I have a large, 24’ x 24’ double-level N-Scale layout. I am at the point of purchasing the main wire for the layout, and want to know whether to use 12 guage or 14 guage for the main wire as part of a DCC system. There are three main lines, and I intend to run multiple trains on each line, as well as lash-ups. I have not yet purchased the DCC system. I was told once by a hobby shop that generally for N-Guage, 12 guage wire is sufficient. However, I think I would feel more comfortable using 14 guage, to further minimize any voltage drop. Although I know the 14 guage is a bit more expensive (not really a determining factor for me in this case), the 14 guage wire at the store also has a broader selection of colors, enabling me to use 6 distinct colors for the wiring.
Do any of you experts know of any reason why 14 guage would not be a good idea for my layout?
Many thanks in advance for any advice.
Bob
If I have read this properly there is something backwards. As the gauge number gets larger the wire gets smaller. 12-gauge is larger wire than 14-gauge and in my opinion would be overkill. 12-gauge should be more expensive - that is the part I don’t understand.
14-gauge is the most commonly used size for DCC buses and you won’t go wrong with that. Of course there is more to it than just wire size, such as where the booster power supplies are located. Are they all centralized in one place or are the spread out through the area of the layout?
Our HO club layout is 32x30 or so. It uses 14-gauge wire.
Digitrax recommends 12 for your case.
For N scale # 14 AWG would be best for a layout of your size with # 20 AWG for the track feeders. I have used #14 for two of my clubs HO layouts and it has been more than adequit. I prefer stranded wire for the buss and feeders. It is more flexible than solid wire. when you install your DCC system you can use the assorted colors for different power districts.
Go with the 12 AWG wire, as you will have quite long runs, times two. As to colour selection, that is what coloured electrical tape is for…
Use this calculator to determine which gauge will work best for your requirements.
http://www.stealth316.com/2-wire-resistance.htm
I have a layout in HO about the same size as yours currently under construction. The main bus runs are 14 gauge household twin cable which go 20 feet. Branching off this bus are subs in a few places of 16 gauge speaker wire. 22 gauge feeders come of either of the bus or sub when I want them to meet the rails.
Crandell