I was wondering if will you damage a zw transformer if you lash up two old lionel f3 with dual motors? I am afraid they will draw to much amperage for the transformer. thanks for your time and information. , charlie c
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A pw ZW will handle that pair just fine. A pw 275 ZW will produce about 180-190 watts or 10-11 amps.
thanks
When you reach the current limit of a transformer, a properly working circuit breaker will trip. Sometimes a bad circuit breaker will trip at less than its design rating, in which case a replacement will solve that problem. I have never heard of a circuit breaker failing to trip causing a transformer coil to burn up.
Larry
I've seen a couple of transformers with frozen circuit breakers that would never trip. The transformers didn't burn up, but given enough time shorted I'm sure they'd be damaged.
I just worked on an American Flyer 'Pancake' 350W transformer. It has two sides like a Lionel SW.
One side tested OK with the CB tripping and cutting current. The other gave me several intense seconds and wouldn't trip. Upon investigating I found the red plastic reset button was 'stuck' and wouldn't allow the CB to open.
I'm always glad when I can repair things like this. I know I saved a nice transformer and possibly more.
Now to work on a customers dusty, crusty Lionel "Z". The owner told the shop personnel he was "afraid of it", as it is.
