I see the older PH-180's were 7 amps. It appears that Lionel has new preorder units that are 10 amps. Why the increase? were there issues with the 7 amp units?
Joe Gozzo
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Trainlover160 posted:I see the older PH-180's were 7 amps. It appears that Lionel has new preorder units that are 10 amps. Why the increase? were there issues with the 7 amp units?
Joe Gozzo
The PH-135s were 7.5 amps. 135W/18V=7.5 amps. As far as I know the 180s have always been 10 amps hence the name 180W divided by 18 volts = 10 amps.
MartyE posted:Trainlover160 posted:I see the older PH-180's were 7 amps. It appears that Lionel has new preorder units that are 10 amps. Why the increase? were there issues with the 7 amp units?
Joe Gozzo
The PH-135s were 7.5 amps. 135W/18V=7.5 amps. As far as I know the 180s have always been 10 amps hence the name 180W divided by 18 volts = 10 amps.
Ok thanks, thought I saw one advertised as 7 amps.
Joe
Nope, the PH180 was... well... 180 watts! 
Yes thanks, while we are on the subject another concern. I am working up layout. I would like to power TIU with 3 to 4 of these.
Is it safe to plug these into a power strip and then to wall outlet. Too much draw?
Joe
The input, I guess, is 180 Watts for each PH. Those strips usually are rated at 1500 watts. Take a look at it and confirm. Anyway, just do the math.
There has been discussion that since the output of the PH180 is 180 watts, the input would be higher due to added energy used by the transformer. One recommendation is to use 250 watts as the input to a PH180.
I'd consider more like 200 watts, the modern transformers have better efficiency than the old PW models. In any case, four of them on an outlet is not an issue.
