Transformer from Printer - useful?

Homeowner's insurance won't cover if it catches fire?

Save money by skipping Starbucks, buy UL-approved transformers made for model trains.

Well it is UL approved and appears to have an output that is consistent with model trains so that is why I ask.  Hate Starbucks, the company that ruined coffee and this comes from someone who has consumed hospital coffee for 40 years.  Midnight shift burnt coffee is better but I wander off topic.

I don't see why this wouldn't work anywhere a 19VAC source could be used.  I would check the voltage with a meter under load and no load conditions to see what the output really is before depending on it for anything.  

I'm unsure of the usefulness of this transformer, but I'm sure it would have some sort of use.  For most accessory and lighting uses, however something in the 12VAC range probably has a lot more applications for model railroads, Ex, landscape lighting transformers.  The 19VAC is probably only good for track power, and at 4 amps it isn't great for that, though it would be good for an engine or two without lighted cars.  

Does the transformer in question have a circuit breaker?  If so it is probably about the same as the Z750.  If not, add a circuit breaker, and it will be the same.  Not a bad little transformer for free.  

JGL

I've re-purposed different transformers salvaged from old electronics, to use for trains etc. Just be sure the ratings and fusing are appropriate for your application. Sometimes the original power-supply cases can be adapted for a safe housing, complete with original power cord and filters and circuit breaker.

Disclaimer: anyone who is uncomfortable or uncertain about their ability to safely re-purpose electrical devices should not attempt it.

Okay, so no one has hit the first response head on. If the transformer is UL listed, I really doubt that you have an insurance issue.

Any transformer that was powering a consumer printer would have to be UL listed, that's simply not an issue.  I be amazed if you find any brick that's sold commercially that doesn't have a UL Listing.  I checked my wallwart stash, and even the cheap Chinese ones have a UL rating.

You would think though that the UL label comes with a disclaimer of "When used for its intended purpose". Which in this case is not operating accessories or running trains. Maybe not? I'll do some research.

Jameszz posted:

You would think though that the UL label comes with a disclaimer of "When used for its intended purpose". Which in this case is not operating accessories or running trains. Maybe not? I'll do some research.

Oh, I hope not. Defining how something should be used is becoming ridiculous. The OP said this was a class 2 transformer which is safer than a candle. although (I've forgotten), 76VA sounds higher than any class 2 transformer that I remember.

Thanks all.  I would have to add an in line breaker or fuse before use, there is no evidence of any being present.  OMAN, the output is 19 VA 4 amps.  If I use it at all it would be to power a loop that is completely isolated from the main layout.  Trolleys on this loop would be controlled by a Power Master (I think that is the item that allows the CAB 1 to run conventional trains).  If not there is always something.  I am my fathers son, never waste anything that can serve a purpose someplace else.  

Printers have lot of useful parts, in particular motors, pulleys and belts. What you have is essentially a 75 watt brick. Lots of places on the layout to use something like that. I agree, waste not , want not.

Pete

If you are not 100% positive about it's use, you can always use it to power to lights in houses on the layout or other accessories. 19 volts is a good power source for lights as you can add around 15 to 20 light bulbs and the voltage not be too high.

Lee Fritz

Jameszz posted:

You would think though that the UL label comes with a disclaimer of "When used for its intended purpose". Which in this case is not operating accessories or running trains. Maybe not? I'll do some research.

It's "intended purpose" is to supply 19 volts AC at up to 4 amps to something that can USE 19 volts AC. That's it...that's all there is.

C'mon guys...this isn't rocket science. A transformer is a transformer is a transformer. There is nothing "special" about model train transformers.

USE IT!

necrails posted:

Thanks all.  I would have to add an in line breaker or fuse before use, there is no evidence of any being present.  OMAN, the output is 19 VA 4 amps.  If I use it at all it would be to power a loop that is completely isolated from the main layout.  Trolleys on this loop would be controlled by a Power Master (I think that is the item that allows the CAB 1 to run conventional trains).  If not there is always something.  I am my fathers son, never waste anything that can serve a purpose someplace else.  

If it has the UL mark and it is a class 2 transformer you are safe to use it. I just confirmed that class 2 transformers can be no more than 100 VA and no more than 30 volts, so this could be a class 2 transformer. A class 2 transformer is inherently safe. However, sometimes the internal protection element, if activated, results in a permanently dead transformer. So, add some external over-current protection.

OGR Webmaster posted:

Jameszz posted:

You would think though that the UL label comes with a disclaimer of "When used for its intended purpose". Which in this case is not operating accessories or running trains. Maybe not? I'll do some research.

It's "intended purpose" is to supply 19 volts AC at up to 4 amps to something that can USE 19 volts AC. That's it...that's all there is.

C'mon guys...this isn't rocket science. A transformer is a transformer is a transformer. There is nothing "special" about model train transformers.

USE IT!

wise words from the train master(no pun intended)

18v volts is your TMCC limit on frying boards I if I remember right. Maybe add a set of diodes to drop it to just under 18v.

Be good for dedicated turnout power. (Don't forget to phase it)

OGR Webmaster posted:

It's "intended purpose" is to supply 19 volts AC at up to 4 amps to something that can USE 19 volts AC. That's it...that's all there is.

C'mon guys...this isn't rocket science. A transformer is a transformer is a transformer. There is nothing "special" about model train transformers.

USE IT!

There you go again Rich, messing up a perfectly good post with reason and logic.

Jerry

Popi posted:

OGR Webmaster posted:

Jameszz posted:

You would think though that the UL label comes with a disclaimer of "When used for its intended purpose". Which in this case is not operating accessories or running trains. Maybe not? I'll do some research.

It's "intended purpose" is to supply 19 volts AC at up to 4 amps to something that can USE 19 volts AC. That's it...that's all there is.

C'mon guys...this isn't rocket science. A transformer is a transformer is a transformer. There is nothing "special" about model train transformers.

USE IT!

wise words from the train master(no pun intended)

AND speaking of "rocket science"!!! I teach art to high school students. Had a superintendent of schools came into my room one day and make the comment, "This isn't rocket science". AND I said, well yes it is!! Who do you think put all those ceramic tiles on the space shuttles????

illinoiscentral posted:

Homeowner's insurance won't cover if it catches fire?

Mmm, no, that's not true. Our claims office has always expressed... there is no "stupidity exclusion" on a HO policy, much to the dismay of many insurers.