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LEDs in Märklin System
Since Märklin is an AC system (3 rail), some unique characteristics of LEDs have to be kept in mind when using them. This is because LEDs are polarity sensitive. LEDs can replace the bulbs in Switches/Turnouts/Points and can be used in various other locations.
Traditional incandescent bulbs get hot and use much more electricity than LEDs. For example, an LED has a life expectancy of 50,000 hours versus 10,000 of a good bulb. In our effort to help customers get what they want and also to be more "Green", we introduced LEDs that can replace bulbs.
At present we have three types of LED products that can be used in train cars.
- E5 with older threaded/screw-type sockets
- C5 for turnout motors and similar (flange based) sockets
- S12 LED strips for passenger cars, in buildings, background, under layout and the flexible ones in tunnels etc.
Others types that we have, can be used in place of headlights, elsewhere in the locomotive or at the end of train as well. All LEDs are polarity sensitive and care should be taken in connecting them to the power. We also have mini rectifiers that can be introduced in-line to control polarity.
All LEDs except the C5 & CR5 are suitable for Märklin
voltage/power, as E5 and the S12 trips have the correct resistances
built in. The C5 and CR5 do not have any room inside the body for a
mini resistance to be incorporated. Hence they are sold with the
appropriate resistances in the package for adding externally in the
positive polarity feed. C5, CR5 and all our LEDs are available in our Shop.
Replacing Bulbs with LEDs in older turnouts/switches/points/
Click on images for an enlarged view.
 
Märklin Turnout mechanism in K track |
An older Turnout mechanism in Märklin K track. |
 
Opened view showing the bulb it comes with. |
Opened view of the turnout mechanism showing the incandescent bulbs which came as standard. |
 
Enlarged view of the open Switch/Turnout. |
The older bulbs had a "flange" type base. As the size is small,
the term used for this is "mini flange" base. Note that the bottom terminal is connected to the positive "yellow" wire.
These also come in reverse polarity version called CR5.
In the reverse polarity version the bottom is negative and the sides are positive.
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Opened view showing the inserted LED. |
The bulb is replaced with the C5
type LED, with normal polarity. But it cannot be powered up as such. |
 
Opened view showing the inserted C5 LED. Needs a resistance in the yellow (+) wire. |
A resistor is needed in the power feed, to control the power to the
C5 LEDs. A suitable one is 620R, which should be placed in-line as indicated. It would be easier to place it outside the mechanism. The C5 LED, does not come with a suitable resistance built in for use with voltage such as in the Märklin system, as in the case of E5. |
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Alternate Solution  
Alternatively use an E5 LED & avoid adding a resistor. |
To avoid the additional step of adding a resistance, an E5 type LED can be used. This is also suitable for light sockets in older passenger cars & comes in various colors, as shown in the LED section. Picture below shows an E5 type LED in place and also lighted up. It is gripped tight enough and does not move easily. |
 
View showing lit up E5 LED. |
Since the E5 LED has a screw-thread base, and no flange to snap into the socket, there may be a possibility that it loosens. Even though the cover of the mechanism keeps it pressed in place, a folded piece of paper or insulating tape may be placed between the LED and the cover, to additionally secure the LED. For clarity in photograph, we have used a "yellow" colored LED for this demonstration. |
Current Limiting Resistor Calculator:This link takes you to a calculator outside the domain of TrainAidsA and we are not responsible for the results that are obtained on using this calculator. This link has been provided for modellers who are comfortable using such a feature. |
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