What gauge wire to use?

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I’m still working on constructing my Capacitor Discharge Unit/Diode Matrix combo to power my switch machines (Altas twin solenoid). I started to think about “what’s next” and I am now wondering what size wire will handle the juice between the Diode matrix and the switch machines. I have several rolls of 22 gauge solid wire that I would like to use if possible. I have a feeling 20 gauge might be more appropriate…

The particulars:

-The CDU/DM will be no further than 6 feet from any given turnout.

-I don’t anticipate throwing more than 5 points at once

-I’m running the CDU off an old Life-like transformer (12-14V)

-The CDU is constructed with 3 1000mf capacitors for “pop” or “snap” (hold the crackle[:-^])

Guidance?

Thanks!

2

If you are concerned you could just double up conductors with the 22 ga.

3

The 22 gauge wire should work just fine for the lengths that you have. But if you do run into problems, just double up as previously suggested.

4

22 ga is fine to run a single Atlas unit. Don’t try to run five of them on one wire. Feed each one seperately or you will get too much voltage drop.

Karl

5

For the short runs you are planning, 22ga wire will handle up to 7 amps! (Surprised me, too.)

For long runs and continuous use, the same wire is rated at just under 1 amp, and has about 1.7 ohms of resistance per 100 feet. I’m pretty sure that the momentary pulse of a CD unit would safely pass enough power to throw any commercially-available switch machine, even on a basement-filler.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

6

7 Amps!

Good news indeed!

thanks all around