I have bought some 18gauge wire for my layout.My question is it o.k. to use?I have a z4000 transformer.The old wire is 16 gaugeI am replacing some wires they are worn out.Doesn,t help matters that I have spliced them a little to much.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I would not use #18 for track power. Use #14 or #16. OGR wire is very nice and comes in both sizes. #18 or smaller is fine for switch machines and accessories.
The answer as to whether or not you should use smaller wire depends upon information that only you would know. Can you tell us the size of the layout? What type of track? How many track feeds do you have already? What is the highest current draw of your largest/heaviest train? Conventional or command control?
14 gauge will pretty much ensure minimal voltage drop. 16 gauge is generally the smallest size that everyone suggests. Going to an even smaller (18) gauge seems to be inviting disappointment. 18 gauge will handle 16 amps, and 16 gauge will handle 22 amps. (these are approximate "best case" ratings, which assume certain operating temperatures and types of insulation.) You will also need to figure what is your acceptable voltage drop for the trains you intend to run.
Well good thing I kept my sales slip.My layout sorry to say is around the room.Not a very big room 10 x 15.
