ZW Shorting Out

[Curmudgeon]

Sometimes I have to just sit back and be silent.

Now you see. When you "adjust" a circuit breaker without some way of testing it for functionality, you have overcome the protection of said device.

Yeah, you can short the output....but where does it trip? You need an AC ammeter, a variable load, and you need to know what the original design criteria was.

You just replace it and leave any adjustments alone.

[KRM]

The breaker did not open, nor did the red light come on. I'm thinking maybe it would be wiser to invest in a new breaker, which I find on ebay for $12. Looks like a pretty simple swap-out. If you have any other thoughts, let me know.

 

That is the problem then.  So  Do it! 

[gottcent]

I found the circuit breaker on the side of the frame as you said, but it does not have an adjusting screw. I tried bending it by hand just a bit to make closer contact when closed. Now things run fine, but--lacking an ammeter--I have no way of knowing whether I've closed the contacts too far so that they won't open with a real short. I tried deliberately shorting out one circuit for about 12 seconds but stopped when smoke appeared. The breaker did not open, nor did the red light come on. I'm thinking maybe it would be wiser to invest in a new breaker, which I find on ebay for $12. Looks like a pretty simple swap-out. If you have any other thoughts, let me know.

Thanks, John.

[gottcent]

Thanks, guys. I'll look into the circuit breaker and get back to you.

John

[Kooljock1]

http://lioneltransformer.com/

Jon

[Koala]

Sounds like the circuit breaker.  There are two types.  One is mounted to the side of the frame and the other is mounted to the base of the housing.  I think these were made by Klixon.  The base version and some of the frame versions have an adjustment screw.  Try adjusting the screw first and then test the unit.  I use an ammeter in series with some old car headlamps to put a load on the transformer.  I adjust the breaker to hold 12 amps and then open if it goes higher.  If all else fails just replace the breaker.  Both are available from parts dealers for about  $15.  Good luck.

[KRM]

Curmudgeon

It's not shorting...probably.

The circuit breaker is tripping, giving you a "short circuit" indicator.

Breaker is going bad.

Replace it.

Usual suspects have them.

At least, that's what I'd do first.

 Not knowing how old it is or what breaker it has in it I agree circuit breaker is tripping.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Curmudgeon

Breaker is going bad.

Replace it.

Indeed, start with the cheapest fix and work up.

[Curmudgeon]

It's not shorting...probably.

The circuit breaker is tripping, giving you a "short circuit" indicator.

Breaker is going bad.

Replace it.

Usual suspects have them.

At least, that's what I'd do first.

[gottcent]

A friend has asked me to look at his postwar 275 watt ZW, because it has started shorting out when two or more trains are run on it for just a few minutes. I tested it out with several of my own engines which I know to be in good shape, and he's right: run two or more and after about 2 minutes the red "short" light comes on and everything stops. Let the transformer cool for a few seconds (maybe 30) and it pops back on, only to repeat the symptom again. It doesn't seem to matter which of the four circuits you're hooked up to--happens with all of them. One train runs fine, but two or more cause this problem. Any thoughts?