I’d like to add some Evans LEDs to my setup. Are there suitcase connectors made for 28 gauge? Is soldering the lights to the main power wire the only option?
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Call Dave at Evans and he will be glad to help you. No, you do not have to solder.
He is a great guy, answers the phone, and is always glad to help.
(888) 764-2610
@Bill Webb posted:Call Dave at Evans and he will be glad to help you. No, you do not have to solder.
He is a great guy, answers the phone, and is always glad to help.
(888) 764-2610
I echo what Bill said. Contacted Evans mid-December on behalf of my brother who wanted to light a nativity scene. Dave hooked us up with everything needed over the phone--my brother and his wife were delighted with the result.
Thanks fellas, will do.
How about sharing what you learned?
Do a search for "B wire connectors" You will find dry ones (white) and "filled" ones (blue). You want the dry ones. They are rated for 19 through 26 gauge wire, but by folding over the end of 28 gauge wire, they will work to connect two or three wires. You don't need to strip the insulation, since the connectors have teeth that pierce the insulation. Simply insert the leads, and squeeze with pliers.
To absolutely ensure a good connection with 28 gauge wire, you can strip both the 28 G and the feed wire, twist them tightly together, and insert into the B connector, then squeeze. Not acceptable for a telephone company connection, but OK for toy trains.
Amazon sells them $34 for a box of 1000 pieces, enough for you and your descendants and all the neighborhood. https://tinyurl.com/y9lntuf5
They go by several slang trade names: dolphins, Good-n-Plenties, and others. Ask your local fire / security alarm guy for a handful.
At the big box stores. Thermostat wire, usually 18 ga solid, can be found 20 and 22 ga. Most of the control wiring, Atlas switch motors, on my layout were done with 18ga thermostat wire.
Thanks Mike. So are you saying my main accessories wire can be 18 for LEDs? That would make things simpler. Dave at Evans emailed me right back last night as well with some thoughts. Chris
@Madlove posted:Thanks Mike. So are you saying my main accessories wire can be 18 for LEDs? That would make things simpler. Dave at Evans emailed me right back last night as well with some thoughts. Chris
18 ga is available in multi-conductor, 2 wire, to 10 or more wires depending on the control wires required. I found that my, (more intense), Atlas 6924 relay board wiring required (8) wires to each switch location from the 6924 relay boards.
I've used good and plenty's for years, both as an electrical contractor and toy train nut. They are great.
I will say that I've cursed at that 28ga wire more than a few times. That stuff is thinner than a hair. 
Cat 5 or 6 is also a good option for multi conductor cable. I have several spools left over from my contracting days.
Here's a splice of one of their LED adapters to Cat 5.
Bob
PS- Evans does make great products. I use them all over the layout.
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I’ve been searching the forums without luck on a few things...Is it just one bus wire from the accessory terminal on the transformer or two like my track bus wires? If 2, then does it matter which wires from the LED connect with the bus wires when tapping in?
