Power Stations

As with conventionally operated systems and layouts, a sufficient supply of electricity to the system is a precondition for the sure and safe functioning of NMRA DCC powered layouts.

Locomotives, (passenger car) lights, turnouts, signals etc. are all power consumers. Power Stations (Boosters) supply this power and at the same time the DCC control information required by the decoders.

To find out whether the maximum current of the NMRA DCC system used is sufficient for the supply of your model railway system, simply add up the power consumption of all locomotives running at the same time as well as that of all other consumers. Use the following approximate values for your calculation:

• running locomotives - depending on gauge and attached load, the power consumption ranges from 200mA to 2000mA. Calculate per locomotive 300mA for N gauge, 600mA for HO gauge and 2000mA for larger gauges. This ensures that you still have some reserve left.

• standing locomotives - not illuminated 2.5mA, illuminated approx. 50mA for each bulb.

• illuminated passenger cars - each bulb approx. 50mA.

If the calculated sum exceeds the maximum current available from the NMRA DCC system used, you will need to split your layout into multiple power districts and install  an suitable power station to provide power for each of these power districts.  

The Digital Plus by Lenz family includes three power stations depending on the current needs of your railroad.

• LV101 - 4 Amp Power Station
• LV102- 5 Amp Power Station
  Parallel LV102 for Set 100/10
• LV200 - 10 Amp Power Station (no longer produced, but still supported and warranted)