Wiring question on Z4000

[GPJ68]

Howdy all,

Am finally getting around to wiring my first quasi-permanent layout and have a simple question on appropriate wiring hookup on an MTH Z4000.

Plans are to use only one throttle for the time being, and also power a group of Marx 034 and K-Line switches, as well as some accessories (log loader, gantry crane, postwar cattle corral, etc.) off the fixed 14 volt outlet. I'm using 3 wire 14 guage romex to 3 separate distribution blocks, from which I'll run the appropriate lines to the track, switches, and access. 1 block for red (hot) off the throttle, 1 for white (hot) off the fixed voltage, and 1 for black (return) for all returns.

The question is: Is it proper to tie all the common (black) return lines to one distribution block from all the switches, track, and accessories, that is wired to the common (black) terminal for the throttle on the Z4000, or do I need a 4th distribution block to keep the returns separate (variable track return lines separate from fixed voltage return lines for switches+). If I'm ok with three blocks, do I also need to run a wire from the black terminal of the fixed voltage outlet to the common black distribution block, or can I leave that terminal on the back of the Z4000 empty?

While testing, I've only used the throttle terminals, and never the two voltage sources at the same time for the different needs.

Right now I'm only going to run conventional, and only use one throttle. I won't rule out the possibility of someday adding TMCC. DCS will never be an option - I know, never say never, but I'm VERY committed to never going that direction, nothing against MTH. If I someday add a second loop to make use of the second throttle, would it still be acceptable to use the same common return distribution block for that circuit as well?

And yes, this is a word-for-word copy of my post on "the other forum" - I really value the opinions of many here that don't regularly monitor OGR.

Thanks in advance!

GP

[Anonymous]

According to a model RR wiring book I bought, all (both throttles and the fixed outputs) of the Z4000's common posts are internally connected. This would be easy enough to check with an ohm meter when you have the power turned off. FWIW, I haven't had any problem when I've wired things on my son's layout with a common or ground buss using a Z4000.

[GPJ68]

Thanks for the confirmation,

I was fairly sure it would be ok, since the postwar transformers I've used in the past had a common ground post for all wiring. I just wasn't sure whether it was proper to do the same with the newer MTH unit.

GP