Hello guys. I am doing the wiring for the lighting on my layout and I have already blown 2 bulbs instantly on 2 Lionel street lamps. Can someone put me straight. These are supposed to be powered by lockons. I decided to power them separately using a Tech II power pack that provides 18 fixed volts. Is that too much for lights in building, yard and street lights etc? I note that the lights will come on using the variable DC side of the power pack too. How best to light up my layout?
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It's just math and common sense.
All lamps have a maximum voltage rating.
Step 1: determine what that rating is. (the manufacturer usually will provide that info)
Step 2: do not exceed that rating when installing the lamps.
Use a voltmeter to measure the supply before blowing out any more lamps.
Use a variable supply (either AC or DC) and gradually increase the voltage, while watching the voltmeter, and set the supply at a level that is appropriate.
My experience is that very few accessory lamps are rated at 18 volts. Most are rated at 10-12 volts.
Read the Lionel instruction sheet for the lights as it should mention what voltage to use for the lights. I would think that 12 to 14 volts would be good for street lights.
I had to read the instruction sheet for the newer Lionel switches a few years ago.
Lee Fritz
... I decided to power them separately using a Tech II power pack that provides 18 fixed volts. Is that too much for lights in building, yard and street lights etc? I note that the lights will come on using the variable DC side of the power pack too...
Use the DC, and set the voltage to the lowest satisfactory level to prolong bulb life.
Also, the Fixed AC on those Tech II power packs have a very limited/small VA rating, even compared to the up to 2 amp(still not much!) DC available. Even an old $5 50 watt Marx transformer would perform better.
Read the Lionel instruction sheet for the lights as it should mention what voltage to use for the lights. I would think that 12 to 14 volts would be good for street lights.
I had to read the instruction sheet for the newer Lionel switches a few years ago.
Lee Fritz
There were no instructions on these Lionel street lights other than a few words on the box saying to connect them to track lockons. The bulbs are so tiny there is no wattage info on them. I want to have all those accessory lights on a toggle switch so I am using a separate power supply. I have a bridge light, yard light, 2 buildings, and a shanty that all seemed to accept the 18 VAC while the street lights didn't. I think I will use the variable DC side as Rob suggests, tho the lights are all considerably dimmer even at max output of 14 VDC. Obvious hassle to be replacing bulbs. Thanks to all for their input.
It's just math and common sense.
All lamps have a maximum voltage rating.
Step 1: determine what that rating is. (the manufacturer usually will provide that info)
Step 2: do not exceed that rating when installing the lamps.
Use a voltmeter to measure the supply before blowing out any more lamps.
Use a variable supply (either AC or DC) and gradually increase the voltage, while watching the voltmeter, and set the supply at a level that is appropriate.
My experience is that very few accessory lamps are rated at 18 volts. Most are rated at 10-12 volts.
Thanks Art. I have a small transformer that would let me set a lower voltage on all the lights so I will try that as well the variable DC.
at the club we have been using Malibu transformers since 2001.
very reliable, low voltage.
What a great idea Bigdodge, and I have an extra one of those sitting in my garage. Thank you!
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