Do you leave your TIU/WIU powered on 24/7?

I have two layouts powered by three Z-4000 transformers that run conventionally. Obviously, startup time is not a consideration, but I think it's much safer to have electrical appliances off and unplugged when not in use.

MELGAR

No. All along with my transformers, are connected to a power strip, which is turned off when not in use.

Yes, I do.  It's been on for 3+ years.  I'm not advocating it but you asked.

I never leave anything running when I'm not in the train room.  It doesn't take my stuff that long to boot up, I think the MTH WIU is the last thing that is on-line for use.  The TIU and Legacy command base are up in a few seconds.  The Lionel WiFi is up in around 15-20 seconds.  The MTH WIU seems to take the longest, but I only use it occasionally as I still prefer the plain old remote.

I've heard of being impatient to run trains but this takes the proverbial cake!

As for me - when I'm not running trains power is turned off.

-Greg

Since I mostly use the remotes, either the TMCC/Legacy or the DCS remote, it only takes me seconds from power-on to be running trains.  I haven't had any issue waiting the few seconds for things to initialize.

I'm with John. An enjoyable hobby shouldn't need instant gratification.

I always unplug everything when not in use.  A few years ago, I had a power surge (nearby lightning strike?) that fried a TV, cable box, garbage disposal, and the electronics in my tablesaw.  There was just enough loss to make it not worth making an insurance claim.

I'm REALLY happy that my Z4000s and other train-related electronics were spared.  It would have been a case of instant un-gratification.

From flipping the switch to running trains is 2-3 minutes for me, after the DCS startup, then selecting the MTH Wifi signal on my phone (the MTH wifi takes the longest time), starting the app and connecting.  I don't have the DCS remote, just the wifi and iphone app. I agree that the Lionel wifi is up very quickly.

Dale

When I go downstairs to run the layouts, it's for relaxation. I take my time. Sometimes, I just go into the train room and admire the layouts and don't even run any trains. The trains and layouts are interesting to look at, even when nothing is running, although they've been there for many years. So, there's no hurry to get things moving. It's part of enjoying the hobby.

MELGAR

@MELGAR posted:

Sometimes, I just go into the train room and admire the layouts and don't even run any trains. The trains and layouts are interesting to look at, even when nothing is running,

Glad to see I’m not the only one, Melgar!  Just going into that room and looking at the layout is an immediate de-stressor for me. I even love the smell of it, LOL!

Nope. I have a switch with a pilot light at the top of the stairs. It is always turned off as I leave the train room.

I have ( 2) 5 volt transformers that stay plugged in all the time, since they are essentially just phone chargers. They run a few LED lights. They're cool to look at night when I get up to pee (sorry for the TMI...it's an old man thing...LOL).

Other than that, I have everything on power strips, which get shut off. I have had lightening strikes fry stuff and I think that overall, its a good idea to leave your DCS wifi off. Not to mention, my other devices are always trying to connect to it.

On a related note, my wife asked why there was a fire extinguisher in there. She got the "deer in the headlights look".

I turn everything off when not running the layout. I have a power strip right below my control panel.

I would use the couple of minutes to pour a single malt and then hit the throttles........

We even unplug kitchen appliances when not in use.

@endless tracks posted:

On a related note, my wife asked why there was a fire extinguisher in there. She got the "deer in the headlights look".

Never a bad idea, and there's a larger one in the wood shop through the double doors as well.

@endless tracks posted:

On a related note, my wife asked why there was a fire extinguisher in there. She got the "deer in the headlights look".

I have three - one near each door and one about 10 feet from where the transformers are located.  Need to get the fire out quickly or get everyone out of the house, call 911, and argue with the insurance company later.

I suspect there are many other places in the house that are far more likely to have fire issues than the layout, especially if you have done proper wiring and have circuit protection in place.  Think of how many toaster ovens and coffee makers burn down houses!

Verbatim from a FDNY Fire Marshal - the most common cause of residential fires is poorly made electrical power strips (read cheap Chinese imports). Not candles and not cigarettes. If you aren’t paying $75 for a USA made, UL tested power strip, you a running a very real risk of having a house fire. No baloney.

@Mark V. Spadaro posted:

Verbatim from a FDNY Fire Marshal - the most common cause of residential fires is poorly made electrical power strips (read cheap Chinese imports). Not candles and not cigarettes. If you aren’t paying $75 for a USA made, UL tested power strip, you a running a very real risk of having a house fire. No baloney.

Well... maybe, maybe not.

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