Phasing transformers

Only have to be phased if you are using a common ground.    Mike Reagan has a very good video on this subject on youtube. Helps you keep "the hot side hot and the cold side cold" lol

If you're using the non-derailing feature of the switches   the transformers  should be phased together . No it doesn't impact DCS.

While they should be phased for simplicity, they need not be as CARSNTRAINS mentions.

If you were considering a tremendous  continuous load, like 10-15 amps per circuit, there is actually an advantage to sharing a common return with power supplies out of phase in that it reduces the wire size requirement of said return. Your household electric panel box is wired in just such a fashion.

I would phase and always use common ground. As time goes by you will always want to add lights or accessories and having a common ground makes it much easier for wiring. I always use black. Grabbing any black wire under the layout saves time and hassle of running a new wire.

Mike,

   IMO always phase the transformers you use on your layout, in this manner you are always safe.  RoMiller is absolutely correct!

PCRR/Dave

Can someone please explain exactly how I would phase the ZW-L (for track power) and and MTH Z500 (for switch power) together.  I plan on using a 4 outlet power strip for both traqnsformers and plug the strip into the same outlet.  Do other transformers used for lighting or accessories also need to be phased ?

Mike

Hi Mike,  I don't have either transformers, so I don't know if the video in the link below works for your Transformers.

Regarding the switches,  you should let us know what type you are considering.  Some switches, like Atlas, have the switch unit wiring that is  completely separate from the track, so the transformers would not need to be in phase.

How to "Phase" two or more transformers & why - Bing video

I have phased vintage transformers.  the attached scan is from a Lionel service document from 1956.  Basically,  you could just reverse the plugs in the socket to get them if phase.

@Mike Miller posted:

Can someone please explain exactly how I would phase the ZW-L (for track power) and and MTH Z500 (for switch power) together

If the Z500 is used exclusively for switch power, they do not need to be phased.

Turnout switch Auto Non-derail, usually requires some type of out side rail input. Which means the commons for both track power and accessory/switch power have to be the same connection. Phasing can be important when all commons have to be the same.  IMO, Mike CT.

Switch/Accessory Auto non-derail, makes for a more pleasant layout, IMO.  Auto non-derail is necessary for any type of power routing, another one of those, more pleasant, switch layout features.

Q.  If both (or all) transformers are plugged into the same power strip, aren't they "automatically" in phase ?

A. the short answer is there is no guarantee that using the same power strip  will do it.  Many variables: changing plugs over the years, non polarized plugs, internal connections in error. etc.  Question of how has not been asked but there are a ton of threads on how to do this.  Typically these links are a part of these threads:

https://slsprr.net/technical/phasing.htm

https://lionelllc.wordpress.co...hasing-transformers/