Emergency E-Stop Circuit and Protection

Emergency E-Stop Circuit and Protection:

As shown in the photo the E-Stop circuit provides a green "power" ready indicator and a red "E Stop" indicator. The "Reset" button restores power.

Circuit protection for TIU "output" channels.

I also have monitoring and protection circuits for two MTH TIU "output" channels. I have built a custom panel that monitors the voltage at each TIU output to the track. The panel also has individual circuit breaker protection. The "red" LEDs provide indication of a circuit breaker trip.

Emergency E-Stop Circuit Pushbuttons:

Here are photos of the E-Stop pushbutton which is used to activate the emergency power shutdown system. I will have 4 of these pushbuttons mounted around my layout.

Where did you get the circuit breakers and do they trip fast?

Nice idea, looks bullet proof. I have a radio remote lamp switch rated at 15a I was thinking of adding it to my power strip, and keeping the car remote sized button on a necklace or bracelet. Its a shelf layout with conventional. Add me on a ladder (with an injury) and getting things shut down in a hurry gets real interesting. 

Circuit Protection for model railroad control systems:

I use three types of circuit breakers.

10 ampere automotive types used for protection of Z4000 outputs

5 ampere types used for protection of TIU outputs

3 ampere types used for protection of individual track feeds

Note: All bimetallic circuit breakers respond to an increase in heating of the element. The smaller amp rated breakers will trip faster than the high current types. The electronic overcurrent trips installed in MTH Z4000 transformers will probably trip before the external breakers.

I also use various size quick acting fuses to protect other circuits which power various accessories (signals, lights. etc.).

The photo shows a Carling Technologies CTB-B-B-03 3 amp circuit breaker

I use the following that I found at home depot. I plug my transformers into it. One for the upper deck and one for the lower deck.

I carry these pocket remotes around in case of an uh oh during the open house.

This coupled with the Lionel circuit breaker protector minimizes any heart attacks, and I can relax ,watch the trains rolling and have a beer!

I like that wireless solution, simple, cheap, and portable.

Alternate emergency power shutdown device.

SVAT Wireless Remote Control Power Outlet Outdoor On/Off Switch with 100 ft. Range

Model # WRC101

$19.99 / each at Home Depot

On the radio controls watch the amp ratings, some were very low when I was shopping.

Here are the specs for the wireless controller:

• 100 feet wireless transmission range passes through doors, floors and walls
• Outdoor receiver outlet
• Controls independent 3-prong 120 volt 60Hz standard AC remote switch outlets
• Controls up to 10A 1200W of current each
• Uses FCC-approved radio frequency technology

Emergency E-Stop Circuit and Protection: Added shutdown device!

I have constructed a Dual Channel circuit protection panel with built in remote "E-Stop" circuits.  This panel provides for two channels with a 10 ampere circuit breaker per channel.  Along with the circuit breaker protection I also have a "remote" E-Stop circuit which allows a "shut down" of all power to 2 input channels of my MTH TIU. I can have 4 (or more) E-Stop "pushbuttons" located around the perimeter of my layout which allow for emergency shutdown of power to the layout.

Since I power the shutdown circuit with a separate small transformer (CW-80) I will also be added a wireless controller which disconnects 120vac power to the transformer. Since the transformer provides a holding voltage for the relays in my panel the wireless controller will also "trip" the circuit.  As a result I now have several ways to cut power to the track in an emergency. Either the E-stop buttons or the wireless controller.

Note: The trip circuit simply removes voltage on my MTH TIU inputs.  Power to the TIU AUX input is maintained using a separate "brick". (MTH/RK Z750). Power to my Z4000 transformer is also maintained (not shutdown) so that accessories powered by the Z4000 will also function as normal.

You must be planning on a lot of emergencies!