Hi. I'm running approximately 40+ bulbs in buildings with a 1033 Transformer. After about 20 minutes, the transformer binding posts get very warm. I can't find any shorts, and all the lights seem to work fine. Is 40 bulbs too many for one transformer?
Please and Thank you.
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That is too many bulbs, you need a larger transformer.
Mikey
Thanks Mikey. Would 20/20 be the answer?
You can change the bulbs to LED bulbs, but that can get a little expensive or you can change the voltage of the bulb to 24 volts. I have 16 022 switches and I changed all the bulbs to 2447-24V. I got the bulbs at East Coast Train parts phone # 732-845-5967. I changed all my buildings to LED strip lights they come in 300 light spools and I use a H0 transformer to power them. look them up on E-Bay. I have about 400 LED's running on 2 transformers.
It depends on the bulbs used. Along with the voltage, each bulb has an amp value , usually it is stamped on the base, sometimes its a watt listing instead, but you can use that with the voltage listed to figure the amps, or use the bulb number and jhst look it up. You simply add up the amps. (mini bulbs usually have a decimal point .05a .25a etc).. The 1033 is good for about 4- 5a total constant draw. Breaker is 6a I think.
Going to a 24v bulb will double the bulb life if used at only 12v,("half as bright & 2x as long lasting" as designed) but the amp draw is still going to be unique for that # bulb at X-volts. And now you need to measure to know your amp draw to add up.
Exchanging bulbs like that may be done for heat, longevity, or brightness changes, but only deep experience or experiments are there to guide you.
You are most likely chasing your tail by swapping out existing 12-14V bulbs for 24V bulbs. Keep in mind that the power consumption of toy train bulbs nominally increases with voltage rating when fully lit. For example, at full brightness, an 18V #1445 bulb will consume 3W, and a 12-14V #53 bulb will consume 2W.
If you install 24V bulbs, and power them at 50%, you will probably tax your transformer with the same power consumption as 12V bulbs powered at 100%. So you now have dimmer lights but your transformer heats up just the same as before. Why not just turn your voltage down leaving the existing bulbs alone?
Thank you everyone for all the good ideas. I think I'm simply going to add another transformer and divide the building lights between two of them.
Dontano...You can get a PW ZW Transformer at any train show for about 125-150 bucks.You will have all the power you need for bulbs.Nick
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