Circuit Breaker and TVS for ZW(L)

I doubt you need external breakers on the four track outputs. The internal breakers are an order of magnitude faster than any thermal or magnetic breaker. TVS’s yes.

Pete

@Ken Gillig posted:

Hi @SteveH ,

I just had a near disaster - my ZW(L) took a hit that killed its PCB. Lionel is replacing it. Thank heavens no locomotive bit the dust - this time! I will also be putting TVSs on the fours ZW(L) outputs.

I know I will have to get TVS's on the locos themselves, but cannot afford another ZW(L) failure so first things first ... I will let you know when that point comes.

I plan on getting the Airpax Snapac Hydraulic-Magnetic Circuit Breaker for each of the four the ZW(L) outputs before track attachment - guessing they should all be the 10 AMP version as the ZW(L) powers just my track loops. Does that power level make sense for a ZW(L)?

- BTW - Does it matter much whether the breaker is wired with or without solder?

I have as you suggested the 5 AMP version for my two ZW(R)s (8 outputs total) that power accessory various voltage supply - just checking these make sense below:

- ZW(R)-1 does switches fixed voltage, UNC/Operating track fixed voltage, signals fixed voltage, LCS support power

- ZW(R)-2 does lights in buildings, lights on streets, low voltage accessories, higher voltage accessoris

Thanks for a review and any comments on this note.

-Ken

Plug into a good APC with pure sine wave AC. They are a few bucks more, it will protect the transformer no issues. As for a fast blow breakers the transformer has very fast .

Thanks @ThatGuy

I have no idea why my ZW-L’s PCB was blown. It was not a power outage in he house. My confidence however of the ZW-L product has been lowered with two RAs back to Lionel in 6 months. At what cost do you protect crap quality? I think that is called screw the hobby!

I can only protect so many things. Maybe the breakers make no sense, but battery backup for the transformer …

@Ken Gillig posted:

Thanks @ThatGuy

I have no idea why my ZW-L’s PCB was blown. It was not a power outage in he house. My confidence however of the ZW-L product has been lowered with two RAs back to Lionel in 6 months. At what cost do you protect crap quality? I think that is called screw the hobby!

I can only protect so many things. Maybe the breakers make no sense, but battery backup for the transformer …

Sorry you feel that way about the transformer. My two have been bulletproof since I got them. The APC with battery back up is to smooth out the incoming current and make sure it receives no spikes. It also stops any dips or overvoltage, which can come in over the main line, it is a cheap investment on $1000 transformer basically But to each his own

Hello @ThatGuy

Now that I have cooled down from my rant on a new ZW(L) getting a burnt-out PCB board and having to send it back to Lionel (for a second time in 2024) I want to thank you for your tip on getting a "good APC with pure sine wave AC". I will investigate.

I have and do value OGR comments and advice including yours.

Happy Thanksgiving,

- Ken

@ThatGuy posted:

Plug into a good APC with pure sine wave AC. They are a few bucks more, it will protect the transformer no issues. As for a fast blow breakers the transformer has very fast .

I have a pure sine wave ups for my layout.  It is way bigger than it needs to be (1500VA) but when my power goes out, I use it for other things while I am not running my generator.  My UPS is also AVR (auto voltage regulation) which doesn't really matter with command type locomotives but it does keep the conventional stuff running at a more consistent speed when line voltage changes.

Tony

@Ken Gillig posted:

Hello @ThatGuy

Now that I have cooled down from my rant on a new ZW(L) getting a burnt-out PCB board and having to send it back to Lionel (for a second time in 2024) I want to thank you for your tip on getting a "good APC with pure sine wave AC". I will investigate.

I have and do value OGR comments and advice including yours.

Happy Thanksgiving,

- Ken

I feel you pain, no harm no foul…..have a great Thanksgiving