Inline fuse question

IMO, no fuse necessary.  The PH180 has one of the best circuit breakers in modern train transformers, and it reacts very quickly to a real overload while managing not to have too many false trips.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

IMO, no fuse necessary.  The PH180 has one of the best circuit breakers in modern train transformers, and it reacts very quickly to a real overload while managing not to have too many false trips.

Okay thank you! I have seen a few posts that said it was a good idea to have one but I wasn't sure if it was totally nessicary.

With transformers that just rely on a simple thermal circuit breaker, I recommend additional protection.  However, my experience with the PH180 is that it's electronic breaker is excellent and needs no help.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

With transformers that just rely on a simple thermal circuit breaker, I recommend additional protection.  However, my experience with the PH180 is that it's electronic breaker is excellent and needs no help.

So if I wanted to add additional protection what ype of fuse or breaker could I add? I understand that the P180 doesn't neccisarily need it but I like having the piece of mind anyhow. I love the hobby but it is anything but cheap!

Well, I'd add a simple fast blow fuse with automotive style blade fuses.  They're cheap and readily available.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, I'd add a simple fast blow fuse with automotive style blade fuses.  They're cheap and readily available.

I imagine 10 amps would be a good number since that's what the P180 can deliver? 

Yep, and 20A is the fuse in the TIU, so you certainly want to stay below that or keep a screwdriver handy to pop the top of the TIU!

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Yep, and 20A is the fuse in the TIU, so you certainly want to stay below that or keep a screwdriver handy to pop the top of the TIU!

Well aright thank you! I'm gonna go look for an in line 10a fuse when I can! 

Jagger19 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Yep, and 20A is the fuse in the TIU, so you certainly want to stay below that or keep a screwdriver handy to pop the top of the TIU!

Well aright thank you! I'm gonna go look for an in line 10a fuse when I can! 

Well equipped auto parts stores have those in-line fuse holders for trailer hook-ups, and a generally large variety of fast-blow auto type fuses. You can wire those in-line fuse holders into your various TIU channels, with 10AMP fuses, and you're good to go. Just remember to keep a good supply of those 10AMP fuses on hand.

Hot Water posted:

Well equipped auto parts stores have those in-line fuse holders for trailer hook-ups, and a generally large variety of fast-blow auto type fuses.

Another reason why I miss Radio Shack!  It's where I bought all of my holders and fuses from.

- walt

Radio Shack still available online.

Grainger is another online source.     Click on the underlined to link automotive type fuse holders.   My layout protection. 

(8) Track block circuits.  Upper picture center.  

Accessory circuit fuses, picture center. 

Accessory power is split.  Part is 12 volts AC, Part is higher, track voltage, 18+ volts AC,  Atlas switch motors work better, at the higher voltage. 

Fuse blocks pictured.  Click on the link.   Fuses from any auto parts store.  

Once you go on-line for mail-order, there are tons of sources for parts, usually better selections and cheaper than Radio Shack.

You will probably get tired of replacing fuses Tony.  I did.  I use 10 amp automotive mini fuses between my ZWs and the TIU.  I got the fuse holders and fuses from my local auto parts place.  Lately I have been getting fuses in bulk from Digikey.  Since I got tired of replacing fuses, I added 3, 4 and 5 amp Eaton FAZ magnetic hydraulic breakers (from automation direct).  The breakers almost always beat the fuses and rarely trip due to load.

Stephen G posted:

Radio Shack still available online.

thanks.  I did not know that

- walt

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Once you go on-line for mail-order, there are tons of sources for parts, usually better selections and cheaper than Radio Shack.

Thanks John.  When I heard that they were 'closing' I stocked up on fuses.  Funny.  While they were still open I was blowing maybe 6 to 12 each year (usually a lot blow during set up and testing).  But for some good reason for the last 2 years I didn't blow any!

but thanks for the heads up if I need to go shopping.

- walt