Joined: 26/09/2019(UTC)
Posts: 2
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I am using a small blue transformer to only power lighting and switches.
Power goes on and off.
If I use a different transformer to supply current to the same lighting and switches this does not happen.
It looks like there is a circuit breaker that cuts of power and resets itself.
Is this something that can be repaired?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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 Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 8,229 Location: Montreal, QC
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Originally Posted by: Victor Almeida  I am using a small blue transformer to only power lighting and switches.
Power goes on and off.
If I use a different transformer to supply current to the same lighting and switches this does not happen.
It looks like there is a circuit breaker that cuts of power and resets itself.
Is this something that can be repaired?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Is it a classic one with metal frame or is it one of the post 1970s one with plastic housing? My worst fear would be that the main cable has frayed and is not making contact at all times. With the metal transformers, this could lead to the mains coming into contact with the housing. Do you have a model number on your transformer (or a photo)? Regards Mike C
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 Joined: 04/02/2011(UTC) Posts: 3,563 Location: Paris, France
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Hi
Blue Märklin transformers can be 16 W or 30 W. The 30 Watt ones have an indicator lamp that turns off when overloaded. The device is pretty reliable.
Two things that are problematic:
- very old transformers (1950-1955) have a rubber-like coating on the power cord which disintegrates and become dangerous
- the old voltage was 220 V and now the mains are closer to 240V so resulting reduced voltages are higher (especially the inversion voltage which can destroy some decoders).
Unless you are a trained electrician I would strongly recommend not to repair those transformers (years after your repair they may end-up in the hands of a child and harm him/her).
Notes: I opened and repaired a 30 W 280A transformer from 1951. My excuse is I am an engineer in electro-magnetic and electronic.
If, on your transformer the over-load device is failing (a bimetal contact mounted is a ceramic casing), I am sure you cannot find spares and to bypass the protection is not advisable
Cheers
Jean |
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 1 user liked this useful post by JohnjeanB
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 Joined: 08/11/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,528 Location: Mullerup, 4200 Slagelse
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 While I absolutely agree with the previous answers regarding the warnings etc., it could also just be overload. If the "switching transformer" is smaller than the "not switching transformer", and your lights are old-fashioned bulbs, try to reduce the power-load a little, by removing some of the bulbs Per. |
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 Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,454 Location: Scotland
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My advice would be to buy a new and reliable and safe transformer which will last you for many years. |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
1 user liked this useful post by David Dewar
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 Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 8,475 Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
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Originally Posted by: JohnjeanB Hi
Blue Märklin transformers can be 16 W or 30 W.
Jean They can also be 10VA, as supplied in starter sets. See this post for a couple of examples.
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1 user liked this useful post by kiwiAlan
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 Joined: 21/12/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,485 Location: Hrvatska
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I have recently been opening and repairing old transformers, the first time I changed the 230V connection  The second was probably a defective bimetal, so a short circuit caused the wire going to the slider to overheat. I changed the wire and did a short test where did the shutdown bimetal work correctly? 
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 Joined: 22/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 14,875 Location: On 1965 Märklin Boulevard just around from Roco Square
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I'm surprised they still around (the old 280 model), I thought by now unless you're a qualified electrician these transformers have been all discarded.
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 Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,771 Location: New Zealand
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I don't believe that's a 280A John! There are still plenty of them about.
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Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 8,475 Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
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Originally Posted by: river6109 I'm surprised they still around (the old 280 model), I thought by now unless you're a qualified electrician these transformers have been all discarded.
First one is a metal case (see the tabs on the top cover) but the second one is a plastic case (again see how the top cover is molded).
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Joined: 22/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 14,875 Location: On 1965 Märklin Boulevard just around from Roco Square
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Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz I don't believe that's a 280A John! There are still plenty of them about. the top one is, isn't it ? |
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