I recently installed a small DC HO layout in a local library. Today I discovered one of the cheap Life Like 390j transformers I am using was not functioning at all. It stopped functioning after a derailment on the track it was connected to. I assumed that they had circuit breakers built in but I guess I was wrong. I replaced it with a spare 390j but was wondering if there was a circuit breaker or fuse I could install between the track and the transformer to keep from destroying too many more of them. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
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The easiest solution is to wire a low current draw 12 volt lamp in series with the tracks. That way if the rails short out, the lamp just comes on very bright, and no overload takes place. That is really a stone-age solution, but it still works.
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Also, please get a better power supply! That is something you will never regret.
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-Kevin
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That isn’t even an almost a power supply. Its only a half amp power supply, even if you use a bulb that draws a half amp it will severely drop the voltage to the train. A higher current bulb won’t help protect it. You really need a protected power pack.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
MRC transformers are almost bulletproof and cheap on Ebay
You might look at NTE series 59 breakers such as this: https://www.frys.com/product/1965566?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG. They’re available from 0.25 amps on up.