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14 volts 16 volts

Erik is a beginner and asks readers:
“I am new to trains. Can I run a 14 volt engine on a transformer with 16 volts output on my HO layout?”
Add your answer below.

4 Responses to 14 volts 16 volts

  • Geof says:

    Erik,

    The short answer is YES. Generally, electrical devices such as transformers (or power packs as they are called in HO) list the maximum voltage output they are capable of. As designed, any HO locomotive can be run using any power pack so you need mot worry about burning out the motor.

    Do make sure, however, that you connect the power leads/wires from the track to the DC terminals on the power pack and NOT to the AC terminals. If you do, you’ll fry the motor just like I did when I was nine years old.

    Hope this helps,

    Geof from the US

  • Frank says:

    Unless the train controller is built into the transformer, you must have a controller between the transformer and the track. If you keep the controller output turned well below maximum, you’ll get away with it.

    IF your transformer is designed for HO model trains, it will have a rectifier built in so that it outputs the DC (Direct Current) the train needs.
    IF IT’S NOT a model train transformer, then your train controller must have a built in rectifier to use the transformer’s AC (Alternating Current) output.

  • Anonymous says:

    This is actually common with transformers, as the motors(usually) require
    14 volts max to have full power AND any lights,smokers,sounds or accesorys loaded on the train,like lighted cars, require volts to operate too.Just be careful not to exceed the output of the transformer.

  • YES.
    I make my own scratchbuilt transformers and thy up the 16V.
    In matter of fact, the engines runs at a subtil high velocities.
    Some can argue “not as real ones, in scale”, but this do not mind me.
    Some Lights stay a little bright them usual.
    OTN, I am an Old School railroad modeler, so, DCC means no thing to me.
    I really enjoy all that Low Tech environment/approach wich comes among this incredible hobby.

    Please, feel free to watch some little nice original works of mine in HO stuffs at:
    http://allfe.blogspot.com

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