MTS Columbia Oil 30-9117 ac or dc

Google search model #, MTH website: 30-9117 User Manual

Page 5 shows wiring connections to AC transformer.

Woo hoo!!  Thank you!

12, 16, 18V?

I quickly scanned the manual to find the answer to your first question.  I would suggest that if you haven't already carefully read the manual to find the answer to your second question, to do that.

If you can't find that answer in the manual, then perhaps start with 12 volts and increase or decrease from there to get the desired operation from this accessory.

Thank you @SteveH. I have neither the manual, nor the box it came in. I received it, and it alone as a gift some time ago.

I included a link to the manual I found on the MTH site in my first reply.  It's still there, all you need to do is click on the link and it will take you to the manual on MTH's website.

Oh wow! Thank you so much! I missed that some how.

Yes.  But isn't the question whether that particular accessory can run on AC or DC?  Low-voltage DC power to light buildings or power accessories is phenomenally cheaper than low-voltage AC power to do the same.

So in my humble opinion, if you can indeed power the accessory with 12V (or whatever) DC power then that is useful to know.  That way, you can "save" the low-voltage AC Accessory power from your train transformers for those accessories that truly need/require AC.

The instruction manual simply states  "red... wired to transformer AC hot and black to transformer ground " for both the operation side and the lights/". As Steve suggested start with 12V AC and increase and decease to see what seems best

Ron

@stan2004 the question was:

@perrymedik posted:

Hey all!

Im getting back into my layout after about 4-5 years away. So before I do something dumb, I was hoping for some assistance.

Does anyone know if the MTG columbia oil (30-9117) accessory runs on ac or dc power?

Google tells me where to buy it, but not the info I’m looking for.  Just want to know before I ruin it, or start a small fire!

Thanks!

Cory

I think you and I are interpreting the same question differently with the emphasis on different words.  You're placing the emphasis on the word "or".  I read the word "know" with emphasis.

I don't know if this accessory runs on DC, maybe it can.  I know that the MTH manual says it can run on AC.  I interpreted Cory's question as wanting to know what is recommended, since he was unable to find the manual and that he didn't want to risk damage to his accessory.  Rather than replying with a speculative answer, I chose to share a link to the manual and the relevant part on connecting it to AC power.

Do you know if it also runs on DC and would not cause damage?

@SteveH posted:

...Do you know if it also runs on DC and would not cause damage?

No I do not know that; as you imply that was indeed my interpretation of the question.

I do know that there have been discussions of both Lionel and MTH accessories where the manual only shows the standard AC hookup...but upon closer examination it turns out that the accessory also operates with DC.

I do know that modern accessories most likely have internal DC components...such a LEDs for lights, DC motors for motion, and DC electronics for sounds.

I do know that modern low-voltage transformers for accessories are far more economical and compact if they are DC output vs. AC output.

I do know from reading OGR that more and more layouts have low-voltage DC for accessories...particularly for LED lighting.

I can only speculate why manufacturers choose to only show AC operation even if they would operate with DC.

@stan2004 I was trying to be helpful to Cory as I understood his question.  It's unclear what you're wanting to accomplish here.  From reading many of your other very helpful and informative posts, I know that you like to explore alternatives.  I'm open to that, it's just unclear at this point in the discussion where you're looking to go with mentioning DC as a possibility for this accessory. 

Allow me to clear the air on the intent of the question. I was inquiring, as @SteveH correctly surmised, what the accessory’s power supply was intended to be per the manufacturer. In my mind there were two options (either AC or DC), of which only one was correct. The idea that it could be powered by both (though not at the same time) had not crossed through my brain housing group.

Many thanks to all that have aided in clarifying the answer to this question. I have properly connected to a spare flux capacitor and everything is working out fine here in 1955. Marty and Doc Brown send their kind regards!

You guys rock out loud!

Cory