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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by 88gta350 A couple of questions: 1. What gauge wire is best suited for feeders, etc on a layout. If it makes a difference, it'll be a large (11x22) layout with DCC. 2. How about wiring for accesories? Lights, switches, etc... 3. What's the best source for this wire? Online, mailorder, store? Thanks! [/quote] 1. For the main bus line, 12awg wire (regular household wire) on a 5 amp system would be adequate for your size layout. For long runs and high current loads, bigger is better. As for track feeder wires, if they are six inches or less and placed every 6 to 10 feet on both rails, use nothing smaller than 20awg. You can tell if your wiring is adequate by shorting out the track in any location including powered frogs, it must cause the booster to shut down. If not then melted plastic is likely and a fire is definitely possible. 2. Wire size for accessories depends on the total current draw and length of the wire. I recommend buying this [url="http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/12207.html"]book[/url] for detailed information. I also recommend using a separate power supplies for accessories and the DCC system. I have forty five 12 volt light bulbs just in my roundhouse. The load is about 2.5 amps so It has it's own power supply. 3. Whatever source saves you money is best. The on-line source I use for wire (16awg or smaller) is http://www.allelectronics.com/ . They are a lot cheaper than my local electronics store. The larger wire (14awg and larger) is cheaper at you local hardware or home improvment store. Figure in cost such as shipping and (if applicable) tax, verses the cost of fuel, your time and tax added on the the cost of buying locally. Don't forget the connectors or terminals too.
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