wiring

[chuckshobby]

I just bought a new transformer, the manufactuer is recomending 16 or 18 gauge wire for power to the track. I do not know if 16 gauge low votage landscape light would be okay. The transfromer has a max of 10 amps, the terminals track 0-22vdc. Thank you for any suggestions.

             Chuckshobby

 

[ttrigg]

Ray:

I've used low voltage landscape wiring for years with no problem for track power. I believe it is very commonly used throughout the hobby. For switch (turnouts), remote uncoupler, and lighting for parks and buildings I use the heavier gauge of sprinkler system wiring, (seven-strand stuff).

[Don H]

I used it for 18 years outside to power my track then I changed over to battery.

[spikejones52002]

18 Gauge copper wire low voltage or 110, 220 is 18 gauge copper. It will carry the same amperage.

The low voltage rating is for the insulation. It is not to be used to carry 110/220 Voltage.

Now some low voltage wire is rated for in-door, out-door, in/out-door for weather protection / U.V.

Suggestion - the cost of specialize wire is more that common 110/220 rated for the same conditions. Just because it is marked special.

[chuckshobby]

Thanks for the information on wire gauge, when out and bought landscape low voltage wire.

           

[Greg Elmassian]

 The answer to your question is unforunately not simple.

 How much current you draw (not the potential) and how far you are going to run determines how much power will be lost in the wire. Larger gauges of wire (smaller number) will have less loss.

What distance are you running and how many locos and lighted cars will be running at one time.

I used conduit... makes it easier to change or add wires, and you can use the thinner insulation and cheaper wire.. I used 10 gauge.

 

Regards, Greg

 

[Camaro1967]

 I am on Greg's side here. I was told when I originally set my layout up to use 12 gauge wire to go from the transformer to the tracks.  In my case the wire comes from the transformer to Train engineers, and then out to the track.  I always think a bigger wire is better.

Paul

[altterrain]

I use 16 ga. LV cable for shorter runs (under 30 feet transformer to track) and 14 ga. over 30 feet. I split my 10 amps of power to two separate loops and run several locos at a time with no problems. You can find outdoor low voltage wire with the landscape lights at the home depot and such.

I solder ring terminals to the ends and attach the power leads to split jaw or hillman rail clamps. A dab of electrolytic grease at the connection is a good idea. If you need to do any splits or junctions in the LV wire get some gel filled wire caps designed for underground use..

-Brian 

[coorsdrinkr]

 I don't know if it is overkill but, I plan on running 14 gauge thru 1" conduit to the track. If I have to run any other wire for accessories, It'll be alot easier to run.

            Ron

 

[grandpopswalt]

The insulation at 22 volts is not a problem. However the wire resistance might be. #16 wire is rated 4.0 ohms per 1000 ft. Even at 100 feet of wire you'd drop 4.0 volts if your were drawing the full 10 amps (.4 ohm X 10 amps = 4.0 volts) those are losses that go up as heat. With #14 wire those losses would only be about 2.5 volts and with #12 wire, only 1.5 volts lost to heat.

Walt