Questions on transformers...

Sounds like you are good to go with what you have.

 

Keep in mind, new transformers are rated by output, not like the old ZW which is rated at 275 watts input.  Your ZW is rated for a continuous output of 180 watts, which just happens to be the maximum(with a few exceptions) rating of any single channel on any new transformer.

I just bought my second PW ZW last Friday. What you have is great.

Just make sure you have a fast breaker or fuse in the red wires.

A Transorb across the power lines and from each wire to earth ground is also a good idea.

+1

 

Had my MIL knock one of my Proto1 engines of the track that I was charging the battery on after I bought my ZW. She didn't like the noise of the engine idling. That ZW was dead shorted for 1/2 hour. I could of fried a steak on it. Stout transformer, didn't even phase it

MIL ???

It's shorthand for your spouse's maternal unit.

regardless of a transformer's rating, consider what you will be actually running.

180 watts = 8 amps @ 22½ volts

 

that's just about the maximum current you'd ever want to draw through any one mainline (i usually suggest adding an 8 amp breaker) at a voltage that will likely have anything racing around the track at 100+ scale MPH.

 

most trains i run (unlit freight) hardly draw 2 amps on a bad day.

Besides putting in fuses/breakers, is there an accessory to see how much current is being drawn?

 

I would like to know, for instance, is triple heading some Virginian FM's a bit too much for the old ZW.

 

Last time I did this, I took out the local grid.

Talk about motor growl!

A device for monitoring amperage is called an ammeter, which could be either an analog type with a dial face with a needle or pointer or digital readout.  Ammeters are usually connected in series with the supply power. 

 

Larry 

Andy,
   Your ZW's will work real well, however if you plan on a large layout always over power your layout so you can keep adding to it, the guys are also correct about electrical safety, I use the 10 Amp Scott breakers, especially if you are planning to run DCS.  Make sure your
Transformer are in Phase and you will have plenty of power to run just about anything you want.
PCRR/Dave
The power supplies for the PCRR layout for almost 10 years

With an AC powered train, you can use a "clamp-on" style ammeter. You simply clamp the meter around one of the leads running from the transformer to the track, and it tells you how many Amps are flowing by induction.

This is a great little meter from Harbor Freight with the clamp-on feature, very handy and priced right.  It measures very closely in accuracy to my Fluke clamp-on.

 

Mini Digital Clamp-On 6-Function Meter

gunrunner,

   John thanks for the advise on the clamp meter, I did not know Harbor Freight had it,

may just have to pick one up, if it work correctly it's a good purchase for the money that is for sure.

PCRR/Dave 

I keep it right next to the transformers.