Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

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

1119 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • 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

  • 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
    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
    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!

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!