Does the PH-135 brick trip as fast as the 180?

I don't know if they make the PH135 any more, but it's circuit breaker is nothing like the PH180.  The PH135 has a plain thermal breaker, the PH180 has a 2-stage electronic circuit breaker.  Night and day.

I agree with John.

I even have an in- line glass fuse and in most cases of a trip, the fuse is spared because the 180 acted so quickly.

I don't think there is a better brick than the 180.

I installed a PH-135 on my modest layout and also installed a Lionel DIRECT LOCK-ON device -- it's disguised as a trackside electrical cabinet.  In event of a short circuit, it works quickly to protect the PH-135.  The circuit breaker inside the brick has never tripped.

Mike   (ritrainguy)

Dave,

You did not say if you use any command system.  The Lionel Direct Lock-on is very fast, but has been known to degrade the DCS signal when between the TIU and track.  

Yes I do run both tmcc and dcs but will not use the direct lockon. 

So you guys think it is better to use the PH-180 rather then the PH-135?

Dave

david1 posted:

Yes I do run both tmcc and dcs but will not use the direct lockon. 

So you guys think it is better to use the PH-180 rather then the PH-135?

Dave

In a word, "yes".

david1 posted:

So you guys think it is better to use the PH-180 rather then the PH-135?

WAAAAAY better.

Thanks for the help and suggestions, A PH-180 it will be. 

Dave

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I don't know if they make the PH135 any more, but it's circuit breaker is nothing like the PH180.  The PH135 has a plain thermal breaker, the PH180 has a 2-stage electronic circuit breaker.  Night and day.

The PH-1 135 watt brick has no thermal breaker. It's all electronic and is very fast acting.

7/27 Correction...

I use the PM-1 135 watt PowerMaster with the 135 bricks... no thermal breaker. It's all electronic and is very fast acting.

I think you're wrong Rob, the PH180 has the electronic breaker.  I've had a PH135 apart, and there's nothing but the transformer and circuit breaker in there.  Unless there's another design floating around, there is no electronics in them. 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I think you're wrong Rob, the PH180 has the electronic breaker.  I've had a PH135 apart, and there's nothing but the transformer and circuit breaker in there.  Unless there's another design floating around, there is no electronics in them. 

You are correct, thermal. I forgot, I use the 135's with PM-1 PowerMasters, I have never had a breaker in the brick trip in 22 years. I even looked at the schematic for the PM-1 thinking PH-1... no breaker. The electronic breaker in the PM always does the job.

I thought maybe I was seeing things Rob, I know I'm old, but I didn't think my memory was that bad!

First time poster, so if one were starting from scratch, and the future was Lionchief +.....how would you power it

If I were strictly LC+ and planning on running only command, the PH180 is a fine choice.  If you want to run conventional as well as command, you'll want to consider an adjustable power source.

I think that is what this cat is going to do, I have room for a long straight run and maybe a loop on one end. I might go three wide in places. I understand bus wiring but am a little wary of 10 amps........i think I am going to go lionchief or  +, I appreciate that you understand my lack of need for the handles......i want to be able to run two trains, occasionally three and everyone has their own remote or iPad.........so I can just hook the brick up to track, plug it in and turn it on? 

Yep.