Greetings, My Question for today is: With the cable that comes included on a Lionel Starter Set (that works with the terminal track), Is this cable sufficient to work on a layout larger than the starter set. What gauge cable should be used and how much length would be sufficient on a 12'x30' layout? As usual I appreciate all input and thanks again OGR members
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16ga stranded is probably the most commonly used wire on layouts. Sufficient for runs of 50ft maybe a bit more.
look at this,
very helpfull, and boy the heavy hitters, have got it laid out,
No, I am way past the point of no return, all though all is labeled,
it runs everywhere, !!!!
In general, the larger the layout, the heavier the wire you'll be using for good performance. Also, the gauge of the wire will be dependent on the type of wiring you're doing. If you're doing bus wiring, you'll want heavier wire for the main bus. If you're doing star wiring, lighter wire going out from the common connection point will be fine. For our modular layout, we run #12 for each mainline track, the sidings, and the accessory feed.
I'm new to the hobby and learned the hard way after buying a whole bunch of 22 awg solid wire. Turns out this is good for accessories and not much else although it does make a good twist tie. Otherwise 16 awg stranded everywhere. Bigger is better (14 awg and up) but harder to work with. Also get yourself:
a good wire cutter
a good wire stripper (the kind with the collapsing jaws at the top)
a good crimper (these look like pliers with a variety of different notches in the jaws)
If I was wiring my layout again, for track power wiring I would use not less than 16 AWG for runs up to 20 ft, and not less than 14 AWG for longer runs, say up to 50 ft.
Note that voltage loss is directly proportional to run length as well as amp load.
So if its a short run of say 2-3 feet you can afford to be one size lighter wire and you likley won't notice any appreciable loss. That same wire in a 40 ft run however is a different matter if the wire is too light.
Make sure you observe common wire recommended max amp loads, and fuse accordingly, ie:
12 AWG; 20 amps
14 AWG; 15 amps.
16 AWG; 10 amps
18 AWG; 8 amps
For most layouts a good design current load for track power is 8 or 10 amps per loop or power district.
Most modern power transformers have 10 amp CB's on each output. For command operation 18 volts x 10 amps = 180 watts, which is consistent with most modern larger transformer power ratings per track output.
A 10 amp design current load would mean you could use any wire 16 AWG and heavier. 18 AWG is too light.
Rod
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