I have one of the Malibou Transformers with 300 Watts on Two Lines. How would I put a circuit breaker on the line to protect my building and street light circuits?
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Since those put out 300-600 watts, depending on the model, I'd be more inclined to individually protect circuits. A circuit breaker that will allow full power will be way too high in rating to protect the small wiring in buildings.
I'm guessing you have more than one drop to handle all of the lighting, how about a fuse or breaker in each line.
OK, how would I do that? and with what? Thanks for the help.
To follow John's suggestion above, you can use an old Autolite type cartridge fuse holder [photo below] or go to Auto Zone,etc, and get a modern blade type multiple fuseholder or simple in-line fuseholders for each wire run.
Run a hot conductor from the power source to each properly sized fuse and on from the fuse to the individual accessory or lighting site. This particular fuse setup was initially used to protect railpower pw transformers for 5 power districts but can easily apply for lighting/accessories.
Attachments
Dewey has it. I'd recommend much smaller fuses for each drop to the accessories, probably in the 3-6 amp range unless you have a bunch of them on one feed.
I do have a bunch on one feed but I tested the line and I never pulled more than 3 amps. So is a 6 amp fuse too big?
Check Jim Barret and the backshop videos. He shows how to do it all and what parts are needed. Pretty easy to do. Don't recall which bacshop issue. Just ask him as he is a forum member and OGR staff.
I do have a bunch on one feed but I tested the line and I never pulled more than 3 amps. So is a 6 amp fuse too big?
A 5-6A fuse would be about right for that drop.
Just a small heads up on these transformers. I have three of the 300W Malibu units powering landscape lights ant they are great. No complaints. However the manufacturer makes the point in several places, web site and instructions, that these transformers are rated for outdoor use only. They explicitly state they cannot be used indoors. I suspect it was the UL testing they received, that they only asked for outdoor. I see nothing about them physically that seems to bs a risk mounting them under a layout but be aware the manufacturer does not endorse that use.
Tom
Maybe it has something to do with the zip cord wire they use to power the lights, at least my older set used it. They probably don't want that wire run thru any interior walls.