N Scale Power Packs That Don't Voltage Spike

[tehachapifan]

I've heard it said that some older power packs deliver high voltage "spikes" that can damage motors or electronics in today's N scale locos. In my case, I have approx. 25 year old power packs and I'm concerned this could be an issue. It also appears some new power packs deliver voltages that seem too high as compared to the max recommended voltage of some N scale locos and aftermarket lighting modules. So, what (currently-available) power packs out there do not ever deliver voltage over 16VDC...including any "spikes" or pulses or whatever may be the case.

[peteski]

Kato power pack maybe?  It is designed for N scale specifically, and Japanese are really fastidious designers.  But I have no experience, nor I have taken any measurements.

I would also think that any power pack from a reputable manufacturer (like MRC), deigned in the last 15 years would be safe to use.  But always check the technical specs. Remember - the same electronics which are in N scale locos (sound decoders, etc.) are also installed in H0 models.  Both H0 and N are designed to operate with 12V max (well except for some MTH H0 models). So, if power packs are safe for H0, they will be safe for N.

[sdodge]

I have 2 of the Kato power packs and they have worked well for me. I have not measured the voltage but the input from the external power source is listed as 15VAC, 1.5A and the output is listed as 12VDC.

[Mike C]

  I use a MRC Railpower 1370 for running anything DC that I get.....Mike

[Iain]

DCC 

[brill27mcb]

I believe it was the "Troller" that had spikes maxing at way higher than 12 volts, which zapped through the armature wire insulation in can motors. That was the issue -- not the spike or pulse feature, but the amplitude.

Rich K.