zw and fuses

[bigdogjeff]

i have 32v tvs on the layout and i have inline glass 15 amp 32 volt fuss and want to go 10 amp fuss but they all seem to be 250volt does this matter or do i need 32 volt

[willpick]

Glad to see that you are using the TVS and fuses. I use the 33V tvs, and i reccomend that you skip the 10A and use 7.5A instead. Don't forget that the ZW output is rated at about 180W for the entire secondary, spread among the four outputs.

I built a fuse box for my sister's ZW, and used 5A automobile fuses. The newer plastic cased(AT) type. they work well for her PW style layout-- she doesn't get many derailments, but the 5A fuse does the job. And they are readily available just about everwhere--

[bigdogjeff]

are those 5 amp 250 volts or what volt is it

[lionelsoni]

You need a voltage rating at least as high as the voltage you are using.  So having a higher rating is just fine.

[phillyreading]

Which series of ZW transformer are you talking about? There is the post war ZW  and the new series of ZW's that use what is called power bricks. The older post war ZW has about 250 watts(useable output) that it shares across four outputs, not always evenly distibuted though, and the circuit protection is on the common terminal and not the A to D outputs.

There are two versions of the newer ZW, and at least two three power possibilities; 135 watt, 180 watt, 360 watt(two 180's together). The best circuit protection as others mentioned is about 7.5 amps, 8 amps if you have two powered (both powered A or B units) engines.

Lee F.

[bigdogjeff]

phillyreading i have 2 zw postwar 1 275 the other a 250 i use the 275 to run the layout but i think i got it now i have tvs on the track connector crossing over to each side i also have a tvs on the back of the transformer and i have a inline fuse with a 10 amp quickblow fuse. i am hoping this iss going to be safe for my trains .