Post by atsda on Sept 25, 2024 18:06:55 GMT
‘Common’ in this context refers to ‘hot’ / ‘common’ terminals on a transformer.
Initially, I was going to post a question about how to connect power to two track systems using one transformer , so that power could be applied to one or the other, while being able to have the potential to switch to other transformers that were also connected to these track systems; while minimizing the obvious disastrous occurrence of having two transformers powering the same track simultaneously.
I was going to connect the center rail of one track system to the Upper Post of a single pole double throw toggle switch and the other to the lower post, and the center post to the hot terminal of the transformer. I was going to tie the outer rail of each system to a single pole single throw toggle switch connected to the transformer. I could then choose to power either track system. In this case, with both switches off, I could use power from other transformers connected to either track system. I then re-considered the situation and thought that it would not be a good idea of having both outer rails connected to the SPST toggle. The only reason for the SPST choice was that it is what I had on hand. A better idea was to use another SPDT instead. When both were off, the transformer would be isolated. If by chance, either SPDT were on, there would not be a problem if another transformer was in use.. Right?
The new question becomes, should I phase the transformer to all of the others? (It is 15’ away, and on a different power strip connected to a distant outlet.)
Why should I want to do this at all? – because I want to have two simultaneous operators. (Really, it’s because I like to use toggle switches; visitors are always impressed by them.)
Maybe, the conclusion is that this is a bad idea.
Thanks.
Alfred
Initially, I was going to post a question about how to connect power to two track systems using one transformer , so that power could be applied to one or the other, while being able to have the potential to switch to other transformers that were also connected to these track systems; while minimizing the obvious disastrous occurrence of having two transformers powering the same track simultaneously.
I was going to connect the center rail of one track system to the Upper Post of a single pole double throw toggle switch and the other to the lower post, and the center post to the hot terminal of the transformer. I was going to tie the outer rail of each system to a single pole single throw toggle switch connected to the transformer. I could then choose to power either track system. In this case, with both switches off, I could use power from other transformers connected to either track system. I then re-considered the situation and thought that it would not be a good idea of having both outer rails connected to the SPST toggle. The only reason for the SPST choice was that it is what I had on hand. A better idea was to use another SPDT instead. When both were off, the transformer would be isolated. If by chance, either SPDT were on, there would not be a problem if another transformer was in use.. Right?
The new question becomes, should I phase the transformer to all of the others? (It is 15’ away, and on a different power strip connected to a distant outlet.)
Why should I want to do this at all? – because I want to have two simultaneous operators. (Really, it’s because I like to use toggle switches; visitors are always impressed by them.)
Maybe, the conclusion is that this is a bad idea.
Thanks.
Alfred
