Additional protection for TIU?

EscapeRocks posted:

Hello all,

I finally dragged out my old TIU and DCS remote.    It works great.   I haven't used it in about 6 years.

Eventually I will get a newer REV L.     Until then, my TIU is a Rev I.   As i said, it works fine with my PS2 locos, and talks to my TMCC Command base as well, which I also dragged out last night for the first time in 6 years and hooked up with the proper serial cable.

 

My question:  should I be running addition circuit protection between the track and the TIU?

In my opinion, YES!  I have added 10 amp "quick blow" automotive type fuses (in those trailer fuse holders) to the out-put of each & every channel of both of our TIUs.

My setup:   Lionel 180Powerhouse to TIU Fixed IN 1:  TIU Fixed Out 1 to Track  (Lionel Fastrack, 2 small loops on 6x8 layout.)

Running only older PS2 Railking, and some older TMCC equipment.  TA most two locos at once.

It's good to have the command stuff back up and running.

 

Thanks in advance!

Agree!

David,

My question:  should I be running addition circuit protection between the track and the TIU?

Sorry to disagree with others, however, where you need protection is between the transformer and each TIU channel input. If you consider the Powerhouses to have correctly operating circuit breakers, that's all that you need.

Regardless, fuses and circuit breakers only protect devices that are between the fuse/circuit breaker and the track. Placing fuses between the track and the TIU outputs will protect only the engines, not the TIU. If you want additional protection for the Powerhouses themselves, the TIU and all engines, in the event of a Powerhouse circuit breaker failure to operate, place a 10 amp, fast-blow fuse in the Hot wire between each Powerhouse and it's intended TIU channel input.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Thank you all!

Gentlemen,

   A usual Barry is correct, put your resettable breakers or fuses between your Transformer and TIU, no other place is necessary.

PCRR/Dave

Thank you again!   I had a bunch of 10amp fast blow fuses in the garage I use with my auto projects.

I grabbed a couple and have installed them between each Power House and the TIU channel they power.

IMO, if the PH180 breaker is working properly, there's no need for the fuses.