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I am new to the forum. I have learned a ton from you all, and am grateful for your knowledge. My question involves using a relay to activate track signals via isolated outside rail track sections. I am getting an additional 14 volts on the isolated outside rail after hooked up to the relay. Signal works perfectly when the train enters the isolated section. I am worried about the extra voiltage affect on the electricals of the engines. The relay is getting power from a separate Z1000 (14volt posts). I know this is where the voltage spike is coming from but I don’t know if it’s normal and why it’s happening. I hope someone can help me understand. Thanks in advance.

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The diagram is not clear. Blurry. But if the relay coil is connected to a voltage source on one side and the isolated rail on it’s other side, then you will see the voltage source on the outside rail until the train connects it, the outside rail, to the power supply common...thru the metal truck wheels. Nothing to worry about .

@cjack posted:

...if the relay coil is connected to a voltage source on one side and the isolated rail on it’s other side, then you will see the voltage source on the outside rail until the train connects it..

Exactly, this is not a "spike", but a voltage potential, which is shorted to zero when the first axle set bridges the two rails activating the relay. The insulated rail, and relay, could even be a much higher(or lower) potential to activate the relay based on the specs of the relay solenoid, or even DC if needed.

If you didn't have the two Z1000s phased, the potential could be any wild number, if you are using separate power to power relays only and no trains or track-activated accessories, they don't have to be phased.

Last edited by ADCX Rob

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