1. posterid:1029507
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Re: Wiring a swing gate?

Tom O'Hara
 

Hi..
That is basically what I have used. I also decided to route the power so it cut off the tracks on both sides of the opening for 5 feet or so, which required (in my case) two switches. There may be a better way, but this was primitive and worked. All my stay alive circuits were adjusted to stop within that distance. Some people rig some form of mechanical stop to keep their engines from taking the Great Fall, but I felt safe without that. I'd be interested in hearing suggestions for a better method if there is one for the next railroad I build.

....Tom

On Wed, Jun 8, 2022 at 7:21 AM Jim Betz <jimbetz@...> wrote:
Hi,

  Very soon I'll be laying track across two swing gates.  Both gates are two 
levels of track.  When a gate is open I want the track on the gate - and the
approaches on either side - to be dead (no track power).

  What method for turning the power on and off do you recommend?  Or
better yet "have you used"?

  My thought is to use a micro switch that goes to a relay that cuts the
power/restores it.  I'm thinking the kind of switch that would be used for
a refrigerator door or some other such application.  These usually have
a short arm with a roller on it and are activated by the pressure that
moves the arm.  These are known as "limit switches".

        https://www.amazon.com/TEMCo-Micro-Switch-Roller-Action/dp/B0163B7W5A

  I'm open to other solutions/suggestions.
                                                                            - Jim in the PNW

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