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Any Disadvantage to Using Decoders with Higher Amp Ratings Than Needed?

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  • Member since
    April 2008
  • 105 posts
Any Disadvantage to Using Decoders with Higher Amp Ratings Than Needed?
Posted by NNJRailfan on Thursday, June 9, 2016 11:03 AM

If a loco draws less than 1 amp at peak, is there a disadvantage to using a decoder with a 1.25-1.5 amp rating vs. one that has only a 1 amp rating?

Will the higher-rated decoder work fine when the power supply's output is only 1 amp?

This car stops at ALL railroad crossings!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
  • 1,796 posts
Posted by JoeinPA on Thursday, June 9, 2016 11:43 AM

There is no disadvantage to using a decoder with a higher amp rating. A higher amp rating decoder will provide you with a little more insurance against an accidental amp surge.

Joe

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • 993 posts
Posted by hobo9941 on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 11:23 PM

The only disadvantage is that the higher amp decoder may be slightly larger in size, if space is a problem.

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Thursday, June 16, 2016 6:32 AM

Only advantages from what I can see.  If anything it's insurance against a fried decoder since it can take more amps before it fries.  Thats only a good thing in my book.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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