I am building a 4x8 tabletop layout (Lionel O gauge tubular w/031 curves and switches )and will use a ring(circle) main bus for voltage and common. Would 16 gauge stranded wire be OK for the bus or should I go with 14 gauge? Depending on recommendation, then what gauge should I use for the track feeders? The track feeder lengths probably will not need to be more than 24 inches.
Thanks in advance.
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John,
If you plan to expand this, then I would go with the 14 gauge. But from what you've described, 16 gauge should be adequate for both bus and feeders. What is the power source? Any recommendations in the transformer's instructions?
George
14 gauge is fine but 16 gauge would work fine given the distances. It's more important to run wire several feed points than use big wire: a 4 x 8 layout will have at least one loop of about 18-20 feet of track and it's advisable to feed every ten feet or so, so I would use at least two feeds for each loop you have, one on each end, etc. That tends to avoid all manner of small annoyances and headaches down the road.
Two things control your wire size, voltage drop and circuit protection. Since your layout is small, voltage drop in the wire should not be a problem. If you are going to use a post war transformer, especially one of the large ones, you should put circuit protection in the transformers output. If a 15 amp breaker or fuse is used, #14 wire would be appropriate. If 10 amp circuit protection is used, #16 wire could be used. The smaller wire is easier to work with and it is what I would use.
We use 14ga for main track power buss, 16ga for the drop to the rail, 18ga for aux lighting, 22ga for Z-stuff switch motors, and 20ga for uncouplers. Works well with no power losses I can detect. Drops to rail are every 4-6 feet approx.
I changed from 16 to 14 gauge wire and the trains "seem" to run smoother, I was experiencing voltage drop and now I don't but I do have more track.
Brent
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