My new layout has a power strip that serves as a master switch for the power supply. A couple times now, I’ve left the power on after I was finished for the night. I was thinking about buying a small light bulb holder from Home Depot, mounting it over the door to the train room, running a length of 12-gauge lamp cord over to the power strip and putting a plug on the end. This way if I leave the layout turned on the light stays on. What do you guys think? Safe or not?
That is a fine idea. Should not be any issues and if you opt up for a new LED bulb it will not get hot and use very little electricity.
Assuming you’re talking about pulling 12 volts off a DC layout, should not be a problem – unless you worry about the wiring in the layout, too.[;)]
No need for 12 gauge wire, that’s honking big wire for a single bulb. 18 gauge is probably overkill and 22 adequate if it’s a small bulb.
If you’re talking 110 volt and regualr household bulbs, better to use something made for the task and UL-approved. A suitable length light extension cord and a nightlight with a red bulb should be cheap, dirty, and quick.
Sounds a lot like a studio “On Air” light to remind people to hush outside a studio that’s live at the time. Instead, you could label it “On Rail.”[:D]
Gidday, As I don’t like leaving batteries unattended while charging, I have a similar system at w**k as a reminder to SWITCH OFF the charger when I go home!
Cheers, the Bear.
I have a power bar that has timer buttons on it. The settings are.
On/Off
2HRS
4HRS
6HRS
8HRS
It also has a dusk to dawn switch if you want to use that. I don’t use it for the layout, but I do have it in my trainroom office for my plug in tools. I just hit 2HRS when at the desk and it even turns my lighted magnefier and desk lamp off if I forget. Usually I remember to hit the off switch to the power bar though. It’s a Noma brand and I got it at Walmart several years ago.
Oh ya it also has a surge breaker in it.
I don’t see why you cannot have a “door light reminder”.
Over the top of the basment door at my father’s house is a red light mounted that alerts to the basment light being on. It is 110v.
SO I see no reason your idea cannot work.
[8-|]
Wouldn’t having a light always on to remind you that you have a light on, use up more power than if you occasionally left the light on by mistake[?][%-)]
And then there is the cost of the extra light bulb and what if it is burnt out, it wouldn’t alert you anyway.
Good ideas above. I like Batman’s suggestion since it’s virtually fool proof if it’s part of the layout’s power supply circuit. If you have to dash out of the room in a hurry due to guests arriving suddenly or an emergency, the power will still be shut off by the timer.
Don’t like the idea of running lamp cord over the door. Sounds like you are planning to use 110-120 house voltage. I would use 12-16 volts from the powerpack or the DCC booster.
Preface: My railway room was unfinished without a single electrical receptacle, and 2 lights at either end. I replaced the lights and added a new power circuit. So, when I did that I put both into the same double gang device box at the door, so I had a switched plug and one that was always hot by the door, where my DCC system is plugged into. Hit the lights, hit the power - one fluid movement.
If this is interesting and/or confusing…let me know and I’ll come back with photos and diagrams.
I took the easy way out…There’s red index card by my Tech 6 that says power off when finish-meaning to turn off the power strip…It works!
My old tech II I just turn the power switch off.All the selectors and switch controls was hooked to the power pack…KISS at its best.
All my 120v is routed thru an on/ off switch located on the facia and is equipped with a red indicator light. Has worked well for me.
These signals located at the exit of the train room are enough for me.
I have a prototype US&S Searchlight signal that is lit while the layout power is on as seen from the door of the train room. Its about 75 feet behind the house and used for layout operations.
Train room of LION is in an old class room, with one outlet in the front and one outlet in the back. I did say it was an OLD classroom, built before the days of real electric codes. I ignore the outlet in the back, can’t reach it anyway (there is a train table in the way) : ) On the front outlet I added an extender box, and then added emt conduit to build a row of outlets above my train table. This has a switch right by the door. Turn off the room lights, the train power is right there too.
ROAR
Your original idea is okay even with 110 Volts AC house current provided you use an approved extension cord, but instead of a regular incandescent bulb I would use a newer LED, which will consume much less energy over its lifetime. I haven’t looked recently, but my local Lowe’s and Home Depot stores carry quite an assortment of LED bulbs, even in various colors.
I’m right with steamage! When the signal’s lit the trains are-a-runnin’
Mine is about 300’ from the house and it sure looks neat in the fog!
Happy railroading! Ed
my layout power is pluged into an outlet that is wired to the room switch at the door so i hit the switch everything go’s out