Wire Length of Power Drops to Track?

[donhalshanks]

Are 12" (22 guage) power drops to the track from 14 ga buss wire too long, or must I keep it close to 6". Is there a rough maximum length? I'm wiring for DCC.

Hal

[SilverSpike]

My understanding is that the the shorter the drop the better, and it also might depend on the length of the bus run too. See the chart below for loads and wire sizes, use this as a guide. 

WIRE SIZES. Choose wire of sufficient size to carry the load you plan to use.

AWG wire sizes vs. usable output in amps:

Distance	1A	3A	5A	10A
8 feet	22	20	18	16
12 feet	20	18	16	14
20 feet	18	16	14	12
30 feet	16	14	12	10

 

[selector]

You will be fine with lengths up to several feet.  My feeders have exceeded three feet without noticeable problems.  They were also separated by about eight feet, so the demand on each one was substantial.

[claycts]

Or runs are 12" to 24" of #24 awg with no problems at all. When making the splice I have found that a linemens splice (wrap the feeder around the bus a couple of times then solder) was better than a connector of any type.

Remember that the design for the model railroad in DCC is WAY over the top as far a wire size goes. If you used the same design factor in a house you would be using #10 wire for a 15 amp circuit. The loads that you will see will only be a probelm with a short.

Take Care

[Modeloldtimer]

Yep! You're fine with a 14 Awg Buss and feeders of 22 Awg up to three feet long. In DCC.
Of cause try to keep your feeders from the track to the buss short. I'm using a 14 Awg Buss
and Awg 24 feeders that are on the average of 14 inches, And using Digitrax Chief's DCS100
Command Station Booster./w Radio control. ( Love It. )

[donhalshanks]

Thanks so much for the answers and quick response. You guys are great!

Hal