Connectors in Bachmann EZ Track Terminal/Rerailers

[kdgrant6]

I am planning to add power feeds to my layout.

I have two EZ Track terminals/rerailers, which I'd like to use for two of these feeds.

The cable that connects the controller to the track can go into the terminal either way.  It doesn't matter with only one power feed, but with multiple ones, I need to know which piece connects to which side of the terminal rail--without having to take the piece apart.

See the image here:
http://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Snap-Fit-Straight-Terminal/dp/B0006N7414/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432154241&sr=8-1&keywords=bachmann+terminal+ez+track

Thanks.

[Jerrys HO]

kd, get or if you already have a multimeter, just match polarity and you are fine. If memory serves me correct one side is opposite of the other so flipping the connector will work. I would check with the meter before doing so first.
I now just make my own feeders with rail joiners and solder wire to them or just solder straight to the rail.

Jerry

[jward]

to add to what jerry has said, here's what I'd do.....

1. unplug the power from the esxisting track feeder. this step is IMPORTANT.

2. remove all locomotives, and any cars that pick up power from the rails, from your track.  this step is also important.

3. set your meter on ohms, and take a reading across the rails of your track. you should get as high a value as is possible on your meter. if not, look foir something sitting on the tracks that may be affecting the reading.

4. plug your extension wire in, one end to each of the two terminal tracks.

5. take another ohmmeter reading across the rails. it should be the same as the first reading. if not, unplug the connector from one of the terminal sections, flip it over and plug back in. repeat the ohmmeter reading.

6 plug the power supply back into the terminal track, and run trains.

[kdgrant6]

Thanks Jerry and JWard!

Before I do this, I was wondering if there's a simpler way (a mark or something) to tell with connection is which on the terminal-re-railer piece.

Here's what I'm doing.  I have an NCE Power Cab coming in a few days.  It will replace the EZ Command Controller.  I plan to run 16 gauge stranded wire around the perimeter of my layout and drop feeders (18 gauge stranded) every x number of feet to the heavier wire. 

I have two EZ terminal pieces I'd like to tap into and use them as feeders, but I need to know which contact on the rerailer is linked to which rail (inside or outside) so that I can keep it consistent around the layout.  Surely Bachmann has a template so that the contact to the left is connected to, say, the nearer rail.

[Hunt]

Unless  Bachmann has change wiring spec

When looking from either side of track,

   Left tab is connected to far rail
   Right tab is connected to rail nearest you

-------------\R/-----\L/-------------

-------------/L\-----/R\--------------

                     you

Best to confirm with multimeter.

[kdgrant6]

Thanks< Hunt. That's useful information.

Maybe the station master will contribute to this thread.

[Len]

Ken,

At the stage you're at with your layout, an autoranging digital multimeter is almost a must. It will help you answer these kinds of questions faster than waiting for an answer here. And make sure your wires are going to the right place.

You can pick up a basic (Continuity/Ohms/AC Volt/DC Volts) for about $25.00. If you're like me, and drop things, you can get one in a ruggedized case for around $35.00.

Len

[kdgrant6]

Thanks, Len, for the suggestion.  I had a RS Micronta around that I had forgotten about.  I checked the rails today and confirmed Hunt's statement above.

To summarize: if you're looking at one side of a terminal,

the right hand tab connects to the nearer rail
the left hand tab connects to the far rail.

Thanks for the help.

[Jerrys HO]

Guess I should have drawn a pretty picture like HUNT did  .