What gauge wire best for isolating track

[wilson44512]

I'm going to isolate some track and would like to know the best gauge wire for it. and the best solder?

HO scale bachmann EZ track

[cacole]

The gauge of wire to use depends on several factors, such as how long it's going to be, the current output of your controller, and the possible current load that will be placed on the isolated section.  As a general rule of thumb, I never use wire smaller than 24 gauge stranded speaker wire for short runs of track wiring, and 14 gauge for long runs.

For solder, the only one acceptable for model railroad use is resin core electronics solder.  Do NOT use plumber's acid flux.  Typical resin core electronics solder is a 60/40 lead/tin alloy.

 

[tomikawaTT]

Running analog DC, I use #22 wire for all such applications.  Some DCC users advocate heavier wire, but I'm colorblind in the DCC spectrum.

As for solder, always use small-diameter rosin-core electronic solder - 63/37 if you can get it, or 60/40.  Avoid acid core and acid flux like the Plague - they will cause problems unless meticulously cleaned up and neutralized.  Also avoid 50/50 plumber's solder - it requires more temperature to liquify, which can be detrimental to plastics in close proximity.

If you enter solder, flux or soldering tools in the search function you will get a long evening's historical reading on the subject.

Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[wilson44512]

Im just goint to put a Toggle Switch

in between the wire. and the switch will be less then 5 feet away.

What is the best flux?

[chugg]

Hi Wilson

For something like that I would use a .022 dia. solder from an electronics store,such as Radio shack. This solder has a rosin core, which is the flux. For larger or different projects you can buy small cans of flux which you can brush on. I use Nokorode paste flux made by rectorseal for pre fluxing rail joiners or soldering feeders to buss wiring.

Good luck

Philip

[jrbernier]

  Since you will have 10' total of wire(2 times 5') in this application, and I will assume maybe 1 amp of load from your engine.  Using #20 gauge wire(like the Atlas hook-up wire sold at your LHS), that will give you about.05 ohms of resistance - Not Much!  If you were running something like 5-10 amps through it like with a large DCC application, you would need much heavier wire.

  For soldering, as mentioned:

• 60/40 Rosin Core solder(I like to use .032 diameter solder)
• Rosin soldering flux

  Most local home improvement store folks have no idea what they are talking about(they think plumbing and electrical solder are the same).  Specify rosin core solder and flux - they are specifically designed for electrical work.  Radio Shack has both items...

Jim