Connecting two boosters to one transformer.
21Dec05
Hello!
I recently
bought a 168VA 220V-15V transformer. I'd like to know if it would be possible
to use it to power more than one booster. Any precaution?
Many thanks,
Mark Gurries’s reply.
From a pure
Electrical Engineer point of view, Not
recommended. Creates
problems with having multiple commons and potential booster rectifier overload.
Will it
work...yes
Will it work
reliably?....most likely, but there is no guarantee.
168VA/15V =
11.2A
This is a
lot of power and is more than enough to start a fire. Must take every precaution
to protect the devices connected to the transformer from excessive current
flow. Best to add a circuit
breaker to each load the transformer is connected to.
Best to use seperate power supply for each booster if possible. There can be enough electrical challenges as
it is. Best to not add
potential ones to the list.
However, you
can use the large transformer to power 1 booster and
1) run a 15V AC accessories bus to power scenic lights for the
layout.
2) run an Accessory DCC bus using a second booster that does
not connect to the track power in any way but instead powers DCC based signals
or Switch machines controllers. The
advantage of this is if you get a track short, the signals and switch-machine
controllers do not die.
Best
Regards,
Mark Gurries
Linear
Technology
Power Supply
& Battery Charger Applications Engineer/Manager
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