C3 Outlets

Are there any outlets on the C3s, and if so, where?

There are a few, but they only work when the train is in E-mode.

When are the trains usually in E mode and where are the outlets? Why do they only work in E mode?

There's a few outlets across from the bathroom, but they have big warning signs on them saying 220 Volts.

I would not use an outlet that has power coming off a DC feed via locomotive. I've used them on other transit systems, but typically I'd think the current wasn't very stable regardless...

The C-3's were built before the "smartphones" exisited.

SwingMan wrote:There are a few, but they only work when the train is in E-mode.

Man, good thing magic was there to charge my phone when I had it plugged in from KO to GY in February with a DE leading...

CNJGeep wrote:

SwingMan wrote:There are a few, but they only work when the train is in E-mode.

Man, good thing magic was there to charge my phone when I had it plugged in from KO to GY in February with a DE leading...

Still not a good idea whether they work or not, they are there for the coach cleaners so they can plug in vacuums, not sensitive electronics like computers, tablets and phones. It is dirty power. The outlets on Amtrak trains are designed specifically for the purpose of plugging phones and computers into. On a regular commuter train, the HEP isn't perfect and those outlets have no filtering, so you get lots of voltage spikes and sags that damage electronics.

If you bring a surge protector, would it be safe?

mvb119 wrote:

CNJGeep wrote:

SwingMan wrote:There are a few, but they only work when the train is in E-mode.

Man, good thing magic was there to charge my phone when I had it plugged in from KO to GY in February with a DE leading...

Still not a good idea whether they work or not, they are there for the coach cleaners so they can plug in vacuums, not sensitive electronics like computers, tablets and phones. It is dirty power. The outlets on Amtrak trains are designed specifically for the purpose of plugging phones and computers into. On a regular commuter train, the HEP isn't perfect and those outlets have no filtering, so you get lots of voltage spikes and sags that damage electronics.

There are no Cams using vacuums on these trains.

Ummm, how about fully charging before you leave home or the office.

CNJGeep wrote:

SwingMan wrote:There are a few, but they only work when the train is in E-mode.

Man, good thing magic was there to charge my phone when I had it plugged in from KO to GY in February with a DE leading...

I should have rephrased it to say when in E-mode and when there is a limited amount of HEP available. On a 6 car train, or a 3 car train for that matter, you aren't going to get sustainable juice. A one car train is a little different.

Is it possible to plug in toaster ovens? I like to make grill cheese sandwiches in between trips

jackintosh11 wrote:If you bring a surge protector, would it be safe?

Spend $10 on a portable charger. No outlet hunting required.

naugatroll wrote:Spend $10 on a portable charger. No outlet hunting required.

Yup...great advice. More bandwidth waste...IMO