Lionel "Z" transformer hum

It isn't "broken". After time, the laminations' vibrations can become more audible. A search on the forum for transformer hum can bring up discussions around various treatments and their effectiveness. Generally speaking, one must take steps to physically prevent the vibrations in the laminations. 

The Type Z on my layout has been a loud hummer since I bought it 10 years ago. It's been fine with no issues. 

I see the hum as a safety feature.  If you forgot to unplug it, you can hear it.

They hum because they don’t know the words.🙄 

BMORAN4 is right.  The hum comes from the coils in the transformer as the lamination ages or comes loose.  It is the nature of AC current.  It doesn’t effect the performance of the transformer.

That is called the "60 cycle hum". All transformers have it from Lionel train transformers all the way up to large 60MVA substation power transformers. We use 60 cycles per second as the standard AC in North America. Other countries have different standard frequencies so their transformers will sound different. 

I have a 1920's Jefferson transform that hums, works great.

Check this link. This fix stopped the HUM in the ZW.

http://www.tranz4mr.com/ZW_Page.html

they normally hum all the time and the  only time they stop humming is when they burn up and . humming 60 HZ is normal for AC Transformers!

Danr posted:

They hum because they don’t know the words.🙄 

BMORAN4 is right.  The hum comes from the coils in the transformer as the lamination ages or comes loose.  It is the nature of AC current.  It doesn’t effect the performance of the transformer.

I was going to say that but I thought someone would post that answer

to the left is the inside of a zw transformer the transformer is in center of the picture, n or the 2 metal angled rods hold the transformer sometimes they get bend or straightened out which when looser will cause the vibrations so you could bend the 2 rod a little more for pressure which will  result to hold the steel plates tighter and stop the vibration ! actually it does not matter the vibration does not hurt anything at all!

turbgine posted:

I picked up a model "Z" transformer this week. The voltages check out fine but there is a noticeable hum from the unit. Is this normal and OK or is something wrong that needs to be fixed?

Thanks

I have 2 Z’s that I have been using & have been “Humming” along for over 30 years “NO PROBLEM” !!

Use and enjoy 😊 them!!!