Michael Hokkanen posted:I used separate bus bars for accessories. Track bus bars have each 4 connections to each part of the assigned track oval. So, the Z-1000 in question supplies power to a (roughly) 11' x 10' circle of track using 4 leads.
Michael,
It is my understanding that the accessory output is still a use of the available power of the transformer. 100 watts total. Remove one of the accessory leads at the transformer and observe if the train and car combination still kicks the breaker.
Lighted buildings and street lights are like the lighted cars when they are lit with incandescent bulbs.
If you have a separate Z-1000 for the accessories, then the point is moot.
The total draw of the layout could have the breaker just on the edge.
We are using 4 Z-1000 on the museum layout (EagleScout project). None of them are new. I had to separate the AC accessory feed to just a Z-1000 brick. I like the way the breaker operates. It's quick and requires the power to be turned off to reset it. We needed that safety factor for that environment. It's intended to be operated by non-train folks unattended by one of us.
I managed the power draw by using a small inexpensive clamp meter from Harbor Freight Set it to AC amp and place the clamp around a wire from the transformer while the layout is operating.
