I am new to model railroading as well as to this forum. As you can see, this is my very first post.
Here is my problem. I am building a wall track that is mounted around in my kids room. I have placed numerous lighted lampost and building lights around the track I've built thus far. I guess there are 13-15 lights thus far that I have running off of one line. To power the lights, I'm using a cheapo tyco transformer (7v max rated) and the wires are connected to the "AC Accessaries" terminal.
To make it easier for my kids to turn on/off the lights, I brought a toggle switch from home depot. The specs are 10 A 277 V AC / 20 A 125 V AC / 3/4 HP 125-250 V AC. I'm no electrician so I have no idea what all this means.
Anyways, I ran 16 gauge wire from my toggle switch to the transformer. I then have my wire that connects my lights running to the toggle switch. In other words, the lights are connected to the switch, which is then connected to the transformer.
Okay, here in is the problem. The switch works perfectly, but when I leave the lights on for an extended period and then turn the switch on/off, I here a click and then nothing. The lights are no longer working. At first I thought I blew out all the lights, but not so. I guess it's a safety feature that's engaging. After I unplug and replug, it's fine again.
Is it the switch that's causing the problem? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Rod
Here is my problem. I am building a wall track that is mounted around in my kids room. I have placed numerous lighted lampost and building lights around the track I've built thus far. I guess there are 13-15 lights thus far that I have running off of one line. To power the lights, I'm using a cheapo tyco transformer (7v max rated) and the wires are connected to the "AC Accessaries" terminal.
To make it easier for my kids to turn on/off the lights, I brought a toggle switch from home depot. The specs are 10 A 277 V AC / 20 A 125 V AC / 3/4 HP 125-250 V AC. I'm no electrician so I have no idea what all this means.
Anyways, I ran 16 gauge wire from my toggle switch to the transformer. I then have my wire that connects my lights running to the toggle switch. In other words, the lights are connected to the switch, which is then connected to the transformer.
Okay, here in is the problem. The switch works perfectly, but when I leave the lights on for an extended period and then turn the switch on/off, I here a click and then nothing. The lights are no longer working. At first I thought I blew out all the lights, but not so. I guess it's a safety feature that's engaging. After I unplug and replug, it's fine again.
Is it the switch that's causing the problem? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Rod