Looking to replace the old style circuit breaker in a Lionel 1033 transformer with possibly a auto style breaker.
Need to know what amp size this would be in a 1033 and where to purchase.
Thanks!
P.S. Please no comments that I should buy a new transformer. These 1033's are 50+ years old are a built like a brick @#$%house. You replace the cord, whistle rectifier and breaker and these will last another lifetime!
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I f using a thermal breaker, go with the 5 amp continuous rating of the 1033.
I did find some 5 amp automotive breakers but they said for 12 VDC. Will these work even though they are designed for DC current?
These will break at 5 amps AC or DC. Most switches and breakers have a higher AC voltage rating than its DC voltage rating. A 12 volts DC rating should be fine with 20 volts AC. AC goes to zero 120 times a second and kills any arc over between the contacts. DC will continue the arc until the distance between the contacts is great enough to stop it.
Pete
The automotive breakers are a good choice. That's what I use for a replacement if I need one.
Did the breaker go bad?
I have serviced many transformers of all types, and have run across bad ones on rare occasion.
If you are looking for something fast acting, I don't think you want to go thermal.
For fast action, I'd go with an external breaker, there are a number of choices that someone more into electronic controled trains could comment on.
Thanks guys!
I have serviced a few 1033 over the years and this is the first one that has a bad breaker and it won't trip. I figure instead of putting a 50 + year old breaker or 50+ year old technology into the transformer I would update it with something newer in its place!
The newer style automotive breakers seem to trip a little faster then the old ones.
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