Lionel kw transformer hook up

How does a Lionel kW transformer work?

The 190-watt Lionel KW was Lionel’s second most powerful transformer of the postwar era. First things first: The two big throttles correspond with the A-U and B-U posts. The U posts go to the outer rails of your track. The A or B post go to the center rail. Each throttle controls its own loop of track.

Why did Lionel change the voltage of their switches?

In 1957, Lionel released a revised version that topped out at 19 volts and provided a 19-volt output from posts D-U. Many experts believe this change was to prevent problems with Lionel’s O22 switches, which work well at 19 volts but burn out at 20.

What kind of circuit breaker do I need for a Lionel kW?

The KW has an internal circuit breaker, but it can take several seconds to trip. To protect your wiring and your layout, it’s best to add additional circuit breakers. Lionel’s 91 and 92 circuit breakers were each rated at 3 amps. Alternatively, you can use an American Flyer 1275 or Marx 420 circuit breaker.

Can You power accessories with a kW transformer?

The KW’s relatively low cost makes it a popular accessory transformer, but you should consider one thing before you power accessories with a KW’s throttles. When the carbon rollers never roll, they tend to become brittle. The best way to prevent that is to adjust the voltage up or down a half volt every once in a while.

How to wire a Lionel kW transformer?

Proper wiring for the KW transformer is a bit of a safety issue. The 190-watt Lionel KW was Lionel’s second most powerful transformer of the postwar era. First things first: The two big throttles correspond with the A-U and B-U posts. The U posts go to the outer rails of your track. The A or B post go to the center rail.

When did the Lionel electric trains come out?

This Identification Guide for Lionel Electric Trains covers the Post-war Era only from 1945 until 1969. The Lionel KW Transformer was produced from 1950 until 1965. It generated 190 watts of power that could control two separate trains.

Why did Lionel change the voltage of their switches?

In 1957, Lionel released a revised version that topped out at 19 volts and provided a 19-volt output from posts D-U. Many experts believe this change was to prevent problems with Lionel’s O22 switches, which work well at 19 volts but burn out at 20.

What kind of circuit breaker do I need for a Lionel kW?

The KW has an internal circuit breaker, but it can take several seconds to trip. To protect your wiring and your layout, it’s best to add additional circuit breakers. Lionel’s 91 and 92 circuit breakers were each rated at 3 amps. Alternatively, you can use an American Flyer 1275 or Marx 420 circuit breaker.

You need a 40 to 50-amp circuit breaker for your generator if it comes in standard size power. Generators have different power capacities. Let’s say you have a 2500 watts generator; in that case, a 30-amp breaker would be a great fit. It will vary from device to device and will depend on the power. What size breaker do I need for my generator?

What is transformer power in kW?

Transformer power P (kW) in kiloWatts (kW) is equal to the multiplication of power factor and rated kVA rating S (kVA) of the transformer. Transformer real power P (MW) in Mega Watts is equal to the power factor times of the MVA rating of the transformer. A transformer name plate details are 15kW, 0.86 pf, 440V.

What type of transformer do I Need?

The type of transformer you need depends on the equipment you need to power. If you are working at home using small power tools like drills, saws and breakers, a 3kVA transformer will most likely be sufficient. For some larger power tools or ‘continuous use’ equipment like floodlights and space heaters, you may need a larger 5kVA transformer.

Why is the kW transformer an odd transformer?

As the previous gentlemen have said, the KW is an odd transformer in the sense that it does not provide a 14 volt U-referenced post. You need to be careful, in fact, not to let any metallic portion of an accessory powered by C-D (like the base of a log loader, etc) come in contact with the track ties. That would cause a short circuit. To recap:

How to calculate transformer power?

Transformer power P (kW) in kiloWatts (kW) is equal to the multiplication of power factor and rated kVA rating S (kVA) of the transformer. Transformer real power P (MW) in Mega Watts is equal to the power factor times of the MVA rating of the transformer. A transformer name plate details are 15kW, 0.86 pf, 440V.