Fast Acting Circuit Breaker (again)

superwarp1 posted:

I say this everytime this subject comes up here but  here I go again.  Spend the money, protect your 1000-2000 engines and go with a PSX1-AC    I wouldn't trust my engines to any short circuit protection MTH or Lionel uses. Specially not to any fast acting fuse.

Forum consensus suggest the PH 180 units are to be trusted. PSX1-AC units nice as well.

The PSX-AC is not the only reliable way to protect your layout and locomotives.  However, everyone's entitled to their opinion.

On both of my Z4000s, the fixed voltage outputs have breakers that trip instantly. For the track outputs, it takes 7 seconds, with the red light flashing 7 times before the breaker is tripped. That makes no sense to me, but Don in MTH service told me that is normal operation. I'm not sure how that will protect the electronics in a loco. 

John

Upon recommendation from the forum, I jumpered TIU Input 1 to Input 2 (to improve the signal to my yard); output 2 is to my yard power district; output 1 is main loop. Do I still need a breaker (PSX or fuse) on both inputs?  I want to carry a maximum load on the main loop; as was suggested earlier here, will splitting the power to my main loop allow a heavier load (maybe a variable additional output to the main loop)? What about the outputs for protection?

Wally

Oh yes, and I’m using a ZW L outer handle.

Wally

gunrunnerjohn posted:

You will probably need a triangular screwdriver to take it apart.  I have a bunch of the old ones, so I didn't feel the need to buy a new one.

Finally got some triangle screwdrivers in the mail!

Now to find the new brick...and hope I got the right triangular screwdrivers. Pics to follow if the screwdrivers work.  

CHOCHO, on one handle of a postwar ZW, it would not be wise to pull more than 10 amps, so I would put a 10 amp braker in the feed before it splits into two inputs.  In fact, it would not be wise to pull more than 10 amps from a postwar ZW in the aggregate of all handles.

Cho Cho Wally posted:

Upon recommendation from the forum, I jumpered TIU Input 1 to Input 2 (to improve the signal to my yard); output 2 is to my yard power district; output 1 is main loop. Do I still need a breaker (PSX or fuse) on both inputs?  I want to carry a maximum load on the main loop; as was suggested earlier here, will splitting the power to my main loop allow a heavier load (maybe a variable additional output to the main loop)? What about the outputs for protection?

Wally

Unless I'm missing something here, I'm not aware of any improved signals by jumpering inputs?  But, splitting power between two blocks (main loop and yard) won't increase available power, it will reduce it. If you install blocks in your main loop and feed each block separately then you could have more power to the loop. The center rail would have to be isolated in at least two places forming blocks and then separate power feeds would go to each block. Then you could feed your yard with another power feed (ZW-L output) and TIU channel. 

Also I am not familiar with the ZW-L's breakers? If they are like the PH-180s you will probably be OK using them with nothing extra. If not then I would probably get some extra protection like a fuse. The ZW-L is supposed to be THE transformer to have from what I have seen or read here about it, so it may have the good breakers.

Edit: RJR slipped one in while I was composing this. If you have just a ZW then I would follow RJR's advice and probably add some fast blow fuses where required as well.

Splitting the outputs improves the signal, but I'm a little concerned about the statement that the main loop gets more power this way!  The TIU is rated at 10A MAXIMUM on each output channel.

The breaker on my MTH Z1000 brick tripped the first time I had a short on the track.  IT WILL NOT RESET.  Any suggestions ?  I have switched to a 2500 brick on the same track with no problems.

If the breaker won't reset with the transformer disconnected, it's probably just a defective breaker, it happens.