ive heard a lot about carbon roller-equipped Postwar transformers needing TVS diodes for protection when running modern engines with printed circuitry.
considering the KW has a very powerful fixed 20v output with no carbon roller, is TVS needed here? I want to install an inline fuse or breaker between this output and a PowerMaster or TPC and power up command control with fixed 19v to the track. Will my engines be ok this way without TVS diodes on the KW fixed 20v out?
TVS diodes protect against voltage spikes caused by collapsing electromagnetic fields generated by the layout (relays, solenoids, motors, derailments etc). Any used outputs/drops should be protected with TVS diodes and breakers/fuses, including the 20V fixed voltage taps on your KW.
For PW transformers or any transformer that can put out 20 VAC or more, the TVS model 1.5KE36CA is recommended. If you only use modern power bricks or outer sources that max out at 18 VAC then one could get by with 1.5KE33CA diodes..
As for using the 20V fixed output to power command control items asking for 18V input, I think you may be asking for trouble as that fixed output is based upon a certain ~115V input. If your wall voltage fluctuates higher (It will at some point) with in the acceptable 5% of 120V, then it theoretically can reach 126V input making that 20V output closer to 22V
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