Single Ground for Track and Accessories?

If you're only using TMCC/Legacy, it won't matter how you wire the grounds.  If you're also planning on using MTH DCS, you need to wire a bit more carefully.

I do not use a separate ground for track power and accessory power - rather, I have a single ground that all transformers' ground outputs are connected to. This is because if you use an isolated outside rail to activate an accessory (like a lionel gateman), the transformer powering the accessory must have a common ground with track ground for the isolated rail activation to work. Ditto if you happen to use DZ2500 switch machines and want anti derail to work, as it also uses the isolated out rail for activation.

Remember also that the Legacy/TMCC signal is transmitted using earth ground also - so make sure you have earth ground correctly wired per code in you walls as part of your household AC power distribution.

Quick question: Are all of the receptacles in the train room on just one circuit breaker? If so, okay!

But if you have more than one breaker for the receptacles, BE CAREFUL! Due to the way house CB panels are wired, it is possible to have a phasing problem! You will need a qualified electrician to adjust the wiring inside the house CB panel to fix the issue. All the circuits feeding that room (not counting overhead lighting on it's own circuit) must be on the same leg of the power coming into the house.

Chris

LVHR

Thanks for the feedback.  I have wired three 14-2 circuits in my train room each on a 15 amp breaker (lights are on a two seperate circuits).  One switched circuit dedicated to power track, with outlets located solely at the power distribution center, identified by the purplish rectangle in the drawing below.  I have one switched circuit dedicated to power accessories with receptacles at the power distribution center and also placed along the walls in the train room.  I placed one of the receptacles in the accessory circuit high on the wall (on the train room side of the wall at the hot water heater) and plan to mount my Legacy base next to it so it can broadcast its signal easily throughout the entire train room.  Lastly, one conventional circuit of receptacles (always hot) placed around the train room.   I have many low voltage drops throughout the room for each of my track power districts.  I have run a ground loop from the power distribution center and will use that single ground loop for both track and accessories.

John, I only run Legacy/TMCC engines.  I don't see that changing and I don't want to mess with wiring for MTH's operating system.

I think you guys answered my question.  If you have any advice please don't hesitate.  I do run LCS, so I have to figure out the best way to run those cables. 

thanks

kevin

So you have 3 breakers feeding the receptacles in your room, correct? Your situation is EXACTLY why I made the comment! I highly recommend getting a qualified electrician in to look over your room wiring. Not that you have done anything wrong according to the electrical code. Everything is likely spot on. HOWEVER, and this is where you need to have a conversation, electric trains and multiple circuits require special consideration as phasing is important. 2 or more breakers adjacent in an electrical panel will typically NOT be on the same leg feeding in. But the circuits feeding your room DO need to be on the same leg.

Chris

LVHR