Turn on the throttle, then short the A and U posts (in the case of Lionel) or variable and base posts (in the case of Flyer) with a screwdriver or a piece of wire for a maximum of five seconds. The circuit breaker should trip with a click and the transformer should go dead.
In output transformer testing, you use the voltmeter setting to check the output voltage while the transformer is connected to power. In a transformer continuity test, you disconnect the transformer from power and check resistance in both the input and output coils using the ohmmeter function.
Heres all you need to do:Start with 2 transformers (you can add more later). Attach a wire to the common (black or “U” on most Lionel transformers) of the first transformer. Power up the two transformers to the same voltage.Test the transformers to ensure they are in phase by using a test light.More items
4:5310:11Setting Up Your Lionel Train Set - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd youll see two posts a red and a black all you need to do is unscrew each post just a little bitMoreAnd youll see two posts a red and a black all you need to do is unscrew each post just a little bit. And insert the corresponding wire terminal onto the post. And just screw.
How to Troubleshoot a Low-Voltage TransformerIdentify the transformers terminals, using its label as a guide. Turn a multimeter to its VAC function. Test the transformers input voltage with the multimeter, using the transformers label as a terminal guide. Test the transformers output voltage with the multimeter.More items
A bad transformer will have weak power or none at all. If there is power to the unit, it may not be faulty. However, if there is little or no power going to the unit, it may need replacement or repairs. A simple way to check the power is to turn the unit off and on again.
Shorted Winding If a short is suspected, disconnect the transformer from the source and test the primary with an ohmmeter. If there is a short, the meter will read 0 Ω. The meter scale selected has to be low enough to measure the DC resistance of the primary, which may be less than 1 Ω.
Measure the secondary output of the transformer.If the expected voltage is not present on the secondary, either the transformer or a filtering or shaping component is bad. If the testing of the filtering and shaping components show no problems, then the transformer is bad.