Too late.. I think that there is an EU regulation covering this one.. It was probably the Britexit trigger -

Hi,

The 6611, which has a plastic-case, is not known for safety-issues in any way.

Regards

Markus

You should know that you should never hold your farts in. If you do, they travel up your spine into your head and that's where crappy ideas come from!

To Jabez, Ray is right - the blue transformers do not have any back transformer protection, whereas the newer white and grey transformers do.

Ahhh - yes I had the same idea. But as myself, I guess you misunderstood something. In the Insider news 02/2006 (yes a long time ago - but Maerklin still shall change the transformers) on page # 06 Maerklin announced this program.

(Link: Märklin Insider News 02/2006
sorry, this is in German – please, may somebody help me to find the English version?)

They change old transformers to new transformers. Costs shall be about 50 €, but no change to a digital equipment. But you can use this transformers to control e.g. the lights on your layout. OK, this you may do it with any other transformer as well and perhaps even for a cheaper price. But if you choose a Maerklin transformer with a potentiometer than you can easily regulate the brightness of your lights. In any case you will have more amperage left for your digital locos.

Until today I had one of those old metal transformators, lately it started to emit a sound when I touched the electric cable .
After I have read this thread I decided it wasnt worth keeping it. At the swedish Ebay no one buys them either because of the high shipping cost.




In the garbage

how are you measuring the 9 Volts? The current is AC so you need to use a meter that can measure AC RMS Voltage...

My guess would be that if you are getting 9V instead of 18V, that you are powering a 220V transformer with 110V instead.
For modellers in USA/Canada, I would recommend getting a proper North American transformer rather than using a step up converter.

Regards

Mike C

What??????

Does Kerikeri have an airport?????

I'm still reeling over having electricity up there !! :-)

Kerikeri also has the best orange juice I've ever tasted!



Yes, but the area is a very popular tourist destination.

Orange juice is out of fashion,too much sugar.

But you are well aware a real "Radler" is always a mixture of cold beer and cold limpid citron lemonade. Mostly mixed 50/50 or 60/40. In these days with its high temperatures (in South Germany), it is just and only refreshing.

Beer with Orange - well you can get it too. But it tastes different. Last week I drunk beer mixed with red grapefruit for the first time. Not bad. But my second drink was again beer with citron lemonade.

TEEWolf

yep, the 6177 is in that category.

Buy a new 6647 or 66471, it is a little expense in comparison with gain in safety.

Hi John,

At the risk of incurring wrath..... Personally I do not consider the 6177 to be an 'at risk' device ** as far as this specific safety warning topic goes **

The reason is simple, the 6177 has a PVC mains cord, not a rubber one. It's the risk from perished rubber which is the primary concern.

However, as an 'older' electrical device, it is always wise to have it checked if you have any concerns. If you have it checked by a professional including an internal inspection, and it is found to be safe, no brittle plastic, loose screws etc, then you can continue to use it safely and perhaps have it rechecked in 5 years or so.

I know there are views on this at both ends of the spectrum, but this is not confined just to model railways, it applies to any older appliance, power tool etc that you may have around the home.

If you have an analogue layout and wish to have everything typical of the era then you may personally find your 6177 to be visually appealing and that would be a valid reason for continuing to use it instead of replacing it, although you could achieve a good compromise by moving to a Plastic-case Blue Trafo.

BUT.... (always a 'but') - if you run any Digital equipment, or are considering it then you are less likely to be concerned about aesthetics and the move to a newer 'modern' Trafo designed for Digital compatibility would be a smart move.

Keep in mind that there are many many mains-powered electrical products that now fall into the 'vintage' category which enthusiasts still use without any issues.

Common-sense plays a big part, and if you have any doubt then certainly do look at replacement options, but if you like the look, the 'feel', and the operation of your older Blue Trafo then consider having it checked for peace of mind.

I'll add as a last thought that I have read reports of some newer white controllers failing - not because of safety concerns, usually a broken wire for the speed control or a failed thermostat.

Hope this gives you some balance.

Best for the New Year

Stephen
NZ