Atlas HO switches for Lionel accessories

I've used them with no issues. Also used their block selectors for block control.

I've used Atlas HO electrical switches for side tracks, where current draw is intermittent. I'm wondering what their maximum safe electrical rating would be. The older switches can get oxidized innards, but I've drilled out rivets to clean them out and make them good again.

Thanks.  I ordered 5.  This should improve the ascetics and usability of the layout.  I have a lot of accessories for the grandsons. 

JohnCarter

Atlas makes some more robust items for O gauge trains. They are HD Connector #6927, HD Selector #6929 and HD Twin #6928. They don't list the electrical ratings on these either (that I can find anyway), but they are supposed to be made for the higher electrical needs of O gauge over HO from what I have read.

I have been using the 205 connectors for years for supplying power to my accessories without any problems.

Atlas switchgear - and they make a bunch - is not "HO"; they are made for use by any of the common model railroading scales and gauges. They've been around a long time. I use them everywhere. 

There is no "scale" to Atlas electrical components.

Correct the different Atlas electrical components have nothing to do with 'scale' as in size, but (per Atlas) the HD items are supposed to be made for the higher electrical track power needs of the larger O gauge trains. They are listed this way on Atlas' website.

From Atlas' website: HO Switch Controls  they also have: O Scale Electrical Control & Accessories The O gauge items are supposed to be rated for higher track voltage/current than the smaller scales.   

I, too, use the Atlas 205 to turn on and off my accessories.    I'm only running 12-14 volts thru them and I've never had a failure.

Most of the Atlas electrical switches were originally marketed for HO and N scale applications where relatively low current draw is assumed. I use some Atlas switches for O-gauge track power only on side tracks where power use is intermittent. They might not be adequate for running multi-motor locomotive consists and/or multiple lighted passenger cars drawing several amps of power, as some O-gaugers do.

The older Atlas electrical switches which I have taken apart (#56-205-215) have PC bases with thin copper foil for the circuit and switch contacts. The moving contacts are fairly heavy copper material. It would be interesting to get an electrical expert's opinion for a safe current rating on these. Atlas doesn't specify electrical ratings. They should be OK for typical Lionel accessories.

JohnCarter posted:

Thanks.  I ordered 5.  This should improve the ascetics and usability of the layout.  I have a lot of accessories for the grandsons. 

 

JohnCarter

I'm sure that it will help simplify your life!

Ace posted:

Most of the Atlas electrical switches were originally marketed for HO and N scale applications where relatively low current draw is assumed. I use some Atlas switches for O-gauge track power only on side tracks where power use is intermittent. They might not be adequate for running multi-motor locomotive consists and/or multiple lighted passenger cars drawing several amps of power, as some O-gaugers do.

That's what I was trying to say as well, but you explain it much better, thanks.

The Atlas HO or #2xx series items should be fine for accessories, LED lighting etc. Track power could be a different story, especially for main lines, blocks, etc. The HD #69xx items also seem to be made for only the track power type items.