Different use of lionels 153IR question

[Burlington Route]

Hi folks, new guy. I have a question regarding the use of my new 153IR- I want it to be used as a station stop for our single track carpet layout. From what I can see, I'd need to use the uax power supply input, switch in aux power" mode, and feed the track via the NC{center rail} and ACC GND{common outers} wires...so here's 2 questions;

1) is the above wiring correct for my application?

2) will the 153IR be fine handling the voltage/amps to run a train, as I see this devise as more for accessories than what I'm asking of it.

Thanks for looking

[gunrunnerjohn]

The relays in the 153-IR are only good for a few amps, so wiring them to the track may be a mistake.  They're designed to run accessories.  Note they specify a maximum of #24 wire in the manual, doubtless to keep people from running too much current through them.

[lionelsoni]

I don't doubt that the 153-IR can't handle a lot of current.  Note that figures 14 and 15 of the manual show how to use a relay to increase the current-handling capability up to 1 ampere.  You could use a relay with heavier contacts in the same way to run trains from the 153-IR, although you might have to cascade yet another, bigger relay from the small external relay that Lionel recommends.

I think the restriction to 24-AWG is because of the limitations of the 153-IR's connectors.  Depending on the wire gauge to limit the current would be unreliable, if not dangerous.

[Burlington Route]

Bob and John, thanks...kind of what I figured.

BTW John- fancy meeting you here, those electronics will be out in tomorrows mail. ;)