably in the washing machines that were becoming increasingly popular in the post-war era. The company grew quickly, with the workforce increasing to 40 employees, ⅓rd of whom participated in evening classes to earn diplomas in electrical coil winding, mechanical turning, and fitting. By 1956, Moteurs FOX had shifted its focus toward refining its product line, introducing a new series of electric motors, particularly the AS series (Armored closed motors with blown wings and external fans). During the late 1950s, the company pioneered a revolutionary aluminum foundry process for producing short-break circuit rotors and convection stator frames, significantly enhancing the performance of their motors.
Notably, Moteurs FOX became the first company in France to manufacture cooling turbines and fans using Rylsan in 1958/1959. On September 1, 1959, Moteurs FOX transitioned to a Société Anonyme (S.A.), further expanding its production capabilities to 4 hp motors. This expansion allowed the company to serve a wider range of industries, with applications in geared motors, fans, pumps, mixers, and sirens. Around this time, François Odoux’s sons joined the leadership of the company, helping guide its continued success. During the 1960s, Moteurs FOX diversified its operations, repairing and rebuilding motors of small and medium sizes while maintaining its production of standard electric motors. The company also discontinued its rotor and stator sheet cutting activities to streamline its manufacturing processes for small motors.
In 1964, Moteurs FOX revived its research and production of air raid warning sirens, a field CEN had involved in under François Odoux's direction in 1926. During World War II, CEN had supplied outdoor warning sirens for civil defense in France, and Moteurs FOX sought to build on this legacy. 2 new siren models, MONICA and PAKITA, were developed and named after classical music and ballet pieces beloved by the Odoux family. The MONICA sirens, known for their harmonic tones, were ultimately discontinued, while the PAKITA sirens, better suited to civil defense needs, became the flagship product. Today, PAKITA sirens remain available and continue to serve in France’s national alert system. In 1968, Moteurs FOX further improved its manufacturing capabilities, focusing on dynamic balancing of rotating components such as rotors and fans.
On January 1, 1969, the company transitioned to a Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL), signaling another phase in its evolution. In more recent years, Gérard D. Odoux, grandson of François Odoux, took over the leadership of Moteurs FOX, continuing the family legacy. In 2013, Christine Odoux, granddaughter of François Odoux, joined the company to expand its international presence and oversee communication and customer service. Today, Moteurs FOX is a prominent player in France's of electric motor field, contributing to both industrial and public safety projects. The company's renowned PAKITA sirens have been chosen by the French government for the nationwide SAIP (Alert System and Information of Populations) and are one of the most common sirens in France. Additionally, Moteurs FOX is leading research into new electromechanical technologies, including advanced motors for the automotive industry, driven by innovations in power electronics and variable-frequency alternating currents.
Products
MONICA
MONICA is a brand of outdoor warning siren that was formerly produced by Moteurs FOX for a limited time, before being discontinued in favor of the PAKITA, which was apparently better suited for civil defense. It is unknown what exactly MONICA sirens looked like, due to their likely lack of popularity and limited production run. The sirens likely shared a similar design to the PAKITA, albeit with (most likely) a different port ratio which would produce a harmonic tone. Very little is known about MONICA sirens beyond what Moteurs has already said about them/
PAKITA
PAKITA is a brand of outdoor warning siren produced by Moteurs FOX, a maintenance and repair company and manufacturer of electric motors, based in Tourcoing, HDF. PAKITA sirens have been produced at least since 1964 at the earliest, and their simple design and ruggedness have made them one of the most common sirens in France's nationwide siren system.
PP PAKITA
The PP PAKITA is one of the smallest sirens in the PAKITA lineup. An extremely simple siren, the PP PAKITA consists of a 12-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. The siren is driven by a small 50/60 Hz 1.1 kW (1.5 hp) 1 (220/230 V) or 3 ph (380/400 V) motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2850 rpm. A rain shield with a conical center is located above the rotor and protects the siren from the elements, while a flat circular base below the motor allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also available for the PP PAKITA upon request. The siren weighs around 28 kg (61.7 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the PP PAKITA's output at 105 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft).
