In the following, you will find information on how to wire Lionel lights (street lights, yard light, flood-tower lights) to an AC-AC transformer. Each one of these lights will draw 0.1A (actually just a bit less than that) at 18V. Use at least 15V to power these lights or they will glow yellowish.

·      Simple Schematic with one on-off switch to control all lights on the track

 

 

·      Simple Schematic with multiple on-off switch to control various sections of lights on the track, that is the one I am using:

 

 

·      Transformer:

o    A transformer like this has two black wires on the primary side to connect to the 110V AC and 3 wires on the secondary side. Use the two outside green wires on the secondary side, the middle green/yellow is unused here.Some transformers will have more wires on the primary side so they can be used with 110V or 220V. They should be clearly labeled on the body of the transformer as to which wire is the common wire to all voltages (traditionally white) and which one of the other wires is for 110V (traditionally black).

o    Don’t forget to terminate at least with electrical tape the unused wires to avoid any potential hazard.

 

 

·      In line fuse:

o    Use an in-line fast acting fuse on the secondary side, matching the Amps value of the fuse to that of the secondary Amps of the transformer.

 

 

·      Component list:

o    Transformer: www.digikey.com, 115VAC, 18VCT, 5A, part number HM537-ND, this is good for about 70 lights, $28. Use lower or higher Amperage if you have less or more lights. For example a 3A transformer will cost about $20

o    Universal in line fuse holder: www.digikey.com, part number F062-ND, $2

o    Use any fast acting fuse that matches the transformer Amps

o    Any simple toggle switch will work if it is rated for 3A/110V

 

Last Update: 8/20/06                                                                                           Drop me a note