FAQ:What is the difference in Insul-frog vs Peco Electro-Frog?
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The PECO Insulfrog has an insulated (dead) frog, made of non-conductive plastic. It is a power routing turnout, a useful feature before DCC.
As it is power routing, the turnout has no issues with DCC operation. Insulated rail joiners are required to prevent a short between the point rails at the heel of the frog.
A turnout's frog. The wing and point rails are a non-conductive plastic casting in the Insulfrog, where the Electrofrog is made of conducting rails.
Insulfrog Turnout. Notice the insulated frog and gaps in the wing and point rails.
An Electrofrog: Notice the wing and point rails, which are made of metal, unlike their plastic equivalents in the Insulfrog. It is also power routing
Power routing capability of the Insulfrog. Isolating the point rails eliminates the potential for a short at the heel of the frog.
Power routing in an Electrofrog. Notice the point rails are energized, leading to shorts (phase mismatches) when used with DCC.
The Electrofrog is different: It has a metal frog which can be powered (live). In its factory state, the frog is powered via jumpers installed under the rails. These can be removed to create a dead frog, and there is a pigtail to allow connection to a mechanical or electronic switch. Insulated rail joiners or gaps are required on the point rails to prevent a short at the toe of the frog.