I’m 15yrs old and i got a major problem. My dad built a track and everything,but he used automotive wire, and i need to know what kind of wire to buy to re-wire it. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Depends on how it was wired - however, if it was a pure DC layout, then you’ll probably find that #20 gauge wire was used.
You’ll find that wire from Home depot will probably be a lot cheaper than using automotive wire and easier to locate.
Your local hobby shop may also be able to supply or advise you, but the costs would be that much higher.
If it is a DCC layout, then you’ll need to think in terms of #16 to #12 wire - remember that the higher the number, the thinner the wire.
Hope this helps
Regards
David(UK)
What do you mean by “Automotive” wire? Are you talking about stranded? Why do you think automotive wire will not work? Do you think your dad used the wrong gage? Is your layout controlled by conventional DC or Digital Comand Control?
By the way, I see this is your first post, so [#welcome] to Forum!
Do you have this book? (click on highlited words)
Are you having problems with the wiring?
There’s nothing wrong with automotive wire. Wire is wire! All it does is allows an electrical current to travel from its source to where it’s being used…
I’m using automotive electrical wire on my layout.
It also kinda helps that I have a cheap source for it!! [;)]
If it works, why tinker with it!
Gordon
There’s nothing wrong with automotive wiring as long as it is of big enough gauge for the load.If your layout works well and the wiring doesn’t get hot after a while,there’s a pretty good chance it’ll do the job for a long time.
Solid wire… Stranded wire… it really makes no difference, EXCEPT in the case of speaker wire, in which case stranded wire gives better sound quality than solid wire, other than that, unless you have OBVIOUS wiring problems, I wouldn’t mess with it[:D]