Electrical/Fuse question

[Iron City]

Need some non knife advice here....

My son is at the age where he is wanting to set up the Lionel trains his grandfather gave to him. We have one of the big ZW transformers that can put out over 20 amps per channel, and if you not careful it can blow out some of new locomotives electronics in the event of a short.

I want to put some inline fuses to remedy the problem. Are there pros/cons in going with either the glass tube type or a blade type fuse? Does one blow faster, meaning to offer better protection in the case of a short?

Thinking it is pretty much six in one hand half a dozen in the other, but wanted to ask.

I have also come across a small circuit breaker block I could hook up, but am hearing that they don't blow as fast... but less headache in replacing fuses.

Thoughts?

 

[truthseeker]

I believe you can get either type in a fast or slow blow format. I would go with a slow-blow of either type at the rated current draw of the locomotive. A fast-blow type will probably blow as the electric motor starts up, where the slow-blow will accomodate the surge while still doing what it's supposed to do. I guess the answer is, it probably doesn't matter which physical package you pick as long as the current rating is matched properly. :thumbup:

 

[65535]

I agree with truthseeker, a slow blow is tailored more towards motors and other systems that have relatively large inrush currents compared to their running currents.

 

[popcornpicker]

Go with an inline glass fuse. Get one rated for the voltage and current written on the transformer. Since you want to protect your equipment, don't use a slow blow fuse unless you have to. With the time involved moving the control, peak current shouldn't be a factor. By the time a time delay fuse blows, the damage may be done.