General Information:
An electrical inspection is required prior to any new module being connected into the layout. This inspection will include the 110-volt as well as the low voltage system. Any module that fails this inspection will not be allowed to become part of the layout until such time as the deficiencies are corrected, and the module is re-inspected.
Main track power wires shall be 16 gauge stranded wire. All other wiring may not be lighter than 20 gauge stranded. Solid wire may not be used for any track power, however, it may be used for lighting buildings, signals, or other purposes.
No switch machines, lights, or other accessories may be connected to
the low voltage AC power supply lines (wires 7 & 8) of the module.
These lines are strictly for power to throttles. No throttle connections
to tracks 1 or 2 will be allowed on any module except for yard modules
or as authorized by the Module Standards Committee.
120 Volt AC Connections:
Electrical outlets shall be mounted under both ends of each module. These outlets must be mounted in standard metal electrical boxes with the wiring between them inside metal conduit. Wire shall be 12 gauge and may be either Romex (12/2 w/ground) or individual wire. A ground wire will be run between both outlets. A grounded plug with an eighteen-inch (18") long pigtail will be connected to the right side (facing front of module) outlet. See illustration for exact placement of outlets and plug.
4 ft. Module Illustrated
Module Control Panels:
Large module(s) may have control panel(s) that connect to either the
front and/or the back fascia board. Control panel(s) may not control or
connect to tracks 1 or 2. They ma include a local cab to allow independent
operation within the boundaries of the module(s). If a local cab is to
be included, then it's throttle power must be provided by a separate power
source other than from wires 7 & 8 of the main wiring harness. The
control panel must be able to be disconnected from the module(s). A "show"
plug must be installed on the underside of the module, which will allow
proper operation of the module without the use of the control panel.
Switches:
Fascia Mounted:
Track controlling switches may be mounted in the front and rear fascia boards. These switches may not be connected to track 1 or 2. Switches controlling spurs must be on/off toggle types and may only be mounted on the rear fascia board. Switches, which control sidings and/or main trackage, must be installed in a 3-way mode (see below) to allow either front or rear switch to turn on/off power to the track.
Control Panel:
All switches on any control panel which supply track power must be a
toggle type and either on/off or "center off". No momentary pushbutton
type switches are allowed for track power. Turnout control switches may
be any type as required to function with the machines. Please be aware
that the amount of use of any switch may require a heavier duty rating
than normal.
Collector Track Throttle Connections:
The following specifications are for the walk-around control provision of the "collector" track and are required on all modules.
2. These connectors must be mounted in such a way so that they are protected from damage during module transportation and/or repair.
3. Throttle sockets shall be placed no more than four feet (4') from the end of any module and as close to centered on the length of the module as possible. Modules and module sets that are eight feet (8') or longer in length shall have additional connectors mounted so that the distance between connectors on either the front or rear fascia boards does not exceed 8 feet. Connectors shall be mounted no less than three feet (3') from the ends of modules unless required due to construction constraints.
4. Any oddly shaped module(s), such as ends or tees should have at least the minimum of one (1) socket mounted on any side that could be used during club operation period.
A. Low voltage AC power to throttle (12 vac):
1. Pin 1 of both the inside and outside socket shall be connected to
wire 7 of the main wiring harness
2. Pin 4 of both throttle sockets shall be connected to wire 8 of the
main wiring harness.
B. Low voltage DC power to the collector track from throttle.
1 - Inside mounted sockets:
a. Pin 2 of the throttle plug shall be connected to wire 5 of the main
wiring harness, and track 3 outside rail.
b. Pin 4 of the throttle plug shall be connected to wire 6 of the main
wiring harness, and track 3 inside rail.
2. Outside mounted sockets:
a. Pin 4 of the throttle plug shall be connected to wire 5 of the main
wiring harness, and track 3 outside rail (rail 5).
b. Pin 2 of the throttle plug shall be connected to wire 6 of the main
wiring harness, and track 3 inside rail (rail 6).
Socket Plug
(photo unavailable at this time Will have front and rear view when available)
6. In the event that a self-contained power pack should need to be connected through a 4-pin throttle connector, only pins 2 and 4 are to be connected. Pins 1 and 3 on the plug must be left unconnected.
Wiring Harness Diagram
Each module must have a twelve-wire harness with a (12) pin connector at each end. This harness and connector provide continuous power to the tracks, AC power to the collector throttle plugs, and data signals for track occupancy control system (track signals). The male plug (RS 274-232 or equivalent) will be on the right side [facing front] of module and the female plug (RS 274-242 or equivalent) will be on the left side. Wire between connectors will be no lighter than 16 gauge stranded. Solid wire is unacceptable! A dual-row barrier (RS 910-3199 [or 274-670 & 274-658] or equivanent) strip will be installed in the center (or as close as practical) of the module. Wires shall run from this barrier strip to each end of the module and will have eighteen (18) inches of wire between the bottom of the module and the plug itself. Track feeder wires, control wires, etc. will only be attached to this terminal strip. The terminal strip ends of the wires shall be attached with soldered spade lugs and the 12 pin connector ends shall also be soldered. . (Because of problems experienced with EUROPEAN-type terminal strips, they are strongly not recommended.) A 2 pin disconnect plug (RS 274-222) shall be installed four (4) to six (6) inches from the male plug on wires 5 and 6.
Wire 1 - Track 1 Rail 1 (outside)
Wire 2 - Track 1 Rail 2 (inside)
Wire 3 - Track 2 Rail 1 (outside)
Wire 4 - Track 2 Rail 2 (inside)
Wire 5 - Track 3 Rail 1 (outside)
Wire 6 - Track 3 Rail 2 (inside)
Wire 7 - Low Voltage AC Throttle Power
Wire 8 - Low Voltage AC Throttle Power
Wire 9 - Signal System
Wire 10 - Signal System
Wire 11 - Signal Logic
Wire 12 - Signal Logic