Lighted Lock on with Surge Protection

That lock-on provides voltage spike protection, which is a good thing, but does not provide over current protection, for which you need a fast acting fuse or circuit breaker. Derailments can result in both current and voltage surges. 

The price of 13.00 is very spendy for voltage spike protection. Part number 1.5KE36CA tranzorbs from Mouser.com are 70 cents each in small quantities (not including shipping). Simply connect one across each set of binding posts on your ZW. (Better yet, at each track feed/lockon.). There are lots of posts on this topic here on this forum. 

Thank you for the response. I did go to Mouser.com and looked for the item in question. Unfortunately the process is still unclear to me and I wonder if there is a You-Tube demo that shows what I should be doing. When I search for resettable fuses I get an overwhelming amount of product that is as clear as mud.  I would appreciate any further suggestions.

John

I found the following recommendation on youtube for using a 3 amp Eaton circuit breaker for the ZW transformer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVeCPeeeRNk

Th video recommends a 3 amp Eaton wmzs1c03 circuit breaker (new model is FAZ-C3-1 sp for $9.25). Are 3 amps enough?

John

John,  3 amps doesn't sound enough but I'm relatively new to this as well.  If you run any post-war double pullmor motor engines (e.g., Trainmaster, GG1) or double head consists and run some accessories from the track you probably could reach 3 amps pretty quickly.  DC can motors usually have lower current draw.

Look at these from Newark:

5 amps:  http://www.newark.com/potter-br...al-1p-250v/dp/75F010

8 amps:  http://www.newark.com/potter-b...al-1p-250v/dp/75F012

I also have purchased some mini automotive fast blow fuses at a bunch of amperages as well to play around with and help me dial in better what I ultimately need with some flexibility.

I'm working on my layout but will have fuses on EVERY output of my transformers (ZW, CW, 1033).  Layout is 10'x14', 3 independent loops, a working yard and some back and forth trolleys (eventually, not now).  

For transient voltage suppression I ordered 10 of these:  http://www.newark.com/littelfu...6v-do-201/dp/17H2649

Kirk R

Thanks for the reply. My look at this issue from other postings tends to support the idea that 3 amps is not enough but rather 5/6 amps. From the catalog referral I assume you run wiring from the A, B, C, and D posts on the ZW to one of the prongs of the breaker and from the other prong to the track. Where do you place the voltage suppressors for transient voltage?

Thanks again. John F