People often get confused between layout size and power capacity. Your layout's size impacts the wire size and wiring practices you use when building your design. To read more about wiring, go here: http://www.wiringfordcc.com/track.htm.
DCC Systems are selected based on locomotive and operator capacity needs. The general rule of thumb is that HO-scale locos use .5 amps per loco, and N-scale locos use .25 amps per loco. You only count the number of locos being used, not parked.
DCC systems do not have locomotive "memory." The programming and settings are stored in the loco decoder. The system only selects which one you operate.
The number of DCC accessories is unimportant unless you have accessories that constantly draw power. Most accessories only have a momentary draw when used.
LEDs usually draw only about 10 mA each, so it's not a significant current draw unless you get over 25 of them.
The Power Cab is a complete self contained starter set with 2 amp capacity /13.8v. The Power Cab suits Z, N, HO, S, and On3 scales. Using the numbers above, we can guesstimate that the Power Cab has the capacity for 4 HO-scale locomotives or 8 N-scale locomotives running simultaneously. For more reading on How many locos? Read this. You can add up to 3 additional cabs for more operators or locations.
The second step after that is to add the SB5 5-amp Smartbooster. This increases your capacity from 2 to 5 amps of power and the number of cabs that can be used from 4 to 6. You also have the ability for true walk-around control using Universal Throttle Panels (UTP). For even more power, you can add DB5 boosters as needed. This is an incremental approach with less initial cost but more total expense.
If you know upfront that you will need 5 amps or more of capacity, more than four cabs, or wireless is a requirement, the best place to start is with the PH-Pro 5 amp starter set. Then, add 5 amp boosters (PB5) for more capacity as needed.
Your layout should be divided into power districts with short-circuit protection using an EB1. Go here to learn more
Do not attempt to run any O-scale or G-scale equipment with the Power Cab!
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More Information for Larger scales:
With O and G-scale, the discussion involves voltage settings AND current capacity. The combined values of both give you the power to run larger equipment. Most O and G-scale equipment is designed to be used at a minimum of 18 volts.
You will need to know the recommended track voltage for your equipment and the total current capacity required for all locomotives.
The Powercab is a 13.8V / 2amp / 24-watt system. It is unsuitable for large-scale equipment of any size.
The Ph-Pro 5amp System is a 5amp system. The maximum power supply that can be used is 16VAC / 28VDC. The box's output can be adjusted to as high as 22 volts, and with the right power supply, large-scale equipment will run. You will get what you need if you use our P515 5-amp power supply.
The PH-Pro box comes preset for an output of 14v, but using the dial to adjust the output between 18v and 22v is simple.
Increasing the voltage output reduces the current capacity below five amps.
It is simple multiplication: The official system rating is 15v / 5 amps = 75 watts of power.
using 18v output reduces the current capacity to 4.16 amps,
using 20v output reduces the current capacity to 3.75 amps,
using 22v output reduces the current capacity to 3.4 amps
Do not attempt to run any O-scale or G-scale equipment with the Power Cab.
For information on the 10 amp system: https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/200226775-Power-Pro-10-Amp-Systems
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