I read enough threads where it is recommended to add an inline auto type fuse from the PW ZW to the track. There appears to be different thoughts on going 10 amp or 15?
What say you electrical gurus!? Thanks!!
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I still find it curious that anyone is using fuses at all. That's got to get old quickly.
Use resettable or self resetting automotive type circuit breakers sized for the load(s) you anticipate. 15 amps is probably too much, the ZW is rated for 14 amps continuous output. You don't really want to load one circuit continuously with that much if you use the other dials for other trains or accessories or the internal breaker will come into play more often.
Thanks Rob... Would you have a pic of the type of fuse you are talking about?
Pic is worth a 1000 words!!
Like this??
That is the style.
10 amp... Transformer to which end, or doesn't it matter??
I guess I'm old fashioned, I use and prefer fuses. 
Originally Posted by Jeff T:
10 amp... Transformer to which end, or doesn't it matter??
Doesn't really matter. BAT to transformer if you want to establish/maintain a convention.
Originally Posted by MichRR714:
I guess I'm old fashioned, I use and prefer fuses.
To each his own. Keep plenty of spares.
I read on this board about Polyfuse or Polyswitch, electronic fuses, so I tried them on the Christmas train this year. I was impressed. Derailments with out any sparks. As soon as things are back in the track they are reset. The derailed trains seem to go farther, almost like these devices were current limiting rather than opening the circuits. And they are cheap.
I hope someone on this board can talk more on what these devices are, how they work and what the failure modes might be.
I will use them on all my transformer outputs in the future. I used six amp devices and never had one open when I did not want it to.
David,
I use the 10 Amp breakers instead of the fuses and have never had a problem.
PCRR/Dave
Originally Posted by Pine Creek Railroad:
David,
I use the 10 Amp breakers instead of the fuses and have never had a problem.
PCRR/Dave
Dave - Have a pic or a link???
Originally Posted by David Johnston:
I read on this board about Polyfuse or Polyswitch, electronic fuses, so I tried them on the Christmas train this year. I was impressed. Derailments with out any sparks. As soon as things are back in the track they are reset. The derailed trains seem to go farther, almost like these devices were current limiting rather than opening the circuits. And they are cheap.
I hope someone on this board can talk more on what these devices are, how they work and what the failure modes might be.
I will use them on all my transformer outputs in the future. I used six amp devices and never had one open when I did not want it to.
David - Any pics of the fuse you used or how you had them hooked up??
Originally Posted by MichRR714:
I guess I'm old fashioned, I use and prefer fuses.
I'm with you on the fuses...they are not as convenient but I know they will never fail to operate.
I must be lucky or just too new to the hobby. All my Bricks have good, fast breakers built in. No fuses or additional needed.
But I would use the Fuses. I design electronics and I use polyfuses in some and normal fuses in others. At the amperages we run I use fuses. Fuses don't wear out, they pop and get replaced. Breakers and even polyfuses will wear over time.
David; yes, the polyfuse is passing a small amount of current when tripped open to check for the overload. That's why the train runs a bit farther.
For information on the Polyfuse look at www.slsprr.net/technical/CircProt.htm
The way I run trains....I would have to order fuses by the pallet.
Exactly.
Anyone have a link for a poly switches to use with the ZW with DCS? What size should I get? This is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Liam
For a 9A constant run, 18 amp instant open, try this:
http://www.digikey.com/product...R/F5553CT-ND/3307004
$7.72 for ten of them isn't bad but you can get them cheaper at other places.
Radio Shack doesn't have any with this high a rating.
This will open eventually under 10A load, but it will take several minutes at 10A steady load. Any reduction in load below 9A will start to reset the time.
Jeff T,
Sorry I did not get back to answer your question, have been busy adding an inside loop to the Christmas layout.
I get my 10 Amp Breakers from Scotts Odd & Ends, they deliver right to your door.
They come in a bank of 4, easy to use and assemble, and they work very very well.
PCRR/Dave
You can see the 10 Amp Breakers with the white strip across the top of the bank, sitting just in front of the ZW and also in front of the Z4K. I use them in front of all my Transformers to safe guard my DCS TIU. All you do to reset the breakers is pull your transformer handles down, and push the Breaker button back in. Then push your transformer handles back up to the required voltage.
