Wire Gauge Too Large? & Why Can't You Buy Kangaroo Boots in California?

[Anonymous]

I guess this is a stupid question, but ....... Can you run into problems using wire that is too large (gauge) when wiring? I know the problems of using wire that is too small for an application, but is the reverse ever true in electronics?

And, while I am here ..... I was browsing through the Cabelas catalog, and I noticed that boots made of kangaroo leather can not be shipped to California. Another kooky California law?

(I'm not making fun of California. Hell, I live in New Jersey, I can't make fun of anybody).

Ken

[rrinker]

Nope, you can't have too big a wire. Overkill can be good - however I don't think you'd enjoy the task of pulling some 00 wire under the layout - that stuff's not too flexible.

'Roo boots, huh? I gotta remember to see if they have any in stock when I go visit the Cabela's store - it's not far from me. Not real far from NJ, either, straight shot out 78. Doubt there's any reason you can't get them in CA other than some animal rights group or other protested the killing of kangaroos to make boots, and managed to get a law passed about it. Have to see, but I can't imagine they're superior to normal cow leather shoes.

--Randy

[jwar]

Roo Boots out here in California are really not needed, the Gov is taking all our money and no one I know is in need of more pockets. Thats the reason we bask in the sun in shorts......and tank tops.....dont need them pockets!!!!....besides everone leaves the keys at home...cant afford the gas....John

[Anonymous]

Thanks Randy.

I have quite a bit of spare house wiring, etc at home, and I wanted to make use of it for layout extensions. House wiring I know, but not a heck of alot about electronics, although I am learning more with the DCC and stuff.

I was just wondering since we are using such little voltage and amperage, and I was also wondering about signal degradation. I really should do some reading on this stuff!

And, the thing about 'roo boots is that the leather is lighter in weight than steer leather, but still pretty tough. It can make for some relatively light weight boots, like for all day bird hunting.

I've been to that Cabelas ..... Hamburg I think it is. Quite a store. My sons and I belong to an atv/dirt bike club near Tower City, on coal mining land .... just off of I-81 exit 107, Schullkil (sp) County. We actually spend alot of time in eastern Pa doing things.

And, John, you're cracking me up. At least you have Arnold for gov. I guess you heard about NJ's corrupt gov.... having to resign after being caught in a homosexual affair and other things (while he had a little baby and wife at home).

Thanks
Ken

[rrinker]

The house wire is probably #12 or #14, which is what you'd want to use anyway.
You're on the right track - yes the volts and amps are relatively low. Heavier than necessary wire won't degrade the signal though.

Interesting on the 'roo boots. Learn something new every day. I'm not a hunter, but not because I have anythign against it. Just never had anyoen to get me into it. My Dad passed away when i was youg, he was an avid hunter and a Hunter Safety instructor - I was up to the point of having my own .22, were my Dad still around I'm sure I would have gotten into hunting as well As it is, I haven't even been target shooting for many years, I kinda miss it. I'm just old enough that when I was in 7th grade, I was ont he intramural rifle team in school - can you imagine today, having guns and a range IN THE SCHOOL? Would be better that way, but it's not going to come back.

Yes, that's the Cabela's. I'm about 15-30 minutes from there. I don't get up into Coal Country too often, I live near Allentown. Just off 78 in fact. Last time I was up that way was this past October ont he R&N's Fall Foliage excursion from Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe.

--Randy

[Adelie]

Speaking of wire, they have been replacing the fire alarm system in our office building. I just saw them working in the wiring closet. I wonder what they are going to do with the miles of wire they are pulling out? Hmm.

[rrinker]

It might make good feeder drops from the track, or low current wiring like Tortoise switch motors or structure lights. But that type of wire is generally too small to be used as a track bus, unless you are bulding a briefcase-size Z scale layout.

--Randy

[Adelie]

I get enough dirty looks at home without trying to build something in a briefcase! I think my normally supportive wife would probably call the guys with the nets and funny jackets with the arms stitched together.[:o)]

[GMTRacing]

My friend from Oz told me that roos were just two legged rats - from the overpopulation problems they have in Queensland, you'd think roo bots would be no problem - ah well glad i don't live in Ca anymore.
The small gauge wire will work on switches and small draw stuff like signal lights block detectors and the like. I did my entire first layout with one length of old time main phone cable (100 conductors - no waiting) and had only the main ground and feed buss in 12 ga. Ran the whole harness onto a board for an early walk around set up.Moore like limp around as I had about 20 Atlas switches plus 3 other control boards and 2 transformers. Trivia lesson done. [;)]regards, J.R.

[rrinker]

Ah but see outside of Oz they see kangaroos as Kanga and Roo from Winnie the Pooh. You can't slaughter cute little Roo and make boots out of him, can you?

OK I'll stop now as this is drifting into a political discussion and people will get mad.

--Randy

[jacon12]

Ken, I can't answer your wiring question but I did see this on some animal- rights group webpage..
"Tell Adidas to stop using kangaroo skin in their products
Earlier this year Viva! (Vegetarians International Voice for Animals) filed a lawsuit against the Adidas company for illegally selling the Adidas Predator football boots in California. The Predator boot is made of kangaroo skin and California prohibits the sale or import of products made from kangaroos, crocodiles, or alligators"
Jarrell