Wiring questions

Bus is simply a term for wires  and other shared connections that run from transformer outputs to individual feed wires  that connect to the track or Lock-ons.

For a 4X8 layout, 14gauge bus wires are generally recommended.  Feeder wires between the bus and track can be smaller like 16 or 18 gauge.

Feed wires to accessories can generally be smaller than that to save on cost, but larger like 18 gauge is also fine.

Since you have a ZW, running dedicated buses from the A and or D terminals, providing Track power to  either one or two power districts is possible.  Either the B or C terminals can provide the recommended 10 to 16 volts for accessories.  Lights can be powered from the remaining terminals and their voltage can be adjusted for the desired brightness (assuming incandescent bulbs).

Each circuit can have its own dedicated common (U post) bus or a single Common bus can be shared among all the different busses outlined above.  If a shared buss is used, the bus wire gauge should be a minimum 14gauge size.

If you are planning to use MTH's DCS command control system, then this bus system is not generally recommended.  A Star wiring system is preferred for that.

Thank you Steve. I am new to this and sometime use incorrect terms.

I am looking for a recommendation for a wiring bus bar.

Also what does DCS stand for?

Thanks

DCS is an acronym for MTH's (a train manufacturer) brand of digital command control for locomotives and accessories.  DCS stands for Digital Control System.  The transformer you are using makes your system analog control (or simply, not digital control).  And, if you mean by "bus bar" a terminal strip (power goes in on one end and can come out in multiple locations), you can find decent ones at most hardware or big box home repair stores (ACE, Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, etc.).

Chuck

Thanks

Example of a bus bar.   Accessories can run from center rail, track power or from a seperate power lead from the transformer.  I prefer not using the center rail to power.     

When you say ZW, I assume the old style ZW with everything in the ZW, not the newer ones with the 2 external power bricks.

I had a ZW.  I used the two inner adjustments, B and C, to power accessories 14V  and the switches 18-19V.   A and B for track power.  The "U" connections on a ZW are all connected to one wire internally.  So A, B, C and D power connections can share the same "U" bus.  If you use just one wire from the Transformer "U" do this make sure it is a 14 gauge wire, to handle the max amperage of the transformer.    Or hook up multipel Transformer "U" wires to the same bus if a smaller gauge. 

Thank you, I think I need a book on wiring. Any suggestions?

Here is one suggestion:

One of the best booklets on Lionel wiring, previously posted by several others in this forum, is attached.  It's from 1965 and relevant to those of us with postwar trains, tracks and transformers.

Thank you, I will check them out.

Bus bars were made from light gauge tinned sheet steel. I buy large sheets and the cut to length. These were NOT 6-8 feet in length but a couple of feet and then soldered together, usually 3 bus bars. I will post some pictures when able later

@PChepurko posted:

Thank you, I will check them out.

There are also many helpful instructional videos on how to build and wire an O gauge layout.