Trying not to blow a fuse!

Remember the S and HO trains will need a DC transformer so your O scale one is not going to help you there.You can however split up the feeds to the buildings because all of the transformers should have a DC accessory output.So if your O scale isn't overly huge,one AC transformer ought to be enough for it and 2 DC transformers for the others.

David

David,

Thanks! There are two double outlets that each are capable of 110 volts a piece on opposite columns plus 2 on each end of the Atrium (the display area) that we will (SISMR) use. Thanks for the advice!

Mike Maurice

I believe you are talking about the amount of wattage out of the AC wall receptacles. You are not anywhere near overloading a typical 15 amp circuit!! You will be using a couple hundred watts at most, and the wall receptacle is rated for over 1500 watts.

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Maurice:
David,

Thanks! There are two double outlets (A Quad Outlet that can accept (4) male plugs) that each are capable of 110 volts a piece on opposite columns plus 2 on each end of the Atrium (the display area) that we will (SISMR) use. Thanks for the advice! I would try to use only one outlet. If the outlets that you indicated available are on different circuits you may encouter phasing problems. This can also happen on a quad outlet, one receptacle is one circuit and the other another

Mike Maurice

The easiest thing to do would be to bring a multi outlet strip with you.That way you need one extension cord and you can plug all 3 transformers into the power strip

David

Dale, Mike and David,

Thanks for your suggestions guys! I will bear them all in mind, I've gone over everything with our Plant Operations Department Head here.

The O gauge guys(with me are particularly excited this year because we have been challenged by the S gauge table last year as well as the HO new modules that have been built for this event.

Nothing inspires like competition, we O gaugers plan to wow the crowds with our 3 tier mountain!

Only have to buy the Fastrac for this bear of a project, I hope everything goes well.

Mike Maurice

quote:

Trying not to blow a fuse!

When a fuse "blows" (or a circuit breaker "trips"), it is usually more likely to be caused by a "short circuit" than an "overload".

An overload could also cause inadequate size wiring or transformer to feel hot, but may not always result in a "blown" fuse or cause circuit breaker to "trip" whereas a "short circuit" could draw could 10 to 20 times above rated current.

www.njhirailers.com

Guys, Because of "bad blood" with the dates of the Holiday show (which shall go on even without SISMR), I am forced to admit, I don't know that much about what the electrical requirements are to run a three level (each with a separate power source or transformer),I have already posted in another area. I am nervous about buying extra transformers for the show which is in December (specifically the 8th and 9th). I am well aware of the time, which is but I am a little reluctant to buy just any transformer as a replacement. Is there a specific transformer that I should look for? What would you recommend? Thanks in advance. I have to replace 2. Should I be looking for lock ons as well? I will be running Fastrac. 2 on the lowest level, 1 on the midlevel, and 1 on the upper level. Mike

Fastrack connects to the power with a simple spade lug cable.  Although they sell a connecting track, every piece of track has the connections.  From what I see with the "terminal" track, the addition is they file a notch for the wire to run out, not exactly rocket science.

Have considered investing model railroad Electrical Handbook?

There are several good ones out there.

And probably available on amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found this photo in a ad for a train layout for sale. Is it safe or a accident waiting to happen? 

 

franktrain

 

Looks like you could have a nice electrical bonfire there!