How much power is enough

[AFLines]

I'm remodeling my attic so that I can finally have a train layout and display my entire collection.  My question is how much power would I need for the transformers.  I'm planning on at least 2 American Flyer 30B transformers, plus probably two or three more single transformers like the one from American Models plus one transformer dedicated to nothing but accessories.  Would one 15 amp circuit be enough or should I have one dedicated 20 amp circuit or do I need more?

Thanks, Rich

[gunrunnerjohn]

Well, if nothing other than a couple of lights are on the 15A circuit in question, it should support the load.  1800 watts is a lot of trains.

[KRM]

Rich,

I agree that a 20 amp should be plenty. Hope I am right because that is what I plan to run to my table.

Tks,

 Kevin

[phillyreading]

One 15 amp circuit may be enough for your train transformers, but what about repair tools? I would have two 15 amp circuits, one for trains and the other for repair tools like a soldering gun. Might consider putting lights on their own circuit as well.

Lee F.

[Roger Bielen]

I have one 20 amp circuit dedicated to the layout (transformers), convienence wall outlets are on a 15 amp circuit, and lighting is on another 15 amp circuit.

[AFLines]

Currently I have one twenty amp circuit for each side of the attic, one 15 amp circuit for all the lights (and they will not all be on at once) and one 15 amp circuit plus I could use some of the 20 amp circuit from that one side for the trains.  If I was using repair tools, I wouldn't be running the trains at the same time.

[AFLines]

Thanks Roger, that's pretty much how I'm going to lay it out also.

Rich

[AFLines]

Thanks Kevin.  I'm trying to guess so that I don't blow the circuits.

my home was built in 1875 but every inch of wiring was installed in 1985 when I bought it.  Thinking ahead, I had the electrician run two 20 amp circuits and two 15 amp circuits to the attic for the trains and for an exhaust fan or airconditionaire if necessary for the summer.  Might also need a space heater in the winter since there is no heat up there currently but it will all be insulated.

  

[KRM]

Rich,

No problem. My rule of thumb has always been bigger is better. I don’t run any additional 15 amp circuits. Just not worth the savings in wire. When an electrician is doing a house they always go for the cheap. When DIY go bigger you will never regret it.

Tks,

Kev

[AFLines]

Thanks Kev,

That's what I figured.  More is better than less, AND when you're doing it yourself, the slight extra cost in copper is more than worth it.  Also, I like metal electrical boxes and not the plastic stuff.  The screw holes will NEVER strip in a metal box like they do in the plastic.

Rich

[phillyreading]

If going with metal boxes in an attic you may want to use stainless steel. A little more expensive but then it won't rust out on you because of humidity. Plastic is good for use with a humid climate, just have to be careful not to overtighten the screws.

Also if doing the project yourself, run at least AWG 14-2 with ground for 15 amp circuit and AWG 12-2 with ground for 20 amp circuit, never know when you need a grounded outlet.

You can use NM cable, that is non metalic cable with a plastic covering. UF cable(used for underground) is used for outdoors and not really needed inside, just extra expense per foot.

P.S. Don't buy industrial grade outlets as they are just an extra cost.

Lee F.

[AFLines]

Thanks Lee,

That's exactly what I'm doing and everything is grounded - has to be to be up to code.  I'm also putting in more outlets than I need in the event the next owners in 30 yrs want to use the area for living space.

The only thing I'm NOT doing is using stainless boxes but don't think I need them since the walls are beinging insulated and sheetrocked and I haven't had a humidity problem in the attic since I bought the house 25 yrs ago.

Rich