Issues with my lights tripping my transformer

You need to add up the wattage of everything connected. If you added lights you possibly exceeded the rating of the transformer.

How do I add? Where do I find the rating of that transformer?

Also, why does it cut out only after some time and then the red light goes out after another period of time and the lights come back on?

How do I fix this problem? Another transformer?

First, what MartyE said!

Second, ZWs have a plaque either on the top or the back of the transformer. The wattage is listed there. Most are 275watts. Figure 80% of that for a realistic value.

Also, old ZWs are noted for having the circuit breakers fail and trip early. (The red light indicates the CB has tripped. Once it cools down, it automatically resets and the red light goes out.) A good train shop can upgrade your ZW with a solid state CB. They are not terribly expensive , and well worth the $$, in my opinion.

If you find the wattage of all your bulbs exceeds 80% of the ZW's rating, you need to a) remove some bulbs, b) convert some bulbs to LEDs with lower current draw, or c) add another transformer. If you go with c), be aware you need to split your lighting circuit into at least 2 circuits, one for each transformer. Also, if you have a common ground between the transformers (this normally the case) you MUST be certain the transformers are properly phased! There are lots of videos available explaining how to do this.

Chris

LVHR

You need to start at the beginning and do this scientifically.

Use a meter to determine the current draw in amps under the conditions that are present when the (assumed) overload occurs. A-C ammeters are available inexpensively either in digital or analog versions.

Then measure the voltage.

Then multiply the two readings. (This is a rough way to determine the power in Watts being consumed.) If the answer is more than the 80% number, then you have the reason the overload breaker is operating. The breaker is a heat activated component. It opens the circuit, cools off and resets, starting the procedure all over again.

Let us know the readings and we will help you figure out what to do next.

"Also, if you have a common ground between the transformers (this normally the case) you MUST be certain the transformers are properly phased! "

No, not necessary if he is just using more than one transformer for lights. It's only necessary when multiple transformers are used for circuits that are possibly interconnected,such as track circuits where locomotives bridge a junction between two independently poweredblocks. His water is already a bit muddy. Let's get the original problem fixed first.

"common ground" indicates the transformers ARE interconnected. Ignore the phasing requirement at your peril.

But I do agree: Let's find out what the real problem is first.

Chris

LVHR

@lehighline posted:

"common ground" indicates the transformers ARE interconnected. Ignore the phasing requirement at your peril.

Chris

LVHR

Chris,

Which transformers are interconnected?  As far we know the OP's said that he only has one, which is a ZW.

Mike

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the feedback.

I guess I took the brute force approach here. I had an extra Lionel Powerhouse and a newer Lionel transformer unit (the one with no power cord). I connected the Powerhouse to the transformer unit and then the lights from the old ZW to the A terminal on the back of the newer unit - problem solved.

Jeff

Jeffrey,

Nothing weird. It's easy to overload a ZW with just incandescent lights. For example, a single 432 bulb is about 3 or 4 watts depending on how many volts you feed it.

That adds up in a hurry with all the lighting. I found that out from experience. I started hitting my ZW limit at about 50 or 60 incandescent bulbs.

ZWs really don't put out anywhere near 275 watts and the original circuit breakers often vary in what current they will trip at. There's a lot of variability between different ZWs.

If you are right near the limit of the ZW circuit breaker, it will heat up until it trips. Then, it will cool down and reset. The bulbs will come back on until the heat builds up again and the breaker trips again - will just keep cycling.

It doesn't matter if the load is on different terminal posts on the ZW, it's the overall total that matters.

You have to split the load between different transformers.

Jim

Yep - as I stated above, I added another zw and powerhouse to the layout and connected the lights to it. Problem solved!!

Thanks to everyone for your input.