I’m using Rix switch machines My power supply is 25 volts, 2amps. Max run from pushbutton to switch machine is about 3 feet. Wire from power supply through the Snapper CDU and to the pushbutton (except for the last six inces) is 14 gauge stranded. I only activate one switch machine at a time. The pushbuttons are rated at 125V 3 amp. Can I use #24 wire for the last six inches to the pushbutton and then to the switch machine?
Tom
I don’t know anything about the Rix machines, but what’s important is not how much power you have available, but how much the machine actually uses. (Like plugging-in either a 25-watt bulb or an A/C unit to the same outlet in your house!)
I use 24-gauge phone wire for power to all my Tortoises, which I’d guess use roughly the same amount of power a the Rix – after all, they’re just little motors. Your 14-gauge wire is much bigger than what you need – my track power busses, some 50 feet long, are 14 gauge!
Yeah, I power Atlas and Peco twin-coils, using 26-gauge phone wire for all the connections. The CDU makes a big difference. My Peco’s were sluggish and sometimes downright ornery before I put one in. Now they all jump when I pu***he button.
The internal wire in the Rix twin coil is close to magnet wire size and smaller than what you are using to and from - that’s why momentary contacts are used.
Mr. Pondini is correct. The switch -being a coil- will only use what it needs - if you dont hold the button down to melt the wires. I also use a 24v supply for 2 turnout X -overs.
OK. Thanks for everyone’s help. I really appreciate it.
Tom