I have done searches on the appropriate wire gauge for DCC but would like to revisit the question as I get muddled sometimes.
Many thanks,
Trevor[:)][:)][:)]
Solid vs. Stranded.
Stranded is preferable in instances where the wire is expected to flex regularly. Otherwise use solid. Stranded has more surface area for the total conductor cross-section than solid wire. That’s a whole lot more area suceptible to corrosion. Solid core of equivalent gauge as stranded is more compact, too.
Trevor,
Check out this website - it’s very useful:
Click on DCC Topics–>Track–>Track, Page 2 and it will tell you what you need to know to answer your questions.
I recommend reading through the whole website, as there is a wealth of good info there on wiring and DCC.
I can tell you what I used, and why:
I used 24 gauge solid, with feeders every 3 - 4 feet. It is sufficient for the current without being too large, and solid is easier to solder to the rails.
14 gauge stranded. 14 gauge handles the current over the distances I have, and stranded is easier to handle/route under the benchwork.
See #'s 1 and 2 above. Don’t think “DCC” here, think of the intended use of the piece of wire you’re about to install and pick the type and size accordingly.
HTH,
Steve
Trevor for a LONG run over 30 ft from the booster #12 AWG Stranded bus is perfect.
Feeders that are under 12" long #22 awg Solid works great.
Oldered joints pt every 6 to 10 ft, non soldered every section.
Frog power is #22 solid.
The Stranded wire will flex and BOT break, Solid wire will not flex and will break.
What I did was in a no flex install I used solid for feeders, in a POSSBLE FLEX, bumped into when under table, i used stranded and tinned the ends to cut out the wild hares that they can have.
SOurce for this is Lowes and Home Depot, real cheap source is a construction site.
Take care
George P.
#12 and #14 solid is made in such HUGE quantities because it is what is used most commonly for wiring homes and businesses. With that said, it also is very cost effective to use because it is manufactured in such large quantities. If your layout is going to be over 20 feet, use #12. It is so cheap, why not spend a few bucks more and use this heavier gauge instead of #14. You can buy 250’ rolls of #12 for around $32. The price keeps going up because the price of copper has been “skyrocketing”. If you run track feeders every 3 to 6 feet, #22 guage is fine. If the wire is going to see a lot of flexing and bumping into under the bench, then you should use stranded wire. I have seen ( not often though) solid wire break from too much flexing, and it causes an intermittent open that can be a PITA to find.
I have an abundance of Category 5 solid computer wire. The spools say it is #23. Is this too light for feeder wire?
I have looked at the wire at Home Depot and #14 looks huge (1/4" diameter including plastic coating)! I’ve been thinking that’s way to heavy…but I guess not since everyone is recommending it for my Bus.
BTW, I guesstimate that I have 92’ of track to wire…and Thanks for all of your replies.
Trevor
Trevor, #14 wire, if fed to the middel of your track run, would leave you with 46’ of track on each side. However, that is one way. You have the return side also, giving you a total resistance run of 92’ each side if fed to the middle. #14 can handle the load, but personally, for the difference in price, I would use #12. That would take care of the MAIN Power Bus.
As for the track feeders to the Main Bus, if you run #23 every 3’ section of track, you should be fine.
Thanks ***. I appeciate the quick responses. I’ll be picking up a roll of romex on the way home this evening for my Main Bus, and already have the feeder wire. So you know what my Saturday will be spent doing.
My layout is built completely of flex track and I’ve maintained full length sections where ever possible, the exception being turnouts. Which brings up another question. I’m sure once I’ve read more on the “Wiring for DCC” website that I’ll get the answer to this question…
How many feeders do I need off of a standard Atlas turn out? Will Two do? or do I need more?
Trevor