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Lionel Fastrack Switch Wiring

E ehkempfOGR Forum Member

I have a total of 28 Command Control Fastrack that want to start wiring up to a central location. I am going to wire in the switch lever and also use command control. As per the Lionel Fastrack book I am going to use the Radio Shack 12 position terminal strips (274-677). I am going to use separate power for the switch (not track power).  So with the power feed and switch lever wiring that is a total of 6 wires going to the terminal strip, so I can wire two switches per terminal strip. So here is my question, according to the Lionel book they talk about using 22 gauge wiring, can I get away using Cat 3 6 wire (3 pair) wiring which is 24 gauge instead of the 22 gauge?  I am concerned mostly about the power handling of the 24 gauge, will it be alright or do I need to use at least 22 gauge? I forgot to mention that I am using both Lionel Legacy and MTH DCS for systems.

Last edited by ehkempf
Original Post
M MoonmanOGR Forum Member

Some things that I discovered after recently working with only 6 FasTrack remote switches to an SC-2

  1. Use track power-the switch draws very little power. Unless you want DCS capability or will run conventionally, then AUX would work best. Use a separate transformer for the switch power. The 24 gauge will work.
  2. The Cat3 6 conductor works fine. However, you must extra care when working with it. Stripping the wire can sometimes nick the already thin wire and cause it to easily break when making connections. It's size makes it somewhat trying to securely bind it in the switch connector. Keep the bare ends to 3/8" or less as the thin wire can protrude through the connector and contact unwanted areas behind the connector. Don't bend it too many times, it will break.
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