Voltage question

Greg HannoldOGR Forum Member

What voltage should O gauge 31" path switches operate on? I read they should use 9-18 volts or something like that.

Here is the situation: I have external power plug in use. When I hook it to the C terminal (14v) on my KW transformer and the track common to the U terminal I get 20v at the switch. Weird. But when I hook the Power to C terminal (14v) and the common to D terminal (right next to it) I get 14v. Will 20 volts hurt my 4 very expensive brand new switches???

12/23/129:54 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

For new switches, 14 volts is plenty to operate them. 20V is a bit much for the switches, it'll erode the contacts faster.

12/23/1210:22 AM

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ADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

20v is probably too much, but you don't have any option on the KW if you are using common ground... unless you dedicate the "B" handle for switch power and dial in the best voltage setting for satisfactory operation.

The "C" post is an intermediate tap and has a 6 volt potential to ground("U") so cannot be used as "common" for layouts where the switches are using common ground from the same KW that is running the trains.

12/23/1210:34 AM

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Greg HannoldOGR Forum Member

Can I install an in line voltage regulator or something?

12/23/1210:42 AM

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Greg HannoldOGR Forum Member

I am using A for my main line and B for my inner loop. So I can't dedicate B as suggested.

12/23/1210:45 AM

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ADCX RobOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Originally Posted by Greg Hannold: