I have an NCE 5 amp Smart Booster running all 3 mains but I have no circuit protection. Every once in a while on of the switches in the crossover track gets stuck and it causes a short. Was thinking of using the NCE EB1 single district breaker. I just want it to be able to shut the layout down before anything melts. Thoughts? Thanks.
https://www.ncedcc.com/online-store/EB1-Single-electronic-circuit-breaker-p38322161
About a month ago, this same topic was duscussed. Go back to the main page for Electronics and DCC, go to the 3rd page, a thread titled: Circuit Breaker Survey".
Mike.
My You Tube
Thanks! Can't believe MRR still uses this format instead of forums so you can search.
On the right side column, look for a box, Search The Community.
Not always a given, but it does work.
Just to the right of his message, I saw the box with, search the community.
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.
just use google site:cs.trains.com dcc circuit breakers
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Are you getting your answer on the other thread? If not, let us know.
I don't know the Powercab precisely but know it is less than 5A. From what I see in the following description the booster gives you more (5A) output and the Powercab I'm guessing basically becomes a throttle, upstream of the 5A output. Importantly, you have a circuit breaker (5A) presumeably in the booster that functions within 1/2 second (see the linked item). So, it is unlikely you will melt something if you have properly wired track (enough feeders).
https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/nce-5amp-smart-booster-for-powercab/
Practically, you may optionally wish to separate sections of your layout, better to understand where shorts are occurring or if you want / need to have a short not shut down the whole layout; e.g., at a club where multiple operators would be unnecessarily inconvenienced. So it may simply be an issue of whether you want to subdivide your layout.
As an example, I have a NCE 5A Powerhouse Pro. I had to have multiple "sub-districts" (separating the main system output) because I had 2 reversing loops. So I divided the output into a (very short) "main" and 2 reverse loop sub-districts, using 3 circuit breakers (1 CB only, 2 combo CB/reversers). I used (from Tony's Trains) the OG-CB for the main and the OG-AR for the reversing loops. These are NOT for the (3A?) PowerCab as they trip at 4A and are not adjustable as are the fancier circuit breakers / reversers. But they are reliable and economical. You would have to ask if they work downstream of the 5A booster (I would guess so).
I suggest that you consider if/how you want or need your layout divided. Then do call Tonys Trains and get their advise on your specific needs and wants.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
robkoz I have an NCE 5 amp Smart Booster running all 3 mains but I have no circuit protection. Every once in a while on of the switches in the crossover track gets stuck and it causes a short. Was thinking of using the NCE EB1 single district breaker. I just want it to be able to shut the layout down before anything melts. Thoughts?
I have an NCE 5 amp Smart Booster running all 3 mains but I have no circuit protection. Every once in a while on of the switches in the crossover track gets stuck and it causes a short. Was thinking of using the NCE EB1 single district breaker. I just want it to be able to shut the layout down before anything melts. Thoughts?
In the absence of any circuit breakers, if a short occurs, the booster will shut the layout down when it detects current in excess of 5 amps.
With circuit breakers in place, only that portion of the layout protected by the circuit breaker will shut down when current is detected in excess of the circuit breaker setting.
Alton Junction