ZW - how to reset

The breaker on the ZW should automatically reset itself once the short/overload is removed. If you've got it disconnected and the red light is still on the breaker is not resetting and would need to be replaced. They are available from several suppliers but if you're not comfortable with 110V wiring it would be best to have someone service it.

Scotie

Is this the old post war ZW??   Or the newer one where the power house plugss into??

Marty

This is a post war circa 1960.

thx

Yes as Scottie said the circuit bbreaker automatically resets in about 5 seconds or so if it does not reset WITHOUT A SHORT PRESENT, it's defective but should not be tackled unless you hav4 done it before, the ZW's can be tricky replacing internal parts and have to come apart in a circuit order and takes patience!

If you try top tackle it good luck. you can get them on eBay or any hobby shop can order one for you, if I remember correctly I believe they are around $20.00 to fifteens dollars each!

Alan below is the original breaker

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Z-22-C...?hash=item1c57bf371d

This is a good post for guys who like to run new electronics with those old transformers.   You still have something going on.  Anyone running those old transformers should always do away with and replace the breaker with a modern part.

Marty is right it is better to use a more modern part in an older transformer,here is a newer version breaker for the ZW .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZW-15-...?hash=item2ee4b980c5

you can buy the fast acting breaker from MTH part number BB-5100002 which is a 12 amp circuit breaker which costs about $7.00 plus shipping. this would be the best to protect your electronic engine boards as Marty Stated!

good luck with your repairs!

Alan

Here is the web- sight for buying the MTH fast acting breaker!

http://mthtrains.com/bb-5100002

Actually I think it would be better to get an electronic fast acting breaker that are talked about in the electrical section.

The MTH breaker doesn't respond as fast, primarily because it doesn't need too.  The MTH Z-4000 rolls back the current and protects itself.

If your going to use a PW ZW you need something inline that is fast acting, and down around 10 amps.   G

One of the reasons I like the Lionel PH180 bricks is that they have an excellent electronic circuit breaker that is very quick acting.  I also like the fact that they trip and don't keep coming back on until you reset them, much more desirable for me than the ones that keep pulsing the power back on after an overload.

bonitatrain,

   Scotie is correct, if the old ZW does not auto reset itself once the short has been eliminated, try unplugging the old ZW and let it cool, it then may reset itself, if it does not, you will need to have the transformer repaired.  When you get the old ZW back up, purchase a set of Scott 10 Amp Breakers and place them between the transformer and the track, if you have DCS place the breakers between the old ZW and each Channel of the TIU.

PCRR/Dave

Dave, that would be incorrect.  From the PW ZW User's Manual.

Having just purchased a nice postwar ZW, and having spent 39 years in electronics, I am aware we need to take some precautions with these.  At least I had the proper understanding of how the ZW breaker operates, based on John's post.  It protects itself, but not electronics in modern engines, which makes sense to me.  I have planned to buy breakers for each of the 4 outputs before using it, but maybe I should buy a new breaker for inside the ZW itself, just to be safe.

Gun,

   The old directions only go so far, if the old ZW internal breaker does not auto reset, unplug the ZW and let it cool, when the hard used transformer is plugged back in again,  the old internal breaker will many times reset itself, down thru the years we have seen this happen many times.  If it doesn't then reset, time to get it fixed.

Mark,

   Depending on who used the old ZW your internal breaker may have been used very very seldom, I would not replace it until it shows some kind of problem, many of these

old ZW transformers have perfectly fine internal breakers, our original's have never been replaced and work just fine.  Now with the external 10 Amper's they get no use at all.

PCRR/Dave

Since I have actually seen it reset and then trip again with continuing short, we'll have to agree to disagree.  Knowing the design of the PW circuit breakers, I know that's the way they work.  I've rebuilt several dozen ZW transformers, and one of the tests I do is to test the circuit breaker operation.

I have read and re-read this thread and wondering if I missed something, namely is the ZW disconnected and sitting by itself, with no connection to a layout?  Just plugged into AC outlet and the "red circuit breaker light" remains lit.  If that is what Bonitatrains is experiencing, then there is definitely an internal problem, most likely a defective circuit breaker, of whichever type is installed.  He would have to take the cover off and check the transformer internally, and then decide to replace with exact replacement, or newer faster acting unit.  So, did we establish that it is doing what it is doing, without anything connected to secondary side!!!!  If it is connected to a layout, the problem could be in the layout wiring, accessory, and needs to be isolated from the transformer.  Just wondering if this was established from the initial post.

TeleDoc,

   Absolutely correct, however it could be that the ZW does have a bad breaker and the test is pretty easy.

PCRR/Dave

The ZW transformer has been disconnected from the layout.

The red light remains lit, based on all comments received on the issue, it sure seems that the internal breaker needs to be replaced.

It can be more then a bad breaker too.  So you need to be careful.  There are other possibilities that can cause an internal short on the ZW and it should be thoroughly checked out by some one who is competent in a transformer repair.   G

After finally getting the answer that it is sitting alone, I have to agree with GGG.  When was the last time the ZW was serviced?  Are you comfortable with attempting to repair it yourself?  Assuming your ZW is at least 55-60 years old, and never serviced, it's time to do an overhaul.  Bite the bullet (if you don't want to attempt repair yourself), and take it to a Lionel repair shop.  Something internally is causing the short, and wiring gets brittle, rollers wear down!

I will bring to get it serviced or sell it on ebay, as it is a spare ZW

thanks for all the responses and knowledge gained

Rich