Controller operations
9
Your Lionel power pack is listed by
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and has
been carefully designed and tested to ensure
peak performance. The controller is
equipped with a built-in electronic circuit
breaker that alternately cuts off and restores
the flow of power to the track whenever a
short circuit exists—for example, when the
train derails. The circuit breaker’s action
continues until the cause of the short circuit
is eliminated. This circuit breaker is
incorporated into the controller to protect it
from possible damage. It will not protect the
locomotive or electrically operated
accessories, so it’s important to eliminate
short circuits as soon as possible.
The power pack must be
unplugged from the wall socket
when a short circuit is noticed,
and the short circuit must be
corrected.
A short circuit is caused by a direct
connection between the center rail and one
of the outside rails or by a direct connection
between bare wires. The axles of a derailed
car or locomotive are the most frequent
cause of short circuits, so make sure that all
wheels are properly set on the rails. Some
other causes of short circuits might be
staples, nails, paper clips, or other metallic
objects lying across the rails, or two bare
wires touching each other.
If too many cars or accessories are used,
your controller will exceed its power limit
and begin to cycle on and off. To correct this
problem, cars or accessories must be
removed before normal operation can
resume. For more power, see the line of
Lionel high-output transformers at your
Authorized Lionel Value Added Dealer.
The same condition can occur if the
power is turned up too quickly. This also
could cause your train to move too fast and
derail.
After your power pack has been operating
for a while, you will find it warm to the
touch. It is the nature of all electrical power
equipment to become warm when in use. If
your controller is loaded to capacity, it is a
good idea to let it cool down after an hour
or two of continuous use. Unplug the power
pack from the wall when the controller is
not in use.
Controller and short circuits
Note!
