I have read posts about the slower acting circuit breakers on these older transformers. Would it help to add circuit breakers ? I presume they would be placed between binding post A, for example and the track. So on for each binding post, so that each circuit would have it's own breaker.
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Dan, I followed the recommendations detailed in the post I copied in below and added both re-settable circuit breakers and TVS, Transien Voltage Suppressors to each Post War ZW that I am using on my layout....
I did this several years ago and haven't had any problems. And, yes I have tripped the circuit breakers during accidental derailment. I have not experienced the long delay issues when my 10 A breaker tripped, but if I was going to make a change, I would probably go back and purchase the 8 Amp breakers instead.... I am a big believer in the TVS protection, this post discusses in detail why it's important and the costs are insignificant to install. The OGR post is below, sorry it's not a live link, but you can copy and paste into your browser.
https://ogrforum.com/t...150#9595974412647150
I also attached 2 photos of how I installed the push button breakers and TVS devices on my control panel... I am only using one throttle off of each ZW for power to the track, and the bus wiring is 12 gauge stranded. Hope that helps.
Also, Dan, forgot to answer primary question.... your presumption is correct, install the breaker between the A post and the track....
Can you buy these breakers in a store ?? I don't do much buying on the net. Thanks
Jim, I bought mine from Mouser Electronics.... They have a toll free phone and they have always been extremely helpful answering my technical questions, when I called in with questions about components... If you'd rather not place the order on-line, I wouldn't be surprise if they could take your order over the phone. Shipping has always been quick and pretty reasonable out of TX. I started an account with them and it's makes it easy for me to review any order I have ever placed with them in case I want to go back and re-order any components.
655-W28-XQ1A-10 Circuit Breakers 10 amp
655-W28-XQ1A-8 - Circuit Breakers 8 Amp
576-1.5KE33CA-B - TVS transient voltage suppressors
chris a posted:Dan, I followed the recommendations detailed in the post I copied in below and added both re-settable circuit breakers and TVS, Transien Voltage Suppressors to each Post War ZW that I am using on my layout....
I did this several years ago and haven't had any problems. And, yes I have tripped the circuit breakers during accidental derailment. I have not experienced the long delay issues when my 10 A breaker tripped, but if I was going to make a change, I would probably go back and purchase the 8 Amp breakers instead.... I am a big believer in the TVS protection, this post discusses in detail why it's important and the costs are insignificant to install. The OGR post is below, sorry it's not a live link, but you can copy and paste into your browser.
https://ogrforum.com/t...150#9595974412647150
I also attached 2 photos of how I installed the push button breakers and TVS devices on my control panel... I am only using one throttle off of each ZW for power to the track, and the bus wiring is 12 gauge stranded. Hope that helps.
Chris, thanks for the photos. I presume the circuit breakers are the rocker type switches mounted in the facia of your platform. Is the TVS the diode looking thing mounted between post A and U on the right side of the left ZW in the first photo ?
Isn't a 10 amp breaker a bit too much ? Would a 5 amp or 8 amp breaker be safer ?
Right now I am using a ZW for my Standard Gauge which works very well but i have another sitting in the attic that i might use on my O gauge post war. I don't run the newer electronic stuff. I would think 8 amp or even 5 would be plenty.
OK. Someone posted Digikey parts for both the circuit breakers and the TVS parts, on an older posing. I cannot seem to find the posting. Would you happen to know the part numbers or possibly the part numbers for Mouser ? I'm looking for the 5 or 8 amp breakers.
Here you go, Dan;
" On the TVS, the folks here on the forum seem to prefer the 1.5KE36CA. These cost 58 cents each from Digikey. http://www.digikey.com/product...%2F54GICT-ND/2407435
Digikey also has a large selection of suitable breakers starting at about $1.36 :http://www.digikey.com/product...-3BA/Q498-ND/1963953 for 5 amp,or http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/qualtek/QLB-073-00DNN-3BA/Q500-ND/1963955 for the 7 amp. "
from this thread:
Thanks John. Only problem is they want to sell no less than 500 of the circuit breakers. Any other suggestions ?
Dan,
I posted the 8 amp Mouser part # in my post above, just below the 10 amp part #.
Yes the breaker is the "rocker" switch looking item in my photos (above), and yes the TVS is the component that looks like a large resistor connected across the A and U post in the photos above.
