Fastrack Wiring Question

[Anonymous]

Part of this was discussed a couple of weeks ago - regarding the 64-3134 Quick Disconnects from RadioShack.  I searched but couldn't find where this aspect was addressed -

Connecting feeder wires using the spade connectors.....  I noticed a piece of pre-wired Fastrack that came in a RTR Thomas set - the complete spade and part of the feeder wire was completely covered with heatshrink tubing.  Is this necessary?  Don't think the spades will fit if they are covered.  They are snug now.  Those wired pieces of Fastrack come with a much smaller ga. wire - I'm using 14 ga. as recommended on the forum.

Thanks!

Lisa

[dwiemer]

Lisa,

    Don't worry about the heat shrink tubing.  The spades are far enough apart that it won't be an issue.  On wires that are hidden, and with short exposure in a fixed setting, no problem.  If there is a chance that it would be laid on a conductive surface, or if it was an exposed wire, that would be a place to cover it.  If you are having wires come off the terminal pieces to feeders for a Bus system, then you can either heat shrink, electrical tape, or like I am doing, put the plastic insulating liquid electrical tape to cover your connections.

dennis

[Anonymous]

Thanks Dennis  - was afraid I may have to go back and take those spades off.  The track is on 3/4" foamboard except for the elevated sections.  There are 4 elevated sections where there are feeders but they will be enclosed.  May do something on those however.  What type of liguid tape are you using?  Not familiar with that.  

My husband has been helping me the last couple of days on my new layout - almost ready to hook up power and run some trains!

 Lisa

[eZAK]

You could easily get by with using 16 awg. for your track feeders coming off a 14 awg bus.

[dwiemer]

Lisa, if you go to Home Depot or any such place, by the electrical section, they should have these cans.  I don't recall the brand name, but it is a small can about 3" across and 3" tall and you can by it in either black or red.  The can has a aplicator brush inside as well.  I believe it says "Liquid Electrical Tape" on the outside of the can.  Main thing is to make sure you have a good solder connection.....a cold solder connection would just be covered up.  Anyway, this stuff is great.  I also use it for making connections to fountains and Christmas lights outside.  One note though, make sure you are careful and don't drip it on the carpet.  Use a drop cloth or some protection to keep it off anything you don't want coated. 

Good Luck,

Dennis

[ChiefEagles]

Dennis is right about Liquid Elecrtical Tape.  I use it in all applications for Waterproofing.  Great for your husband's boat and electrical wiring.