Attaching DCC Bus Wire to Layout

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

In additon to perhaps running the wire through holes in the joists or box frame sections, what are you all using to attach your buss wire to the underside of the layout? Nylon “P” wire clamps? Eyelet screws? Staples?

Thanks

2

I use cable ties and mounts. The mounts look liek this:

You can get them in bags of 100 at Home Depot or Lowes. They had a peel and stick back but they don’t stick to the bottom of the plywood on my layout at all - but they have a hole int he center so I use a #8 1/2" screw to securely attach each one. The self-stick holds it in place while I drive the screw in it. Then a regular cable tie is looped through and around the wires.

–Randy

3

I use safety cup hooks. Makes it easy to lower the wiring for adding feeder drops and then putting it back.

Enjoy

Paul

4

Thanks for the replies so far.

5

I use staples as cable tie mounts, cheap, easy and tidy.

6

So do I.

7

My steel stud benchwork provides me with natural wire runs. I snap a short length of header stock on each run every 24 inches or so to hold everything inside.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

8

I drilled holes through the open frame “joists” underneath and threaded it through, Whats wrong with that?

9

Metal conduit clamps - they can be screwed to the wood joists and be twisted sideways to drop the wires into the open part of the clamp!

BOB H - Clarion, PA

10

http://www.emraonline.ca/electrical/feeders.html

This shows how my club does it.

Peter

11

I use screw eyes.

Hal

12

Hi,

Our club uses 3/8 nylon clamps made by Gardner Bender. You can purchase them at Sears Hardware or at Lowes. We use 22 gauge straded wires in red and black for feeders which are connected to terminal strips. I usually get these at radio Shack. Then I run 14 gauge Stranded wire from the terminal block to 3M 567 Scotchlok which is connected 12 gauge stranded Buss wire. You need to use a good pair of channel lock pliers.

13

Electric staple gun with offset so it doesn’t crush the wire.

14

I have traditional 1x4 grid benchwork and all the subroadbed-track is on risers so I run the bus wires across the top of the benchwork and secure it every other joist (about 26") with a Romex Staple with a plastic cushion (because I had a supply of 'em).

Jim

15

We use plastic wire/ cable holders DW screwed to the joists or risers. Advantage of mounting in this fasion is ability to relocate the buss wiring if ever nec. On smaller layouts or 2nd deck the buss may need to be placed through holes in the joists for clearance