Mouser will sell a quantity of one if that's all you want, just copy and paste the part number I provided you into the Mouser search bar, you'll be able to find any other amp rating you want in this line by just changing the last number in the part #.
Chris A
Going to bump this up, rather than start a new thread. Let me see if I'm correct on this:
1. I wire from the hot/red post of my transformer (currently a CW80) to the circuit breaker, and then to my terminal block? Are circuit breakers bidirectional like TVS'?
2. I'm using 14 gauge wire from the transformer, as my bus line. I should use what size amp breaker?
3. Which circuit breakers would people recommend?
Thanks!
JGL,
Thanks for posting the manual Breaker Info, I put it in my Favorites section for sure. @ $2.00 each that is a fantastic find. I will definitely pass this info on while talking about our DCS technology. The auto resets are cool however I like the manual Reset Breakers.
Deuce,
The Resettable Breakers JLG has listed above are fine.
You want to put the 7.5 - 10 Amp resettable Breaker between your Transformers and your TIU on every Red line that goes to your mid Rail on your layout when using DCS. I do this with every Transformer in my Train Room.
The DCS TIU has a TVS built in, I have never had it fail. Some people add additional TVS at the engine level or transformer level also.
PCRR/Dave
There are a lot of low cost options presented here. Is there any benefit to the much higher cost PSX1-AC electronic circuit breaker?
https://tonystrains.com/produc...ent-circuit-breaker/
I would expect that it is the fastest acting breaker.
George
George S,
The object is to keep the price down and the quality high. Most of the expensive Breakers add no more protection to your layout than the less expensive ones.
Remember you want one of these resettable breakers on every red line between your Transformers and your TIU's.
PCRR/Dave
I don't feed a postwar ZW into my TIU. I use PH 180 bricks. They match the amps of the TIU channel and have the best breaker on the market built in. The TIU already has a TVS on the output channel too. So, it's an optimal setup.
I was just curious about this post. If I was going to use a postwar ZW, I would not connect it to the input of the TIU. I would use the TIU in passive mode. The postwar ZW can put out more than 10 amps, so running it through the TIU defeats the utility. Also, you would want a breaker that is matched to the output of the ZW. The postwar ZW 275 is capable of 15 amps to one handle.
George
Well, I have a KW Transformer on the way, so now to build a circuit breaker box. I debated whether I wanted to go with breakers or fuses. Some people swear that fuses are better for protection, but they're a hassle to replace. I think I'll go with the 10 Amp breakers though.
I'm debating on whether or not I want to use the KW to simply replace my CW80 (which powers my outer FT loop) or the CW40 as well (which powers my inner O27 loop). I assume that I can run a single ground ... just hope I can get it in phase with my accessory transformer.
Question, do you use a female disconnect to attach your wire to these circuit breakers?
I can run three engines with smoke with these. They are much faster than 10amp 
Thanks John. For the price, I purchased a pair of 5A and a pair of 8A. That should keep me in business!
I think I'll relegate the CW40 and CW80 to temporary carpet/Christmas layouts from here on out.
John H,
What is the cost for the Mouser E Resettable Breakers these days? I passed on these nice resettable Mouser Breakers a long time ago, because of the cost. What do they want money wise for each breaker now. Maybe they are less expensive now, in that case I would agree with you and even start purchasing them for my Train Room layouts.
Deuce,
Use the CW-80 for street Car lines and Bumper Car lines and never leave the room with one plugged in.
The KW and ZW are much better Transformers, use some kind of resettable 5- 7-10 Amp Breakers between them and the TIU on each Red mid line and you will have no problems. If you want to run in passive mode like John does that is fine, however it is not necessary. Plus using the handles of the KW or ZW transformer you can very the voltage input as required, no Brick can give you this kind of control. The 5, 7, or 10 Amp resettable breakers all work just fine, and the DCS provides the built in TVS security.
PCRR/Dave
Looks like ~$2 for 5 amp, and ~$2.85 for 8 amp.
TEDW,
Outstanding now that is a great cost, worth the purchase of the Mouser resettables now! As long as they have them in stock, the factory lead time if you notice is 14 weeks looks like they have over 3,000 on hand right now.
PCRR/Dave
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