I am building an HO/DCC layout and need some advice on what guage wire to use. Is it common to run a power bus and connect feeders every 6 or 8 feet? Or, do you connect once and let her run. This is not a large layout, but I would appreciate any input from the veterans.
jimpetit,
I have a 4 x 8’ and only run it on two 22 ga feeder wires connected right to the track. However, I eventually want to do it right and hook it up with power buss and track feeders. General consensus will very slightly but here is what you want for a small to medium layout.
Power buss: 12 - 14 ga
Track feeders: 20 - 22ga (every 3 - 6’)
jimpetit, I’d encourage you to get the “DCC Made Easy” from Kalmbach. Wiring For DCC and Tony’s Train Exchange have a helpful section geared for DCC newbies. Here’s the direct links:
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/intro2dcc.htm
http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm
Tom
You might as well do it right from the get-go. Run the power bus (14 if its not a large layout ) otherwise use #12. You can’t go wrong with larger wire. By the way, use stranded wire for the bus. Use #20 or 22 solid for the feeders - I put a feeder every three foot section as this gaurantees full power and doesn’t rely on jointers. As Tom says, reading books is always the best way to go (after this forum of course).
Ron K.
Thanks alot. This is really good info and right on target.