Sources for 3 or 4 conductor insulated wire?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

For replacing old cracked wire on old turnout switches, operating switches etc that originally had 3 or 4 conductor molded black wire…? I think this stuff typically was about 16 ga (???) or so.

Short of doubling up on speaker wire… Any good convenient sources anyone has had luck with? Anybody sell it by the foot?

Thanks

2

Charles F. Schmitt, 410-974-4736 (after 9 AM Eastern time, please.)

Charlie offers single strand 20 and 22 gauge Superflex in lengths of 4, 10. 25, 100 and 200 feet, as well as flat cable in 22 gauge “easy splitting” in 3, 4, 4 (four color), 5 (gray) and 6 strand versions. I bought some from him (again) just yesterday. All are black except as noted.

I have no information about cable as large as 16 gauge.

In the past I have encountered cable that simply would not split properly – the insulation always separated from the wire inside, making it useless. Have never had such a problem with this source.

Ask about his 40 page printed parts catalog. He’s a well informed guy, very nice to deal with.

Hope this helps.

3

Have you tried Home Depot for three conducter 18 or 16 gauge wire? They sell it by the foot or by the spool(usually 500feet).

I have tried Radio Shack but they are too expensive for wire.

Lee F.

4

I recently bought sprinkler cable at Home Depot for the layout I’m working on. Its 4 conductor, 18 GA, black sheath. The only problem is that its solid wire but it was only $0.25/ft.

You could try someplace like W.W.Grainger if there’s one local to you.

5

Try Charlies Trains, PO Box 158, Hubertus WI He has all kinds of reproduction wire for toy trains and has the three and four wire cables for Lionel switches etc. Long time dealer. I think he advertises in CTT.

6

I would look at wal mart or a local parts store to see if they have any wire for trailer lights. The wire comes in white, green, brown, yellow, and is molded together. this makes it easy to wire switches and i think it is 14 gauge wire, its a little heavier than 16 gauge wire.

7

Wire used for wiring up trailers at auto/RV part stores is joined 4 color (white brown yellow & green) 18 or 20 gauge and would work fine for your application. You can buy it by the foot or spool.
Jim