Susan Deats posted:It depends on the size of the layout. See Toy Train Layout Wiring - Wire Sizes
Wire Sizes for Toy Train Layout Wiring
Wire Size Uses
- #24 CAT-2 3 pair solid Telephone - Use a combined pair as one wire for turnout control, and use individual wires in pairs for lighting taps in a local area.
- #24 CAT-5 4 twisted pair solid Data - Use a combined pair as one wire for turnout control, and use individual wires in pairs for lighting taps in a local area.
- #22 7 conductor irrigation cable - Control wires for turnouts
- #20 2 conductor thermostat wire - Lighting bus wiring in local areas.
- #18 thhn for AC electrical - Variable voltage feed for turnouts. Small accessory loads.
- #16 2 conductor stranded lamp cord - Temporary track wire.
- #16 thhn solid for AC electrical - Taps to track from bus wiring.
- #16 thhn stranded for AC electrical - Accessory bus wiring.
- #14 thhn stranded for AC electrical - Bus wire for track on small layouts and accessories.
- #12 thhn stranded for AC electrical - Variable voltage bus wire for track on a large layout and Common bus wire for small layouts.
- #10 thhn stranded for AC electrical - Common bus wire for large layouts.
Hi Susan,
Wow. I thought I was OK with 14 gauge for a power / ground bus with 18 gauge feeders.
How big is "large" (in your last bullet)?
George
