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Reply to "Power Districts - Insulated rails at turnout and more"

Also, because this was an older topic and won't let me do the quote and copy paste, here we try:

Posted by @Mike CT in this post https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...659#5512461186231659

We had discussed that seperate 120 volt power sources could also cause phasing problems. Home wiring involves an A and B phase.  Transformer one plugged into A phase will not match transformer two plugged into B phase.  Best to plug all transformer into the same circuit.  Commercial wiring involve an A, B and C phase, again best to plug all transformers into the same receptacle/circuit.



Again, this was something I eluded to but did not outright say. It's recommended when doing power to use a power strip and plug multiple transformers into the strip (with a circuit breaker) because you want to source from a single wall outlet of a known phase. Let's say your train room install has multiple outlets on different walls of the room. If you plug one transformer into one outlet and another into the other side of the room outlet- there is a chance they are different AC phases coming in to your house.

Every house and situation is different, transformers are not guaranteed to be in phase even from the same brand and model number. Then heaven forbid your situation uses different outlets

Bottom line again- if you have more than one track or accessory transformer- it's recommended minimally to check phasing of outputs and ENSURE you do not end up with any combined voltage higher than 18V between any 2 terminals. Literally that is the goal- make sure the transformers are not "adding up" because they are out of phase and resulting in a potential where some piece of equipment could see higher than 18V AC.

Last edited by Vernon Barry

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