All EZ-LITE^TM modules are compatible with the more popular digital command control (DCC) systems if no more than 16 volts PEAK is present across the rails. (Warning: some DCC systems supply more than 16 volts PEAK across the rails.) If the 16 volt PEAK rating is not exceeded, the module can either be connected directly across the rails, or it's power can be obtained from the DCC Blue WIre and one of the decoder's function outputs.  For the second option, connect the module the same way a high voltage lamp would be connected.  If the peak available voltage exceeds 16 volts, a resistor or Zener diode can be used in series with the module's input power wire to reduce the module's input voltage below 16 volts.

For EZ-LITE^TM modules which plug in (EZ02, EZ03, EZ11, etc.), one side of the plug connection must be broken and insulated when the module is being connected to a command control module. Please call if you require assistance in this matter.

You may wonder why our smaller circuits are rated at only 16 volts.  The limiting factor is the availability of critical parts with higher voltage ratings.  For example, for small and efficient surface mount voltage regulators, the maximum input voltage rating generally available is 16 volts.

For other parts, there is a trade-off between the component's electrical characteristics and its voltage rating for a given package size.  We can get 100 microfarad 16 volt capacitors in a "D" package.  For the same package but with a 35 volt rating, the highest capacitance generally available is 10 microfarads.  The circuit works nicely with 100 microfarads but flickers badly with 10 microfarads in some cases.  We have to give up voltage rating in order to obtain enough capacitance in a small enough package to assure proper operation.

Obviously, we would use parts rated higher than 16 volts if parts with the right values were available in the smallest packages.  Our EZ07, EZ08 and EZ09 circuits are all rated at 35 volts, but they use larger components and the modules are physically much larger than circuits like the EZ01.  Thus the 16 volt rating on some modules is a compromise required to be able to miniaturize the modules.