153IR Controller wire size

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I’m wiring one of my 153IR controllers to a 14098 mainline crossing gate(s). What I need to know is why does the manual specify “do not use a wire larger than 24 gauge!” That means 28 gauge is okay, but not 20 gauge? Why would larger wire (say 20 gauge), with its lower resistance, cause a problem? Do they mean literally don’t use a ‘gauge number’ larger than 24?

and do you think it’s safe to hook up both of the 14098 gates to a single 153IR? Or could that somehow fry the controller?

Ken

2

[#welcome]

Not sure but I would guess it needs the smaller wire so the spring-loaded wire clip will hold the wire correctly. Too big of wire may not hold tight a

3

Kev, thanks for the welcome! Yes, that was my first post on the forum. Comforting to know you’ve been using the 153IR to run both gates.

Ken