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Problem with MTH Z1000 transformer

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  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Shelbyville, TN
  • 679 posts
Problem with MTH Z1000 transformer
Posted by Berk765 on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 9:10 PM

Hi guys been along time. I think I have a problem with my MTH transformer, I think that the circuit breaker has gone kaput. I first noticed this when I hooked up a element to my conventional classics hudson the wrong way and created a short and smoke started coming from one of the circuit boards, and I didn't hear a snap from its circuit breaker. Luckely it didn't cause any damage to the engines boards and it still runs like a champ. Has anyone else had any trouble from circuit breakers failing on newer transformers? I guess I will just have to get another transformer or install another one of those TVS diodes in the circuit. A great big thanks to you all guys.

Give me steam locomotives or give me DEATH!

Berkshire Junction, bringing fourth the cry of the Iron Horse since 1900.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Austin, TX
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Posted by lionelsoni on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 9:14 PM

The circuit breaker protects against excessive current.  The TVS protects against excessive voltage.  Having a TVS is all to the good; but, if your circuit breaker fails, get another circuit breaker.

Bob Nelson

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Shelbyville, TN
  • 679 posts
Posted by Berk765 on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 8:51 AM

lionelsoni

The circuit breaker protects against excessive current.  The TVS protects against excessive voltage.  Having a TVS is all to the good; but, if your circuit breaker fails, get another circuit breaker.

Oh thanks.

Give me steam locomotives or give me DEATH!

Berkshire Junction, bringing fourth the cry of the Iron Horse since 1900.

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Lake Worth FL
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Posted by phillyreading on Thursday, August 5, 2010 2:09 PM

Your transformer is working like it is suppoed to work. You may want to put a 3 or 4 amp fuse in-line on the positive wire to the track. A Z-1000 transformer has a 6 amp circuit breaker and a case of accidental shorting inside the engine may take a few seconds to trip the circuit breaker and by then it is usually too late.

Lee F.

Interested in southest Pennsylvania railroads; Reading & Northern, Reading Company, Reading Lines, Philadelphia & Reading.
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Shelbyville, TN
  • 679 posts
Posted by Berk765 on Saturday, August 7, 2010 8:02 PM

phillyreading

Your transformer is working like it is suppoed to work. You may want to put a 3 or 4 amp fuse in-line on the positive wire to the track. A Z-1000 transformer has a 6 amp circuit breaker and a case of accidental shorting inside the engine may take a few seconds to trip the circuit breaker and by then it is usually too late.

Lee F.

Thanks! I was wondering what type of circuit breaker to get.

Give me steam locomotives or give me DEATH!

Berkshire Junction, bringing fourth the cry of the Iron Horse since 1900.

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