i have my command station and an additional booster plugged into a wall receptical that i have wired to a switch. mostly because i can just flip the switch and i have everything powered up without crawling under the layout to plug and unplug all the time. just wondering if this is allright to do, and weather i should invest in a surge protector or not?
I'd definitely recommend a good, high quality surge protector / power strip be used on these items -- electrical storms in the area or normal line power surges from refrigerators and air conditioners turning on and off can raise havoc with electronics and definitely shorten their lives.
Get your surge supressor from a reputable computer store and not Wal-mart, and check the bottom of it or the packaging and insure that it has UL and other approval stamps.
I've seen some so-called surge protectors at Wal-mart that even say on the package that they have not been approved by UL or any other agency. Avoid those at all cost.
Yes, I agree with Cacole, invest in a good quality UL surge protector. Also, using a wall switch to turn on and off your DCC system is no different than plugging them into the wall, just a lot easier than having to crawl under the layout.
John
Definitely get a surge protector. Otherwise, the idea of having everything connected to a switched outlet is a good idea. I don't like to leave anything turned on in the train room when I'm not there.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I go along with the others. My NCE command station, power supply and 4 boosters are plugged into a heavy duty terminal strip, which is plugged into a wall outlet that has protection also. A wall switch turns it off. As an added precaution, I unplug the terminal strip at the wall when we are having a Kansas City thunderstorm/tornato. Haven't lost a thing in the 24 years the railroad has been in the basement and plugged in.
Bob
thank you guys i'll be sure to purchase one today.
When I built the basement (house) I had a dedicated 20 AMP circuit installed with a switch at the base of the stairs so I can kill the power to the DCC system when I leave the layout room. I purchased an electronics/computer grade surge protector which plus into the outlet. It also expands my outlet from two to six.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.