I'm still using the Kato DC Power Pack (22-014) on my Unitrack. There is a green light in the upper left corner of the power pack, that remains on as long as the unit is plugged in. When the trains are not running I keep the Direction dial on "Brake". As long as the unit is plugged in the electric switches attached to the power pack can be activated. Is there ANY power going to the track or the engines on the track while the switch is in the "Brake' mode? Is there any reason to unplug the power pack between sessions where the trains are running? Thanks
Multi-Meter says no I figured out how to answer my own question. I checked the track with my Multi-Meter - Power Pack plugged in, and the directional dial turned to brake. There is no measurable voltage on the track. So even with the green light turned on there is no need to unplug the Power Pack as long as the direction dial is turned to Brake. Dave
As long as that LED is lit the power pack is using power. When not running trains you should unplug the unit. If the electronics in the transformer go bad you might have a fire.That or plug it into a power strip with an off/on switch.
I agree, the power pack should be unplugged when not in use. In the very least it is using electricity when not in use.
Gee whiz I simply use the off switch on my Tech II..My Kato pack stays plugged in..The only time I turn off the power for the Kato pack is when I leave the house-I use a power strip..
I haven't forgotten the days when I operated the Lionel trains. If you left the power pack plugged in it was on...and...it could burn up or catch fire. Today, most power packs have a on and off switch. You can leave it plugged in as long as you shut off the power switch. I have no idea what we are referring to here as far as a brake switch being off. I keep thinking this must be an odd ball, off brand, home made type of transformer. This hardly sounds like a Kato Transformer. The brake switch with MRC is to slow the train to a stop much like a train in an emergency stop. Having nothing to do with shutting down the transformer. If you don't have a power switch that shuts off the power on the transformer then do un-plug it when not in use... and/or add a power bar in line to shut the works down. Be safe and not sorry.
@ Barstow Rick -Here are some pictures of the Kato Power Packs. There is no "on" "off" switch - Just the "Brake" position on the Directions Dial. I hope this makes things clearer for you.
Now I have a better understanding. Personally, I don't think much of Kato's power pack. Still not sure what the implication with "Brake" is. I think that is what you are inquiring about...am I right? I would put a power bar in line so I can be assured the power pack is shut off, when not in use. I have a power bar that shuts down everything, on my layout. I flip the switch to off, as I prepare to exit the door.
It's more like a "neutral" switch. I'm using one right now to test my locomotives and track connections. The green light is a pilot light that lets you know it is plugged in. Mine stays plugged in all the time with no problems.
On my track lighting I use 12v fixtures. Each one has a electronic ballast (steps the 120 down to 12 with electronics). I thought I had shut the lights off. When I came back from work I found the lights on and one of the track heads in a puddle on the couch with a smoke mark up the wall. I got lucky. Electronics can fail so the best bet is to unplug or using a power strip shut off your Kato transformer. Our layouts are more flamable than a plaster wall.
