I’m ready to run the main bus and feeder wires on my dcc layout and I wonder if there is a basic ‘how to’ primer somewhere on the web that you might point me to. Hopefully it would have info on recommended wire sizes, how to wire or not wire turnouts, color coding (if useful) etc.
Thanks,
Jarrell
Try http://wiringfordcc.com/ for a start. It’s a pretty comprehensive site. There are a couple of good books on the subject. Naturally the names escape me at the moment.
Many folks oversize their bus wires (no harm - just costs more). 14 gauge should be good for most layouts. Yeah I used 12 but I had rolls of it in the shop. I use 18 gauge for feeders, every six feet and more where needed (around combos of turnouts for the most part). Two basic rules: Feed every inch of track somehow and watch out for short circuits.
There have been threads on this topic. I’m sure someone will point you to them.
Don’t forget Joe’s excellent advice on his clinic, Jarrell. I used his auto taillight short protection on my new layout, and lemme tell ya…foolproof! And, how cheap can you get???
Loco or metal axled and wheeled car derails, causes short, and bulb lights up. What can go wrong?
[#ditto]
Definitely! And it shows you what area the short is in. I think that Joe is one of the best resources available. Thanks Selector for reminding me.