I'm trying to understand the whole electrical aspec of model railroading. I'm trying to select the right rocker switch for the transformer I have. Question: I have a MRC Tech 4 280 Power Pack with Output 14.5VDC & Total Output 8.5VA. I found some Rocker Toggle LED Switches on Amazon, which are rated for 12V / DC. 20A. Will these work with my Power Pack to switch power to the tracks (sidings) with out burning up or blowing the LED in the switch.
I suggest buying one and trying it out. With a 20 amp rating, I doubt they'll burn up.
I think the follow-on options will be obvious.
Ed
You need more details. Some illuminated switches are truly integrated - the LED or light is part of the switched circuit. Others, the LED or light just has its own pins which you can hook up to whatever.
Lighted switches for toggling DC power generally require a slightly more complex wiring, because how willt h LED or light bulb light up if you turn the power on to a siding but have the throttle at stop? Generally, you need an extra conatct in the switch which connects to a constant power souce (independent of the track power) and the indicator light. Thus, any time the switch is turned on, the indicator light will illuminate, regardless of the throttle position.
Or, just use the rockers or toggles and use the physical position of the lever to indicate when a given track is turned on or off.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
cmontgomery03 I'm trying to understand the whole electrical aspec of model railroading. I'm trying to select the right rocker switch for the transformer I have. Question: I have a MRC Tech 4 280 Power Pack with Output 14.5VDC & Total Output 8.5VA. I found some Rocker Toggle LED Switches on Amazon, which are rated for 12V / DC. 20A. Will these work with my Power Pack to switch power to the tracks (sidings) with out burning up or blowing the LED in the switch.
I buy a lot through Amazon. Should be very easy if you have not done it. I always check reviews and sometimes ask a question.
Check the reviews.
Ask a question.
Post the link here so we can see the specs, details.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
The lighted rocker switches i have installed in my RV had similar ratings, but came from automotive parts stores. There is a 3rd terminal for the LED (center terminal on my switches) that ties to ground (negative) when the switch is "ON". This lets the LED light only when the switch is ON. In automotive, marine, and RV use, switches are always installed in the positive leg.
I found the LEDs way too bright. I ended up wiring the LED through a 100K resistor (Radio Shack) just to get the brightness down to a tolerable level. When I installed the second and third switches of the same type, I didn't even bother with the LED because I didn't want any more "night lights" in the camper.
Fred W