Hello all. I just finished the install of my Legacy system and I've got it up and operational. I also just got my first Legacy loco. I use a kw to run as well as a TPC 300.I would like to know what to use to fpr circuit protection and where to install it. I am just beginning on circuit protection and want to do what's most important at this point. Thanks for any replies.
On another note:
I am enjoying The Legacy system alot. I'm takin' my time to get familiar with how to use the remote and it's many functions.; I've run my older conventional locos as well as my new SD 70 KCS. I hate to say it but the new SD70 makes me want to run only TMCC and Legacy locos! It's really amazing how well this equipment operates. Good day.
"I am enjoying The Legacy system alot. I'm takin' my time to get familiar with how to use the remote and it's many functions.; I've run my older conventional locos as well as my new SD 70 KCS. I hate to say it but the new SD70 makes me want to run only TMCC and Legacy locos! It's really amazing how well this equipment operates. Good day."
Aint that the truth!!! I rarely run anything out of my postwar collection anymore for exactly the same reason. I'd off it all now to get more Legacy equipment if the market wasnt so down.
You can add a faster acting breaker or an in line fuse between the KW and the TPC. The KW's breaker is thermal and will take a while to trip (it's primarily protecting the house wiring from damage/fire, not the stuff connected to the transformer outputs). I used to use a PW ZW to feed my TMCC stuff and was lucky that nothing bad happened when a dragging derailment eventually tripped the ZW (took about 3-5 seconds). I switched over to PH bricks that have fast acting breakers built in and this type of event is shut down before I even know it happened.
TVS (transient voltage suppressor) protects the locomotive's electronics from spikes when placed between the TPC's output terminals and the track feeds. The TPC has it's own fast acting breaker on the output (track) side so you shouldn't need another breaker on this side.
The transformer's circuit breaker is not protecting the house wiring at all. That is the job of the circuit breakers (or fuse box) built into the house. The transformer's breaker is protecting the transformer itself, and your layout wiring if you are using the 16 AWG or heavier wire appropriate for the 10-ampere circuit breaker in that transformer. However, like all "multi-control" Lionel transformers, the KW does not have as many circuit breakers as it should for its multiple outputs. As Lionel's schematic diagram admits, "Note that the circuit breaker does not protect binding post combinations A-B, B-D and C-U." This deficiency can be remedied with the automatically-resetting automotive circuit breakers available for a few bucks at auto parts stores, which are functionally the same as the one built into the transformer.
TVSs give almost ideal protection against voltage spikes that might arise from derailments and other short circuits. Fast circuit breakers or fuses only limit your locomotive's exposure after the event has begun, are expensive compared to TVSs, are a nuisance to reset or replace, and offer no additional protection if you have TVSs in place. (But they are harmless.)
Bob Nelson
Bob and Chuck are right. I power my tracks with three Post War ZW's. I replaced all my ZW breakers with resetting automotive breakers [Bob Nelson's advice]. Between ZW's and my electronics [TIU], I have fast acting breakers. Between the TIU and the track, I have Scotts Odds and Ends TVS's took Bob's advice and got TVS's]. Now I feel a lot better about my "modern" locomotives. May cost a little now but cheaper than a new command loco.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
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