Track wiring

[silentman]

Was hoping to get some opinions or rules of thumb for what size wire to use for the feeders, bus wire and how far to spread the feeders. It's gonna be a 10x12 double track main just to start with additional sidings and loops to come. Thanks for the info!!!! 

[balidas]

You could go 14 or 12 gauge stranded for the buss with 16 ga for the feeders every 3 feet.

[lionelsoni]

Use wire that can carry whatever current your transformer's overcurrent protection is set for.  What transformer(s) do you have?

Avoid kissing the wiring.  (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buss?show=0&t=1317388054 ;-)

[KRM]

I agree with both of Bob's points.

It is up to your transformer.

Tks,

 Kev.

[silentman]

Im using a ZW just for the track.

[lionelsoni]

Then you need to use no smaller than 14 AWG, since the ZW's circuit breaker trips at 15 amperes.

[silentman]

Thanks for the info. Did I spell buss wrong and your making fun of me? Just kidding. One more dumb question, the feeder wires from the track? Same size or smaller?

[lionelsoni]

Strictly speaking, they should be the same size.  However, it is considered safe to use short "taps" of smaller wire in a hardship case where there is not room for the larger wire.  So, if you find it hard to attach the 14 AWG to the track, you can use a few inches of the largest wire that will fit.  (I have found it not difficult to solder 14 AWG to tubular track.  I generally make the joint on the side of the rail away from the viewer.)  I recommend running the tap straight down through the table, then connecting it to the heavier main wire(s) below with a wire nut.  This makes it easy to remove the track section later without unsoldering the tap.

(You spelled "bus" correctly--one "s".)

[silentman]

Thanks for the info sir!!!