I plan on using 18 gauge stranded wire for some accessories ..lights etc. Just wondering how to figure out how much is safe to put on one line ?
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Add up your amp draw and voltage. You can google the formula for the wire gage / amp and voltage.
Depends on the accessory power draw. What does each accessory use? Maybe 18 gauge wire is too small, 16 gauge wire would be better, more expensive but will work better for long runs and able to deliver more power.
Lee Fritz
Lee Fritz,
I agree with you 100%, use the 16 Gauge wire with the old ZW or KW that have operating channel handles, only run the voltage you need for the accessories you have, up the voltage by using the transformer handle as you add accessories, that require more power. Run your older 711/072 switches in this manner also. Works perfectly all the time.
PCRR/Dave
If you aren't budget constrained I would use the 16 gauge larger diameter wire. However the 18 gauge wire should easily handle 4 to 5 amps of current. It's rated for 9.5 to 10 amps in most tables and charts. I'm not sure how many accessories would need to operate simultaneously to draw that much current. I would think the lighting would be your biggest current draw. The postwar style light bulbs draw about 0.1 to 0.15 amps depending on the voltage applied. So 50 or so light bulbs could get you up to a 5 amp current draw and might start warming up the 18 gauge wire. I use 18 gauge lamp cord wire to connect my transformers to the 16 gauge solid wire buss wiring under the table. So effectively I am running 18 gauge wire and I have never noticed any warmth or other problems.
Are they all going to be operating at the same time? If not, then the wire gauge just needs to be common-sensical.
