C W Burfle posted:The Train tender has a clear picture of the replacement breaker he sells for ZW transformers. It is a 15 amp breaker.
The transformer test chart in the Lionel model "F" test bench manual gives the trip information for a ZW as: 30 amps for 11 to 40 seconds.
I make no judgment on what someone sells as a replacement breaker. I am merely suggesting that expecting more than 10 amps from the PW-ZW is pretty unrealistic, so there's no reason to have a breaker rated for more current. As you state, thermal breakers don't trip all that quickly, I've said this many times. With a 10A breaker, according to published specifications for typical thermal breakers, they'll operate at 135% of rated current for an hour before tripping! I fail to see the need for any more capacity with this transformer.
I also have specifically recommended individual breakers or other circuit protection many times over the transformer's circuit breaker. Certain transformers, like the Lionel Powerhouse 180, are good with the internal circuit protection.
