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Why did Lionel use the letter U?
Wouldn't it have been easier if they had labeled the posts "+" and "-" ? "14V" or "0 to 18" ?
Not all transformers use "U" as a common ground. The only postwar ones that do are those that have controls for more than one train.
Why did Lionel use the letter U?
Wouldn't it have been easier if they had labeled the posts "+" and "-" ? "14V" or "0 to 18" ?
"+" & "-" would be very misleading in a world of AC power.
The terminals are labeled for various fixed and variable voltage ranges on many Lionel transformers.
My guess on the choice of "U" would be that it didn't represent anything electrically in any other venue and could be associated with hooking up the train set without any preconceived notion or influence on how it should be done otherwise.
The "U" terminals on a KW are connected internally anyway, and are intended to be used for common ground(s).
For just the KW that would be fine.
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