Z-Stuff Switch machines

My guess - unproven - is that DZ-2500s are quite susceptible to voltage spikes.  I had two switches where the DZ2500s kept failing.  They happened to be next to (and on the same power bus) as a barrel loader and mail pickup.

I installed TVS diodes and snubbers across my solenoid-driven accessories and so far have not had any more DZ2500 failures.

Excuse my ignorance but, what are snubbers and what are they for?

A snubber is used to eliminate voltage spikes generated from an inductive load of a  device in a circuit that sensitive electronics share with it. On a DC circuit a simple diode will work,across a relay coil for example in the opposite direction of the current flow. When the current is shut off to the coil the spike generated from it is removed. On an AC circuit a TVS could be used or a resistor capacitor combination. The Z2500 has LEDs in it I think as does the Z1000 which I use. Spikes could at least damage the LEDs and possibly the controller. Not sure about the electronics used. The switch coils  or motors themselves could also generate a spike so a TVS is a good idea. If 12-14 volts AC  powers the switch machine a 20 volt TVS or more value could be used to protect it. Install it across the transformer leads just as if you were shorting it out. Not a bad idea to put one on the device itself also where the spikes themselves are generated.

This is important where modern accessories with PC chips or LEDs are on the same circuit with PW type accessories such as a gate man or oil rig etc.  Really it is best to circuit them separately if possible. Crossing gates,block signals with LEDs can be damaged by spikes for example since some have a 555 flasher circuit in them.

Dale H