Proper wire selection

Some tips.  I always look to find out if used would work.  My layout used throw away 14 ga stranded copper wire that was used for instrumentation in a chemical plant that had an explosion.  They do not used spliced wire for instrumentation.  Since that time 40 years ago, I have found a dozen or so 500 ft spools or partial spools of wire at garage and estate sale for less than $3.00 or so, wire of various gauges.

The only color wire that has dedicated color is the common and it is black.  I use any color and label the wire at the control panels as to what its purpose is and at it destination.  I have simple hand drawn sketches of most circuits but no over wiring diagram as it would require too much work to make and keep up to date.  There are several Common wire junctions, that consist of a brass 1 inch flat head screw and two brass countersunk finishing washers with the flat sides to the inside to accept the wires and a black common wire is daisy chained to 4 or so locations on the bottom of the train board.  This system keeps a Common always close where ever it is needed.

I have found that using two or twin wire that is close together gives problems on AC with induction between the wires that interfered with track switch solenoids operation.  I made sure not have my single wires run parallel to each other.

You can find a complete write up of building my layout on the OGR link below.  There is an index on the bottom of post 1 on Page 1.  The page for wiring is page 1, post  8a.  There is a post on building a compact track diagram control panel also as my layout has 34 track switches.  Even if you use modern 18v systems for train control,  control panels are nice or maybe necessary if you have a large number of track switches.

https://ogrforum.com/topic/evo...95#60276340902001695

Charlie

@Godale03 posted:

Hello,

As I am getting closer to laying track I am starting to think about what type and kind of wire I will need to start getting together so I have everything I need once I get to that point. I am thinking with a layout that is in a 30x40 space would need something like 14 guage 2 conductor stranded wire. I am running Atlas track and I am using the Atlas terminal joiners. What other wire will I need to have on hand to wire switches or other accessories down the line? My plan is to keep things color coded so I can identify by the wire what it is running to... if that is even possible. I have heard that you need to take your time wiring so that it is neat and organized and easy to troubleshoot when the time arises.

Tom

I think you are on the right track.  I would suggest:

• 12 gauge (rather than 14) / 2 conductor stranded wire.  Or if 2 conductor wire that large proves expensive, it is cheaper to use 12 gauge individual wires - just make sure 1 is red and the other is black.
• Color coding and a wiring plan are essential.  Use a pair of colors for track power, e.g. red / black.  Use another for switch power.  Below is my wiring convention.  Doing a large layout without such a plan is asking for trouble.
• 
• Taking your time to wire neatly (label) is essential to finding problems later.

My thread https://ogrforum.com/topic/prr-panhandle-2-0 captures my experiences building a large layout.  I discuss the problems and my mistakes as well.  Electrical discussion begins on page 15 of the thread.  DO NOT USE SUITCASE Connectors.

Best of luck,

George