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Plate 246: Wiring the point motors through the distribution center, Part 24: insulating a solder joint
(This plate added NOV 2003)
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It is a good idea to insulate all soldered joints with electrical tape. If you do not insulate your soldered joints, they might accidentally touch other soldered joints, thus creating short circuits. Short circuits in a model train layout are not dangerous, because the voltages and currents are very small. However, short circuits can cause malfunctions in the operation of remote control devices. In a layout with many remote control devices, short circuits can be difficult to trace and repair, especially after all the wiring is concealed underneath scenery and structures.
When we insulate a soldered joint, we always wrap the electrical tape in a tight spiral, beginning and ending at least a quarter-inch past the bare solder. Even a tiny exposed surface of solder can create a short circuit if it accidentally touches another exposed surface. |
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