What kind of electricity do model trains use?
Model trains are powered by transformers that output AC or DC power. “AC” stands for “Alternating Current” and “DC” stands for “Direct Current”. Alternating Current (AC) is the type of electricity that you get when you plug something in to a wall socket in your house and is normally 110 volts. Direct Current (DC) is the type of electricity that small batteries such as “AA”, “D”, “C” type batteries output. The model train transformer reduces the house current from 110 volts to 0-20 volts AC. Most O-scale and larger trains run on AC power. For the smaller scales, they usually run on Direct Current (DC). The DC transformer reduces the voltage to 0-12 volts and converts the power from AC to DC.
