I have a SEB by Digitrax and am wiring a seperate program track with a DPDT switch. My question is, does this switch have to be rated at 5 Amp ? Also, I used #14 AWG stranded bus wire and find it alittle hard to insert in the connector on the DB150. If I connect smaller wire it seems I am defeating the reason why I should have used that size wire to start with. Any help would be appreciated.
1) Yes, the DPDT switch should be rated at at least 5 amps (at an appropriate votage), because it has the potential to carry the booster's entire output when it's in the "run" position. But anything larger than a micro or mini toggle is probably rated this high anyway, so it shouldn't be a big deal to find and use an appropriate switch.
2) I don't have a DB150, I have a DCS100 and I'm not sure if the connectors are the same. But for what it's worth I have no problem getting #14 stranded into the DCS100 connector. Anyway, that said, you can use a very short length of smaller-gauge wire as a connector. Personally, I'd make it no longer than (literally) an inch or two, just long enough to fit into the connector and be soldered to the #14. That shouldn't introduce enough resistance to cause any problems.
HTH, Steve
If it's the newer screw-type terminals, instead of the clamp on ones like speaker connectors, I was able to get #12 stranded in the connector of my Zephyr. A short bit of slightly smaller wire won;t hurt, just keep it short.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Just a precautionary note, that if you do go to a smaller gauge wire from the larger #14 that the smaller wire essentially becomes a fuse (or fuse link) and in the event of a power surge or large voltage/amperage change the smaller wire will burn off and you may smell the plastic sheath burning or the wire may melt of the switch or where its connected to the #14. Use as large a gauge as possible to connect to the #14.
i have the seb system and have no problem getting 14 awg stranded wire in the connector. make sure that the setscrew is backed out enough to fit the wire. your switch should be able to handle the max current that you will experience. as to the wire size the national electrical code rates 14 awg wire for 15 amps. but some of the tables in their book say that 14 wire can be used for 39 amps or more in free air with the proper insulation so if you use 18 or 20 gauge wire you will be ok. i have a portable programing track for my clubs layout used with our 8 amp super chief and its 20 gauge wire about 48" long.
I wouldn't worry about a short piece of smaller gauge wire heating up and burning. Resistance is factor of cross section x length. Using copper wire, keep the length short - just a couple of inches- and the extra resistance will be negligible.You could even cut a couple of strands out of the bundle but soldering a short piece of smaller wire into it would be better.
14awg should fit in the terminals. Like Randy, I've managed to get 12awg into them. It does put some strain on the plug so it's a good idea do clamp the large wires down to reduce movement. Digitrax uses the same plug on all of their current comand station/boosters.
Martin Myers
I didn't see it mentioned, but be sure you're DPDT switch is center off. You wouldn't want to connect your booster and programming outputs together.