Lionel Trains 73-0020-250 - Manual (Page 6)

Wiring your PowerMax Transformer
6
Creating your layout
C
onnect your FasTrack terminal section to the PowerMax Transformer. Use the wires that
are already attached to the terminal section. Make sure that all connections are secure.
Loose connections can produce extremely high temperatures. For this reason, do not touch
the terminals or track connections during use. Also, do not locate scenery materials such as
lichen or ground foam near the terminals.
1. Feed the wires through the notch in the FasTrack terminal section. Refer to
Figure 3.
2. Loosen the red TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the spade-
shaped connector on the red wire into position. The thumbscrew post should
be positioned between the “blades” of the spade connector. Be sure that the blades are
touching the metal post. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the connection.
3. Loosen the black TRACK thumbscrew terminal, then slide the spade-
shaped connector on the black wire into position. Tighten the thumbscrew to
secure the connection. Be sure that the blades are touching the metal post. Tighten the
thumbscrew to secure the connection.
4. Plug the PowerMax Transformer into your wall outlet (120 volts).
As your layout expands, you may also make power connections with the stripped ends
of wires, placing no more than two wires on each terminal. For best performance on
large layouts, it is recommended that you use 16-gauge wire to connect your PowerMax
Transformer to the track. On larger layouts where several track connections are required,
the use of separate junctions/terminal strips (available at your local electronics store) is
recommended to prevent voltage drops.
To prevent the excessive build up of heat, be sure to select the proper wire gauge
for your layout. Track connections must be made with 18-gauge wire or heavier.
Larger layouts require a minimum of 16-gauge wire.
Caution!
Figure 3. Controller connections
fastrack terminal section
notch
spade-shaped
connector