I am at the point in construction that I need to install electrial switches to turn building lights on and off, to wire reverse loops, etc. Is there a book out there that gives a listing of which switches to buy? My past layouts have all been DC and I have used Atlas controllers and switches for turnouts and reverse loops.
Now that I have switched to Easy DCC, I don’t know what DPDT or SPST to buy!
I don’t think that there is any difference between DC and DCC at least when it comes to switches. Reverse loops might be different but lighting buildings etc. would use the cheapest or nicest looking SPST or DPDT that you can find.
BB
If you want to do reverse loops manually the wiring isexactly the same. Building lighting and switch machines are also exactly the same.
BUT with DCC, reverse loops can be handled automatically. There are units from several vendors that wire directly from power to the reverse loop track. When the train hits the gap and shorts, the reverser electronically senses it and flips the polarity.
Demar Electronics (who advertise in MR Magazine) and Ocean State Electronics are good sources for switches - bigger variety and cheaper than retail shops. They also carry stuff like hookup wire, terminal strips and other goodies. Ocean State has 2-56 screws in bulk - the size you want for your Kadee coupler replacements. I’ve ordered from both and I’m happy with their service.
Any of the “miniature” toggle switches with a 3 amp rating will do for any function and are quite small. Demar has a really good selection, and the best selection of hookup wire I’ve seen in a long time.