Wiring for 222 switches

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I’m rewiring a pair of 222 switches and need some wiring diagram information. I saw the conversation in 2009 about 223 switches, but that doesn’t answer my questions.

The basic question is what was connected to ground and what was a power connection. In disassembling the switches over several years, I’ve lost track of the conenctions - documentation is not high in my skill set :wink:

Here’s what I see.

  • The center of the coils is grounded to the switch machine frame.

  • The two ends of the coils are connected to binding posts, to which are connected the two side of the switch controller.

  • The center binding post for the controller has been removed.

So my question is was that center post connected to the third rail ?

I’m thinking of connecting the center of the switch controller directly to the 14 volt output of a type R transformer.

The lamp wire is connected to the third rail, but I don’t see that it was also conencted to that middle binding post.

One reason that I’m asking all of these questions is that in my postwar Lionel maintenance manual shows all control circuits as switching the ground side of a circuit while here we are looking at switching the power side.

Malcolm Laughlin

2

WELCOME! Do you mean 022 switches in O gauge? If so the center post on the switch housing is common to the outside rails. The solenoid gets the hot from the center rail or the constant voltage plug, when used. Try the outside terminals on the switch housing to the outside rail of the track with a jumper wire, that should throw the switch. Do not put power to the center terminal of the switch unless you LOVE fried electronics and smoke.

3

The 222 is a standard-gauge prewar turnout.

4

Thank you Bob, I wasn’t sure what a 222 was.