PP1 PAKITA
The PP1 PAKITA is a 1 ph-only variant of the PP PAKITA, with minimal differences. The PP1 PAKITA is relatively identical to its original counterpart, consisting of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. The siren is driven by a small 50/60 Hz 1.1 kW (1.5 hp) 1 (220/230 V) motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2850 rpm. A rain shield with a conical center is located above the rotor and protects the siren from the elements, while a flat circular base with a mount that attaches to the side of the motor allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also available for the PP1 PAKITA upon request. The siren weighs around 36 kg (79.3 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the PP1 PAKITA's output at 105 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft), similar to the PP PAKITA.
LM PAKITA
The LM PAKITA is the next step up from the PPs, which features a relatively similar design. The siren consists of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. 8 stainless/galvanized steel horns attached to each stator port are available to order with the siren, which likely significantly improves its audible range. The LM PAKITA is driven by a 50/60 Hz 2.2 kW (3 hp) 1 (220/230 V) or 3 (380/400 V) ph motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2850 rpm. The LM PAKITA comes with a 3 ph ATEX explosion-proof motor upon request. A rain shield with a conical center is located above the rotor and protects the siren from the elements, while a flat circular base below the motor allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also available for the LM PAKITA upon request. 1 ph units's bases come equipped with stands that attach to the side of the motor. The siren weighs around 59 kg (130 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the LM PAKITA's output at 115 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft).
LCi PAKITA
The LCi PAKITA is one of the most popular PAKITA sirens, consisting of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. 8 stainless/galvanized steel horns attached to each stator port are available to order with the siren, which likely significantly improves its audible range; units without horns are referred to as LCi 3Gs, while units with them are named LCi 3Ps. The LM PAKITA is driven by a 50/60 Hz 4 kW (6 hp) 3 ph 220/230 or 380/400 V motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2750 rpm. Unlike most other sirens in the series, the LCi PAKITA's motor is above the stator rather than below it; this reverses the direction the rotor spins, now rotating clockwise instead of anticlockwise. A small circular plate bolted to the top of the motor protects it from the elements. A cylindrical base below the stator allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also available for the LCi PAKITA upon request. The siren weighs around 90 kg (198.4 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the LCi PAKITA's output at 120 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft).
DS PAKITA
The DS PAKITA is easily the most popular PAKITA siren, making up for most PAKITA installations in total. The siren consists of an 8-port rotor and stator constructed out of aluminum, with an optional mesh screen wrapped around it to prevent debris from entering. 8 stainless/galvanized steel horns attached to each stator port are available to order with the siren, which likely significantly improves its audible range; units without horns are referred to as DS3Ps, while units with them are named DS3Gs. The LM PAKITA is driven by a 50/60 Hz 9 kW (12 hp) 3 ph 220/230 or 380/400 V motor located below the stator, which spins the rotor at around 2850 rpm. The DS3 PAKITA comes with a 3 ph ATEX explosion-proof motor upon request; ATEX motor units without horns are referred to as DS3AGs, while units with them are named DS3APs. A rain shield with a conical center is located above the rotor and protects the siren from the elements, while a flat circular base below the motor allows the siren to be bolted down to a flat surface, with eyebolts on each corner of the base for ease of installation. A larger, elevated base is also an option for the DS PAKITA. Units equipped with ATEX motors have small stands mounted to the base of the siren which attach to the side of the motor. The siren weighs around 135 kg (297.6 lbs). Moteurs FOX rates the DS3 PAKITA's output at 130 dB @ 10 m (32.8 ft).
BB PAKITA
The PAKITA sirens website also makes mention of a BB PAKITA model. Absolutely nothing is known about this model, and whether it exists to begin with or is simply the result of a mistranslation is unknown.
Gallery
WIP