Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
The issue with model trains vs. 120V wiring is voltage drop, not ampacity. If you drop three volts in a run to an outlet for 120V wiring, no big loss. However, if you drop three volts from your 18V supply, you've cut your track voltage significantly. That's the reasoning behind larger gauge wiring for model trains.
Any idea about the 9.3 amp max rating on the #12 wire as the OP stated in his 2nd post? Have actually witnessed the voltage drops with 24 volts on long, small wire in my working life (just a worker, not an engineer or anything). I understand about the voltage drops, especially with the lower voltages, but I don't get this part with the max amps so low?
