I am in the process of re wiring my layout and would like advice on what wire to use for it. I found this on Amazon and was wondering if this was an option. Any info is appreciated, thank you.
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Avoid CCA or Copper Clad/Coated Aluminum wire. While the price is attractive, you you need to buy larger gauge wire to get the equivalent current carrying capabilities and whatnot...
A general rule of thumb recommendation is 14AWG for bus runs and 18AWG or 16AWG for localized drops.
For track power on a 5x8, I would use no smaller than 16-guage. On anything larger, no smaller than 14 gauge. Only 100% copper; not aluminum. I would not use copper clad aluminum. I would use stranded, not solid. Should be easily available at Home Depot or Lowes.
I have found the best wire prices at local electrical supply houses for the trade. That is where I get my 10, 12 and 14 gauge wire. For my drops I use HVAC solid core 18 ga thermostat wire bundle which has multiple colors. Also some on line sources for 18 and 20 stranded are helpful due to better shipping costs when compared to the heaver larger core wire.
Also consider using multi color wire. There are 12 colors commonly available. That will come to bail you out of any future confusion.
You will find that several cut wire prices cn add up to almost a reel price which would much more quantity.
If you are stuck with just two or three colors use colored electrical tape at the end of each run to help identify circuits. Colored electrical tape available in 12 colors at most box stores.
There are also 0 to 45 and 46 to 90 wire labels available for wire runs. Check my panel for the wire colors, tape colors and I.D. numeral tape.
Try servicing this with one wire colorAttachments
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