ZW in-line fuse

[Anonymous]

I've seen posts on this forum about placing an automotive in-line fuse between the track and transformer....

 I have an older ZW, just exactly what size of fuse should I use for this?

 thx....tom. 

[lionelsoni]

The fuses should be rated no higher than the transformer's circuit breaker, which is 15 amperes.  That's a lot of current for one train; so you might want to use 10 or even 5 amperes if you're pretty sure your trains won't draw more than that.

The fuses needn't be automotive types.  Many of the recommendations are for fast-blow fuses, because the intention is to blow the fuse before a short circuit on the track can cause the transformer to create an inductive voltage spike that might damage electronics in the train.  The fuse helps; but is not the ideal solution.  A transient voltage suppressor across the track is a more direct protection.

With a TVS in place (or with traditional non-electronic trains), the fuse is simply protecting the transformer and layout wiring and does not need to be a fast-blow type nor even a fuse at all.  I recommend automotive-type auto-resetting circuit breakers instead, which are almost identical in function to the original circuit breakers used in the transformers.

[Fred Bear]

Bob, I've placed the 15 amp 32 volt quick blow fuses between the transformer and the TIU. Is that the correct placement? Will that protect my trains upon derailment? I had a derailment awhile back that cooked the wires inside the MTH Shay. I had to rewire the entire train almost. Am I now protected do you think? My first attempt placed the fuses between the track and the TIU, but the DCS guys urged me to place them between the transformer and the TIU, explaining that the surge comes FROM the transformer and it needs to be there to protect the TIU as well as the trains. What do you think? I have placed resetting circuit breakers in my P war ZW also. Jake

[lionelsoni]

Jake, I don't know what a TIU is; so I can't advise you on that.  Sorry.

[Fred Bear]

Part of the DCS system for remote. Jake

[Dave Connolly]

 Jake, I use a 10a 32v fast blow from Radio Shack. Between the Power Supply and the TIU inputs. They blow fairly quick in a derailment. Not being the best of engineers at times forgetting to throw turnouts. I buy everyone in the store when I go.  The 15 amp was initially recommended by MTH and works fine. I have a large power supply contolling 8 channels of 3 TIU's and opted for the 10's. Just make sure whatever you buy is a fast blow 32v. My experience with Radio Shack is that nothing ever seems it's in the right drawer bin.

[ChiefEagles]

 I recommend automotive-type auto-resetting circuit breakers instead, which are almost identical in function to the original circuit breakers used in the transformers.

This has worked great for my 4 Post War ZW's and 3 KW's.  They will fit inside of the case.

[tcripe]

"I recommend automotive-type auto-resetting circuit breakers instead, which are almost identical in function to the original circuit breakers used in the transformers."

 Where did you find them? Our local auto stores (NAPA, AutoZone, etc) don't stock them.

- Terry 

[ChiefEagles]

"I recommend automotive-type auto-resetting circuit breakers instead, which are almost identical in function to the original circuit breakers used in the transformers."

 Where did you find them? Our local auto stores (NAPA, AutoZone, etc) don't stock them.

- Terry 

Neither does ours.  Car Quest does [or can order them].  Get the bladed type and put in fuse holder.  I remove the old breaker and solder in the fuse holder.  From common terminal to side lug under circuit breaker bulb.

[lionelsoni]

I've never bought them anywhere other than automobile parts stores.  Someone should have them.  There are two general kinds:  Universal circuit breakers, which are designed to plug into the same sockets as ATC fuses (Bussmann type UCB) and larger (and cheaper) can-type breakers with screw terminals (Bussmann types CBC and CBS).

Put the current rating in amperes after the Bussmann type for a complete part number, for example, UCB15.  If you really can't find any in the stores or get them to order them for you, you can probably search for someone on line using the part numbers.

[92hatchattack]

With a modern 180watt powerhouse, i use the lionel TMCC direct lock-on. It blows super fast and seems to do its job. Its also auto resetting.  I was wondering, would this device be substantial protection if using it with an old 275watt ZW????

[phillyreading]

Scott's Odds and Ends sells circuit breakers for use with a post war ZW that work great, very fast acting.  www.scott'soddsnends.com   Fuses need to be replaced too often so I like circuit breakers.

Lee F.

[ChiefEagles]

Scott's Odds and Ends sells circuit breakers for use with a post war ZW that work great, very fast acting.  www.scott'soddsnends.com   Fuses need to be replaced too often so I like circuit breakers.

Lee F.

Lee is right.  In fact, I built one early on with parts from Radio Shack and another electrical parts company [the Radio Shack did not have the fast acting breakers].  Plans were on an OGR Backshop video.  Was fun and easy to build.  I use both, automotive reseting type breaker inside the transformer [ZW's and KW's] and then feed through the quick acting breaker box to the TIU or TCP's [if running conventionals] to the track.