wiring/transformer question

Personally, I'd run at least #14 wire, and do a drop about every 8 feet.  I'm sure other recommendations will flow in.

As far as your fault that melted the track, IMO you MUST provide output circuit protection for any transformer, ESPECIALLY the older PW transformers like the ZW!  If you have any electronics in the locomotives, I'd add a TVS protection diode as well.

Melting the track doesn't really indicate a flaw in the transformer, though there could be as well.  There was obviously a short circuit somewhere on track or wiring that cause the meltdown.  The transformer was just doing what it's made for, delivering a lot of current.

With my fastrack I have drops every 10 to 12 feet w/no problems

Ken

The TVS electronic parts can be purchased from Mouser Electronics via their website for less than $2.00 a piece, and you can buy circuit breakers there as well. Buy circuit breakers from Mouser and a mounting board from Radio Shack or make your own mounting board from 1/8th inch plywood.

I used Scott's Odds and Ends one time for conveniance but they are way over-priced for what I need.

Lee Fritz

$2 is highway robbery for TVS diodes!  Buying this stuff at Radio Shack is only for those that crave instant gratification or have money to burn.

Here they are at Digikey for 72 cents in quantity one, and 63 cents for 10.  Shipping for small orders is first class mail and only a couple of dollars. 

Littlefuse  1.5KE36CA

Mouser has them for even less, though shipping will be a bit more.  For larger orders, they're an attractive alternative.  56 cents for one, and 48 cents for 10 or more.

STMicroelectronics 1.5KE36CA

Thanks to all.  Great bits of information that will be very helpfull. 

Steve

John,

Please remember that I am just guessing at the prices as I have not bought these for over a year. Your price sounds more like the actual price.

I checked on prices with Scott's O & E for the TVS units they sell, hold onto to your hat! Scott's wants close to $50.00 for the TVS and four 10 amp circuit breaker combo.

Mouser has circuit breakers listed for around $4.00 each, maybe less.

Lee f.

Best to think of an electrical circuit as a water system. As the pressure/flow increases the weakest point will fail first regardless of location. 

 That being said, if the limiting device is relatively close to the power source, it in effect shuts-down power/flow to the remaining system. If the limiting device is down stream/line, power flow is still interupted, but the potential is still available all points up stream of the limiting device, all that is needed is a common return.  

If there are two limiting devices the weakest one will work first.