Skip to main content

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Keep in mind that the center wire from the controllers to the switches is redundant on common ground layouts and can be eliminated saving about 1/3 of your wire runs. Make the controller connections instead at a convenient common connection at the control panel, and, optionally for even further redundancy, make the center post connection at the switches to your nearby common/bus/loop.

This being the case, you can reduce your wire size yet again. I use 24-22 ga., whatever is convenient.

Last edited by ADCX Rob
@romiller49 posted:

I would check with some of the Lionel parts  dealers. I think they sell a flat 3 or 4 strand black wire that’s the same as the original Lionel.

I believe that wire is known as FB3 and FB4 respectively. But it's only #22 same as the original. T'stat wire is typically #18 and is better for runs longer than say 12 ft or so, depending on your supply power voltage. I use 16VDC on the layout for 022 switch power and it works pretty well. The power supply has an 80,000uF filter capacitor, so those babies snap very well!

Rod

Add Reply

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×