Need advice for wiring staging yard

I have been using 18/7 thermostat wire for my switches and accessories, including power to my yard with 6 O22 switches. My longest run is only 8 feet though, and operation has been snappy with 14V on the ZW dial (haven't measured the voltage at the switch).

Try doubling up the 22ga phone wire and see how that works. Measure the voltage to see how much it changes. It may be the simplest way forward for you. Switches only use power for a very short period of time. Most of the time they just sit there idle.

Aux power to 022 switches should be 18 awg wire for best results. Still, I can't believe you are losing 8 volts in a 12 ft run running only the lights. How long is your wiring to the controllers? That length must also be considered. You may also want to consider changing the bulbs over to led replacements. As long as you are powering them with ac the leds will work fine.

Rod

Sorry for the  delay, thank you all for the advice. I spent this weekend rewiring the switches with 18 awg wire. Everything is working as it should. Now on to the turntable.