@lehighline posted:Several east coast HiRail groups use the attached specs. Be aware the wiring harness specs are old and the specified connectors are generally not available. The specs are pre-command control. I'd recommend Anderson Power poles as a suitable replacement. They can be custom configured. The National Capital Trackers have used these with good success. Look at their website.
Use a separate ground for each track and another for accessories.
If folks are looking for a widely available power connector with industry acceptance for these portable modular layouts I'd recommend the following:
For 3-wire (hot, neutral, ground) 120V AC power connections:
https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nac3fca
https://www.mouser.com/Product...mP8u3cyHiHP1Dw%3D%3D
For 18V track power:
https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/nc3mx
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Neutrik/NC3MX?qs=JfNPhaIww3JqysA1pWsvxg%3D%3D
These are used in the professional audio and live sound industry and the latter have MANY options from other manufactures that are 100% compatible. They are typically used for audio, but the contacts for the linked P/N above support up to 50V and 16A. The contacts are able to handle 14-16 gauge wire depending on the exact version.
Both of these connectors have male and female versions and both cable end and panel mount connectors to safely allow load and live connections. For the 18V track power connections I'd also recommend a set of barrier strip terminals wired in parallel so you could interface with other modules that aren't using the same connectors. Since that's typically less than 20V it should be safe (for humans).
Another nice thing about the latter connectors is they are available in multiple pin configurations (3, 4, 5, 6-pin, etc.) so if there is another set of wires you need to link between modules (say accessory power or signaling) you can do that. Or just use multiple connectors of the 3-pin variety and label them or color code them.