Wiring the TPC-300 6-14189 into an existing layout

[gattom773]

I want to wire the TPC 300 into part of my existing layout. Instructions call for 14 guage wire. Do I have to wire that section I want to use with 14 guage wire? I use 18 guage on my layout that is L shaped 12 x 10. If I have to use 14 guage, then I'll just use another transformer and the 14 guage wire for that section when I want to operate older engines using the 300 TPC.

[wrmcclellan]

Gat,

The TPC300 is designed to control up to 300 watts. Considering the 300 would allow two 135 watt Powerhouses (or other transformers) to be combined for approx 15-16 amps, one needs a heavier gauge wire to ensure the wire does not overheat under a full load. 

If you are just using the 300 to control a track with a single transformer you are likely fine to stay with the 18 ga. 

If I were you as you continue working on your layout you might consider upgrading the wire to 16 ga. If you are going to push the 300 to its full capability you should upgrade the wire to 14 ga.

Manual is here: https://www.lionelsupport.com/media/servicedocuments/71-4189-250.pdf

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

wrmcclellan

Gat,

The TPC300 is designed to control up to 300 watts. Considering the 300 would allow two 135 watt Powerhouses (or other transformers) to be combined for approx 15-16 amps, one needs a heavier gauge wire to ensure the wire does not overheat under a full load. 

If you are just using the 300 to control a track with a single transformer you are likely fine to stay with the 18 ga. 

If I were you as you continue working on your layout you might consider upgrading the wire to 16 ga. If you are going to push the 300 to its full capability you should upgrade the wire to 14 ga.

Manual is here: https://www.lionelsupport.com/media/servicedocuments/71-4189-250.pdf

 

 

 

I did just exactly what Roy said by using two 135 watt Powerhouses and the TPC300 many years ago.  I used 16 ga. wire for everything including the track drops.  I run four trains at a time on 200 feet of track that includesa 2 1/2 grade. Everything works perfect.  

 

This is a video of two the big Williams locomotives with ERR Co. TMCC running at the same time. 

 

[gattom773]

Thanks for the information. I will buy the 16 guage wire and get to work on the power supply.

[lionelsoni]

Use wire that can safely carry the maximum current that your supply, transformer, powerhouse, or whatever, can put out.  That is the rating of the supply's overcurrent protection.  If the circuit breaker trips at 15 amperes, use at least 14 AWG (for example, two 135-watt powerhouses or a ZW or Z).  If it trips at 10 amperes, use at least 16 AWG (for example, a KW).  If it trips at 7.5 amperes, use at least 18 AWG (for example, one 135-watt powerhouse).

Keep in mind that, even though your wiring may be heavy enough for normal operation of your layout, the circuit breakers or fuses are there to protect you from abnormal situations, when an electrical fault may draw more current than your wiring can safely carry.