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Reply to "Annual Christmas train wiring question"

As for the TVS diodes. You can get them on amazon or ebay. They stop a large voltage spike from taking out your control boards if any wheels jump the track, and they are very easy to install. They come with different ratings, so here's my recommendation. I also install a fast blow fuse in the wiring.
Only one locomotive at a time on each track:
1.5KE27CA on each output
https://www.amazon.com/LITTELF...604774934&sr=8-5

For a lashup or double heading locomotives:
1.5KE30CA on any wires going to a track where you run multiple locomotives at the same time.
https://www.amazon.com/LITTELF...604774860&sr=8-2

For a fuse size, the DCS Wifi companion recommends 10 amp. I've seen those not blow with only one locomotive. So I use a 7 to 8 amp amp for those situations.
Here's a fuse holder. I didn't link the kits with holders and fuses as they use 18 to 22 awg wire, which is too small for the current drawn by the locomotives.
https://www.amazon.com/NTE-Ele...604775596&sr=8-4

Here are the fuses. You actually spend less money per 10 and 7 or 8 amp fuses buying them in a mixed assortment than buying a package with only 10 or 7/8 amp fuses:
https://www.amazon.com/MCIGICM...604775843&sr=8-8

I used automotive fuses at first but am switching to the glass.

All you need for tools are some strippers, crimpers (cheap ones are fine),  butt splices and electrical tape. You can get fancier with heat shrink and soldering things if you want, but that's a personal choice.

On the Christmas layout, I use an old RW transformer  for the power. Since I'm paranoid, I put a TVS diode and fuse on the TIU input. For the power on the  layout I'm working on I use an old Z, so I still use the diode and fuse.

The diodes can be installed on the barrels for the TIU input and track connector. The fuses are installed before the diodes because, as soon as the over voltage is gone, the diodes will stop current flow and power will be re-apllied to the track, Then they'll short again and so on. It' almost like the old breaker on my RW.

With the fuses where they are, it protects the transformer, TIU in and out, the TVS diodes, and the control boards on your locomotives. I did this for My DCS Explorer too before I upgraded to the full blown Wifi setup.





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Last edited by Quietman

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