designing a wiring plan with all the controllers in a closet

[sktrains]

Hello all 

im getting close to start the wirring so I started  draw up a wiring plan for my 12x16 layout, and I might be making this more complicated than it need to be but im thinking of mounting all the relays /controllers for the sw machines in a closet and running cat 6 cables to each device (motor, push buttons led controls ect ) and landing them all on terminal blocks then use jumpers to interconnect to the switch-it boards relays and things like that 

I have about 1000 ft of the cat 6 with ends and punch down blocks  so the cost of extra wire is not an issue , if I do it this way  I see to this is less time crawling around under the layout making splices and terminating, saving on the knees and back a little,  and with the ends I can  built a lot of it on the work bench and make it almost “plug and play “

Dose this make any sense or Am I over thinking it ?

Are there any disadvantages to doing it this way ?

Steve 

[RR_Mel]

Doesn’t sound like you have that much stuff to hide away in a closet.  If you are using solenoid switch machines they draw more current than Cat 6 can handle.  I have lots of goodies in my control panel attached to my 14’ x 10’ layout and find it easier to work on than running longer wires.

 

I have problems with crawling under and I don’t know how remoting stuff would change anything.  All the wiring goes to the same functions no mater where the controllers are located.

 

Rethink considering what you will accomplish by putting it in a closet, the actual layout wiring will be the same no mater where the controllers are located.

 

I haven been able to crawl under for over 10 years so I make everything as easy to access as possible and remoting things would make it much worse for me.

 

EDIT:

 

My control panel is totally removable using connectors so that I can work on it at my hobby bench in the hobby room sitting in a comfortable chair.

 

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/2015/05/may-10-2015-remodling-my-control-panel.html

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.