I have two of the new ZW's that have 190 and 135 power bricks, what do I need to do to phase them.
Thank you, Marty
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These are typically referred to as a ZW-C. It's the predecessor to the new ZW-L.
It's easy. The Powerhouse bricks have polarized plugs. Plug them into a power strip that's plugged into a modern grounded receptacle.
If you have them in separate locations, ensure that the receptacles are on the same circuit from the electrical panel.
The ribbed, grooved or striped side of the insulation is neutral, which should be the wide blade on the plug.
if you are asking about the output wires that have the plugs cut-off, same insulation guide. The smooth is hot and the ribbed is common or neutral.
Remember, some of these 135 bricks were wired from the factory with reverse phasing, so that's not a foolproof solution. 
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Remember, some of these 135 bricks were wired from the factory with reverse phasing, so that's not a foolproof solution.
Wasn't that the early 180's?
-Dave
Some of those as well, now that you mention it. I had one of the PH135 transformers that was phased wrong, that's why it sticks in my mind.
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Some of those as well, now that you mention it. I had one of the PH135 transformers that was phased wrong, that's why it sticks in my mind.
OK, didn't realize it was both. I recall (not sure if it's still on Lionel site or not) a date code you could check for the 180's to see if they had the problem(I remember it coming up when I bought a 360 Watt ZW-C). I never had 135's, so I either didn't pay attention or flat out missed it for those.
-Dave
I have 2 ZW, one is the PWC version with 180 powerhouses I have purchased separately from auctions. How do you tell if one is an older reverse wired one?
I have not had power to them yet as I am just getting to this phase of construction.
My plan is to have the PWC ZW on the left half of my layout running 4 power blocks, while the second ZW, the newer one which will have 4 new PH180 which are on order from Trainworld and due in Nov, running the right 4 power blocks, and a separate transformer running the 2 loops of track conventionally on the train shelf.
Originally Posted by Ron_S:
I have 2 ZW, one is the PWC version with 180 powerhouses I have purchased separately from auctions. How do you tell if one is an older reverse wired one?
I have not had power to them yet as I am just getting to this phase of construction.
My plan is to have the PWC ZW on the left half of my layout running 4 power blocks, while the second ZW, the newer one which will have 4 new PH180 which are on order from Trainworld and due in Nov, running the right 4 power blocks, and a separate transformer running the 2 loops of track conventionally on the train shelf.
I found the link, needed to do a web search to locate it though (didn't Lionel site used to have Search feature?). The date codes are in the instruction sheet for the adapter.
http://www.lionel.com/media/se...ents/72-2983-251.pdf
-Dave
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Some of those as well, now that you mention it. I had one of the PH135 transformers that was phased wrong, that's why it sticks in my mind.
Sheesh...is there no end to surprises? Are you saying they didn't follow the ribbed and smooth convention properly?
Edit: Thanks Dave, I now see it's on the output side.
TO be honest, I never did take a working one apart to see if it was the primary or secondary that was swapped. I just swapped the easy connection so they were phased like all the others and moved on.
I suppose I'll be checking the two PH's that came with a 1.2 version that I purchased.
How would one know to ask or properly troubleshoot a phasing issue?
Thanks guys! Things aren't always as simple as they appear to be.
I watched the Lionel video, and by using the lamp technique learned all my tracks are phase. Life is good again...
Marty
