What is the difference between a standard power clip and a digital power clip?

You have probably noticed that there are many types of power clips available to facilitate different ways of connecting power to your track. You may have also noticed that Hornby's Digital Power Connecting Clips are specifically designed to work with digital layouts, but what are they? what do they do? and should you be using one?

When it comes to digital power clips, it's more a case of what they don't do. Some regular power clips have a suppressor included to limit interference to wireless components around the home. A digital power clip does not have a suppressor because it would distort the DCC messages sent from the controller.

The only reason Hornby has designated their non-suppressor power clips as 'Digital' is because they look identical to their regular power clips and they wanted to avoid any confusion and make DCC usage simpler.

Whether or not you should be using a digital power clip with your DCC operated layout is only really of concern if using that specific brand and type of clip. Most power clips are basic enough in design that you can visually ascertain whether or not a suppressor is a feature. But if in doubt, you can always ask your supplier.

On the other hand, if using analogue, a Digital power clip will power your track but may interfere with some wireless equipment.