quote:Originally posted by Dale Manquen:
Protecting your transformer and protecting your layout from fires are two different considerations. If you do use a fuse or circuit breaker at 10 amps, consider whether your downstream wiring can carry this amount of current safely. I recommend breaking the accessory feed into smaller subgroups that are fused properly for the actual wire size at the load.
Well Hallelujah,
Finally someone says it in a sentence and says it as simply put as it gets.
You don't run 16 gauge wire from your transformer for a buss for building lights then branch of with 28 gauge wire and fuse it with 10 Amps(Just an example) Why?
Because the 28 gauge wire will now be the fuse and if something goes wrong inside one of those buildings the fuse won't blow because the wire is smaller than the fuse that you think will protect it.
Oh you can run the 16 gauge wire for the buss but bring it to a central point mount another fuse block and branch off to your buildings.
You have to consider is the wire the fuse is protecting big enough to handle the rating on the fuse that your using . If it's not and you use it anyway you've just made a nice heating element and if something shorts out a nice fire.
Thanks Dale
David
