12 Volt power supply

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K

Ken W

New Member
Just bought an N scale building sign that requires a 12V power supply. What do you guys use to create / supply 12V for these types of accessory? Thanks in advance. Ken
 
Ken - Most HO or N DC power packs will work just fine. They usually have a DC connections for the trains (Which you can control) and an AC side for accessories. These are dirt cheap, in fact I came across a vendor a while back just giving them to get rid of them. If you're using one to power your trains, you might want to get a separate one for accessories.
 
Thanks.

My power packs are 18VDC output. Will this harm the bulb or burn it out faster? I already have my other accessories on a separate power pack. Thanks again.
 


Yeah, 18v in a 12v bulb won't hold long. In fact most people recommend running bulbs below their rated voltage to keep them going longer.

I think computer PSUs (power supplies) put out about twelve volts. I've seen tutorials to make them into power stations for powering and testing electronics. Instructables.com has a few such tutorials.
 
You could try a local surplus electronics type store. I have one here in town where I get things like 12V wall-warts for around $4.50 - ideal for the job and independent of your other layout power.

Or just check the stack of wall-warts in your cupboard that you forgot what they are for and you throw them in a pile. Not lots of things use 12V, but enough that you may already own the answer to your question.

John
 
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