Postwar ZW fuses, what amp?

10 amp assuming your wire bus size is 16 gauge or heavier.

Breaker is shown here


http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/Bl...d=486&categoryId=426

Dale H

Thanks, I am running 16 gauge wire.

Those are what I use and they work well (as I have unfortunately found out). I got my first one at Frys Electronics, but they did not have any more online. I found them at Newark. I ordered them last week and they went in the mail today.

Michael,
Just an idea...
I just hooked my dual Post War ZW's up last weekend. I used a 10 amp circut breakers from NAPA Auto parts. I chose the circuit breakers over the fuses so you don't have to buy additional fuses. The inline connectors (2), and 2 10 amp breakers came to under 20 bucks.

Breakers are good, but the fuses offer more protection.

quote:

Originally posted by CarGuyZM10:
there seems to be a differing opinion on what amp fuse to use. What amp do you suggest? Thank you.

Michael R, the reason for the differing opinions is because 10A is the maximum value you would use. Fuses or breakers are used to protect what the transformer powers. You get the most effective protection if you used the lowest value that will hold without tripping. 10A would be needed to protect up to 3 passenger trains running at the same time. 3A would protect one freight train. 2A would protect all the modern switch machines on one layout.

So now I am confused. If I want to run a fuse in the power line (from the handles), I should use about 3 amp fuses, but if I want to run one use per transformer, put it on the buss wire going to the ground/common?

Keep in mind that the fuses and breakers protect the transformer's components from overcurrent surges, but do not protect the train!. If you want to protect the train and wire runs from damaging voltage spikes,install a Transient Voltage Suppressor[TVS], at least one,on each power district at the transformer's output binding posts.

Install fuses/breakers on the Hot conductor that goes to center rail. The internal breaker on a post war ZW,for example, is installed on the Common but external protection goes on the Hot line.

Use a fuse or breaker that matches up with the load to protect the transformer. In any event as noted by others 10 amps[180-90 watts] is about the maximum output of a pwZW.

10 amp automotive resettable breakers work very well[10 amp rated breakers used on DC auto circuitry work well on 18 volt AC].

Thank you everyone. I think I am going to look into 10amp fast blow glass fuses when I go to radio shack. Anything else I will need to know? Does voltage matter? Will it matter that I plan on using all handles on the ZW at the same time (two running trains, two on accessories)?

If you are going with fast blow fuses buy a box full.

I use 6 amp circuit breakers with my three 125 watt LW transformers. Running trains for 45 minutes for some friends this morning, the CBs threw at least twenty times. When one has 27 Marx remote but not non derailing switches derailments happen.

I have 18 volt bulbs across the CB contacts to indicate when thrown and the CB with reset buttons right on the control panels.

Charlie

Yeah, I was already expecting to go through a lot of fuses, as I have a lot of accidents too.

Consider using auto reset Polyswitches described here
Polyswitches described
They reset automatically after fault is cleared, they're cheap, and there are a wide range of values.