Layout wiring question

hearncl posted:

I am constructing a Lionel command/control layout with the following features:

*Lionel FasTrack track and command/control switches    -    OK, just power those on track power
*Three separate track blocks - do you mean three lines/loops ( power districts) ? Any specific reason for creating blocks?
*Track powered by a two 180-watt PowerHouses connected to a 360-watt PowerMaster - do you plan on running any scale ABBA - Lighted passenger car trains ? Why the need for 20 amps?
*A ZW transformer to provide auxilliary power for accessories - ok, but I prefer Z-1000 bricks - the ZW doesn't have a fast enough breaker for a short
*Several accessories connected to SC-2 or ASC controllers for on-off control - I like the SC-2 and power them with the supplied power supply and cut the ground traces
*TMCC "Com" and "Dat" signals (for 2 accessories and the ASC controller) - I don't see a need for the ASC
provided by a Lionel SER2 Module - you can add this later if needed

Initially, the PowerMaster will power and control the entire layout (except for
aux. power provided by the ZW). In the future I would like the ability to
separately power one of the track blocks for conventional control using one of
the four taps on the ZW. - Use a brick (180PH) directly to the loop/line except for the line to be used for optional conventional operation - put the Legacy PowerMaster on that loop

I have been thinking of layout wiring in terms of separate 2-conductor cables - No need for paired cables - single wires fine
for track power, accessory power, etc. But it would simplify wiring to have a
single, common ground wire bus. My question is, would using a common ground wire
for all functions cause problems (phasing or otherwise) if both the - No - preferred method - but it would have to be 10 awg or a 12 awg  to handle the current of all transformers
PowerMaster, ZW, and accessory controllers are connected to the common ground?

Any advice will be appreciated.

So, here's my 2¢ - in red above

A track plan and intended operation would be helpful. Determine maximum train power requirements in amps when all planned equipment is operated simultaneously.

I didn't see a Legacy base in the power and control items.

Thanks for the input. To clarify, yes, the PowerHouses and PowerMaster are controlled by a Legacy base with Cab-2 controller. The three track blocks are separated by center rail gaps. The main reason for the separate blocks is to have the future ability to operate one or more blocks by conventional transformer control. I'm sure there are better equipment choices, but I'm constrained by equipment already on hand.

I can go into more detail later, but mainly want to know if it would be a big mistake to have a common ground for everything.

You will not likely be able to run conventional and Legacy at the same time...unless your conventional engines are truely conventional and not also TMCC-Legacy. Even using separate outside rail circuits for the conventional does not prevent the Legacy signal from waking up TMCC-Legacy engines in the same room, essentially.

Otherwise, I assume by “common ground”, you mean common...U terminal. I think that is fine given the caveats above and turning off the Legacy when running conventional.

As long as all power supply's are in phase in my opinion a common ground is the way to go. I have TMCC, Legccy, LCS,and all work fine together. Even DC.

Would there be a potential phasing problem if the the PowerMaster ground (U) terminal and the ZW U terminal were connected to the common ground at the same time?

hearncl posted:

Would there be a potential phasing problem if the the PowerMaster ground (U) terminal and the ZW U terminal were connected to the common ground at the same time?

yes, the ZW doesn't have a "polarized" plug. You would need to phase that with PH180's. (and any other transformer without the modern plug)