Welcome to the forum   
Welcome Guest! To enable all features please Login or Register.

Notification

Icon
Error

Share
Options
View
Go to last post in this topic Go to first unread post in this topic
Offline walters48  
#1 Posted : 27 April 2010 01:01:54(UTC)
walters48

United States   
Joined: 19/08/2009(UTC)
Posts: 199
Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
I have an old blue steel case model #6150 M* transformer. The transformer looks great and works fine. Unfortunately, the original power cord's insulation sheath is degrading to the point where I'm uncomfortable using it. Can an average guy w/ an average mechanical and electrical skill set replace the cord, or does it have to be repaired at an Authorized Marklin Dealer?
Would anyone who has(successfully)done this please explain it to me?
Thank you
Offline dntower85  
#2 Posted : 27 April 2010 01:21:39(UTC)
dntower85

United States   
Joined: 08/01/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,218
Location: Shady Shores, TX - USA
I think the old steel cases can be taken apart by using a pare of pliers to twist the tabs on the bottom, might not be hard to change the cord after that but is it worth it safety wise (safety disclaimer). but its not hard just un-solder the wires and reattach a new cable. I did one on a plastic blue one Zscale transformer and the only thing hard about it was drilling out the rivets. High temp soldering iron may be needed as they may of used silver solder.
In the states If it is a sealed transformer and it has a UL sticker on it most dealers wont touch it do to legal issues. I don't understand this because all hardware stores in the US sell lamp repair kits.Confused
DT
Now powered by ECoS II unit#2, RocRail
era - some time in the future when the space time continuum is disrupted and ICE 3 Trains run on the same rails as the Adler and BR18's.
Offline RayF  
#3 Posted : 27 April 2010 01:24:21(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,870
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
walters48 wrote:
I have an old blue steel case model #6150 M* transformer. The transformer looks great and works fine. Unfortunately, the original power cord's insulation sheath is degrading to the point where I'm uncomfortable using it. Can an average guy w/ an average mechanical and electrical skill set replace the cord, or does it have to be repaired at an Authorized Marklin Dealer?
Would anyone who has(successfully)done this please explain it to me?
Thank you


This is very dangerous. There is great danger of fire or electrocution. Don't use the transformer as it is.

My old transformer started getting this problem years ago and I rewired it with a good modern flex. Take it to a competent electrician.
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
Offline mike c  
#4 Posted : 27 April 2010 01:50:10(UTC)
mike c

Canada   
Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC)
Posts: 8,226
Location: Montreal, QC
My Dad did this for the old blue (metal) transformers. Once the clips on the bottom were straightened, the cover could be removed, and a new cable soldered on to the contacts where the original cable was attached. He then carefully replaced the cover and bent the clips to seal the transformer together again. The transformers worked as good as new after that.
I would not attempt such a repair on the more modern blue transformers, as they are not outwardly openable.
This may be a good occasion to replace your older transformers with the newer white ones which respect the current electrical codes. I bought one last year from AJCKids (likely from a Start Set) at a very decent price.
You may also use this as a pretext to launch into the digital world...

Regards

Mike C
Offline hgk  
#5 Posted : 27 April 2010 08:55:43(UTC)
hgk


Joined: 10/11/2006(UTC)
Posts: 455
Location: Pacific Ocean
Hi 48,
I won't comment on your specific problem but I wanted to post a couple cents worth of general observations for the 'average guy w/ an average mechanical and electrical skill set'. When soldering electrical components be sure and use an electrical solder as most nonelectrical solders and flux are acid based which will cause corrosion related problems. Also look at some web photos of a properly soldered joint vs a poorly soldered one. Secondly, one needs to make certain that any replacement AC cord is wired up identical to the original. Accidently miswiring the hot, neutral, and ground wires on the device can be very hazardous. In the USA, hot is the small flat prong, neutral is the larger flat prong, and safety ground is the round prong on a common household 3 wire cord. One needs to determine which is going where before replacing the original wire. If you're not in the US, then disregard the above as it's always going to be something different.

If the above isn't absolutely clear then I would definately have someone qualified work on it or buy a new device.
-George
Users browsing this topic
Guest
Forum Jump  
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.

| Powered by YAF.NET | YAF.NET © 2003-2025, Yet Another Forum.NET
This page was generated in 0.322 seconds.