Wiring DZ1000 Switch Machines - Ganging Grounds Together

Review Three rail switch wiring.   Note that in most cases, the grounds, (commons), exterior rail wiring, is used for auto-non-derail wiring.   Auto-non-derail wiring is paralleled, with push-button control wiring for the switch throws, through and diverge.   In most cases power wiring is direct to the center terminal of the switch motor.   Switch Accessory common and track common have to be the same. 

DZ 1000 switch wiring.   Wiring diagram bottom of second page.  Click on the underlined phrase to link.  

Mike CT posted:

Review Three rail switch wiring.   Note that in most cases, the grounds, (commons), exterior rail wiring, is used for auto-non-derail wiring.   Auto-non-derail wiring is paralleled, with push-button control wiring for the switch throws, through and diverge.   In most cases power wiring is direct to the center terminal of the switch motor.   Switch Accessory common and track common have to be the same. 

DZ 1000 switch wiring.   Wiring diagram bottom of second page.  Click on the underlined phrase to link.  

 

I am intimately familiar with the wiring for these switches, from both the Z-Stuff diagram, and the Ross Custom Switches diagram.

Bottom line is that the center terminal on the controller is connected to "common" on the transformer.

So, if I have 10 controllers, could they all be ganged together on one terminal block and attached to the ground bus with one connection from the terminal block, or should they be connected to the ground bus separately?

I am trying to have as few soldered connections to the ground bus, as makes sense, and I would be using at least 14 gauge wire to go from the terminal block to the ground bus.

The answer to your second question is yes. You can connect one wire from your ground bus to a terminal block and then connect your controllers to the terminal block. 

I'm not sure about your first question. I seem to remember recommendations from others to only connect one end of the ground bus to the transformer because of possible issues with Legacy/DCS control systems.

Thanks John