Hi!
I'm almost at the point of wiring in a toggle switch for two sets of staging tracks that are coincidently individual blocks on my DCC HO layout now under construction. I'm using a 5 amp Digitrax system with an extra booster and eight blocks routed thru two DCC specialties PSX4 breakers.
As I have a few (and they are typically more available), I intend to use DPDT toggles, and in the case of the staging tracks, wire the two bus wires (14awg) to the toggle, with the other sides going out to the circuit breakers and on to the booster. My question is, What minimum specs would I need for the toggle switches to assure they don't burn out and provide a good flow?
The loco terminal tracks will also go thru toggle switches, but I believe I can route the feeder wires (20awg) thru the toggles as the runs will be relatively short.
You know, its often "funny" how things like wiring a layout can seem so clear and easy on paper or in your mind, but when you get down to actually doing it, a lot of issues - mostly minor so far - come up.
Thanks!
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I use the full size DPDT and the are rated at 10 Amp. Plenty of capacity for my Zepher at 2.5 amps and would work for you at 5 amps.
Your advice makes perfect sense, for "amps is amps" whether relating to house or MR currents. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.
At age 65, this is probably my last layout, and I'm trying new things (DCC), and want to do them right.
Thanks,
..... Bob
Beam me up, Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here. (Captain Kirk)
I reject your reality and substitute my own. (Adam Savage)
Resistance is not futile--it is voltage divided by current.