Distance wiring for 022 switches

For long runs to O22 switches, I suggest #18 or at least #20 wire.  The coils pull several amps in operation, and voltage drop over a long run can end up being an issue with wire that's too small.

Thanks John. Lowes had 12 gauge 3 wire spools but I thought that would be too much. Any recommendations as to mfg. etc.?

I've always used southwire 16/2 from lowes/homedepot for accessories. I use 14/2 for track power blocks.

@LT1Poncho posted:

I've always used southwire 16/2 from lowes/homedepot for accessories. I use 14/2 for track power blocks.

Thank you sir.

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Any recommendations as to mfg. etc.?

Anyone that's selling real copper wire.  Don't get stuck with the CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) junk!

As an alternative, depending on how many switches you were supplying power to, you could run that # 12 wire as a loop around the layout and feed the individual switches off of it.  It would work the same way as feeding the track every four to six feet around the loop.  Skinning a cat is not a precise science.

Thanks Bill. I’m looking to control each switch so I don’t think that would work.

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Thanks Bill. I’m looking to control each switch so I don’t think that would work.

I think I misunderstood the question.  From the switch to its controller I would use #16 wire

GRJ suggested 18 but either will work. Thanks for your input.

One afordable option is 3 wire thermostat wire available at Lowes or Home Depot. Its jacketted and conveniently color coded. Its solid wire as opposed to stranded, but not hard to work with.

Rod

I would check with some of the Lionel parts  dealers. I think they sell a flat 3 or 4 strand black wire that’s the same as the original Lionel.

Keep in mind that the center wire from the controllers to the switches is redundant on common ground layouts and can be eliminated saving about 1/3 of your wire runs. Make the controller connections instead at a convenient common connection at the control panel, and, optionally for even further redundancy, make the center post connection at the switches to your nearby common/bus/loop.

This being the case, you can reduce your wire size yet again. I use 24-22 ga., whatever is convenient.

@romiller49 posted:

I would check with some of the Lionel parts  dealers. I think they sell a flat 3 or 4 strand black wire that’s the same as the original Lionel.

I believe that wire is known as FB3 and FB4 respectively. But it's only #22 same as the original. T'stat wire is typically #18 and is better for runs longer than say 12 ft or so, depending on your supply power voltage. I use 16VDC on the layout for 022 switch power and it works pretty well. The power supply has an 80,000uF filter capacitor, so those babies snap very well!

Rod

Thank you gentlemen for your insights and advice.

Jay