Phasing Lionel ZW Transformers

Yes, If all 4 common terminals on each ZW are still tied together.  A terminal has been known to come loose from the common strap inside the zw.

Thanks for the reply. Do I need to do the same for the power terminals, a, b, c, d?

Thank again,

J

@hesseljr posted:

TDo I need to do the same for the power terminals, a, b, c, d?

That is NOT recommended. It's frowned upon, and actually should not be done at all.

After connecting commons connect a long wire to one A post, set both A handles at same voltage. follow directions below for "spark" test used only for postwar transformers.

For extensive phasing information see my website, Phasing Transformers

Phasing Postwar Transformers Only

If you are phasing only postwar transformers (those without electronics such as a postwar ZW) you can do so with the spark test as follows:

• Set up transformers as described above.
• Connect a long wire (if needed) to the variable voltage post you will use for comparison to the Master transformer.
• Touch the long wire from Master transformer to the variable voltage post on the second transformer. There should be no sparks. If you get sparks, turn the power plug over in the power socket and check again.

If you plug your transformers into a power strip\surge protector then they are phased. no need for spark test

1) Run a heavy wire from a 'U' terminal from to the first transformer to a 'U' terminal of the second. Do not connect any other terminals together.

2) Plug both transformers into a power strip and turn on. Just because they're on the same strip, DOESN'T GUARANTEE they're in phase. Proceed to step 3 regardless.

3) Turn voltage up on both transformers to about the same voltage. Doesn't really matter WHAT voltage, just so they're the SAME voltage. Use the AC setting on a voltmeter to measure, even an elcheapo digital voltmeter will do. No spark testing!. I usually go around 12VAC each.

4) Measure between the two outputs. If the outputs are near or at ZERO then PHASED. If Outputs are near double the setting in (step 3) then OUT OF PHASE.

5) If out of phase, reverse the plug to the power strip of ONE transformer, then measure again. Put a small mark on the plug of both transformers to remember how they plug in.

@Lyle S posted:

If you plug your transformers into a power strip\surge protector then they are phased. no need for spark test

NOT!  A simple power strip does not automatically do anything to help, or hinder as the case may be, phasing.

Mike

Well I have a couple of freaky ZW's then. Because no matter what way I turn the plugs in my power strip they stay phased.

@Lyle S posted:

Well I have a couple of freaky ZW's then. Because no matter what way I turn the plugs in my power strip they stay phased.

It may not be a "simple" power strip.

  Q1: Does it have a transformer inside?

  Q2: Is there an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) inside?

Either could make them exhibit this behavior.

Mike

@Lyle S posted:

Well I have a couple of freaky ZW's then. Because no matter what way I turn the plugs in my power strip they stay phased.

i vote with mellow mike but this is worth exploring how this happens.

Do these transformers have polarized plugs? My guess is no since you can turn them. Do you change both at the same time? Try changing only one, you should get sparks.

And what happens when you have a transformer that was built with the wires switched internally?  You just can't go by a polarized plug and this has been discussed many many times over the past 20 years.