I often see modelers say that they use 2-part lamp wire for power lines. I just looked at some on-line and it says '18/2 12V lamp wire'.
to me 12V is not good enough, right?
comments please
as always = thanks walt
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18 gauge wire is OK for lights and accessories, but it's too small for use to power the trains. You need 16 or 14 gauge for that.
As for the "12V" portion of the description, it's irrelevant in this application.
Try looking at "Zip Wire" if you are looking for 18/2 hookup wire.
I'll add that most "zip cord" is marked for polarity. Look carefully at the insulation and you will notice that one side is marked with ribs.
@Rich Melvin posted:18 gauge wire is OK for lights and accessories, but it's too small for use to power the trains. You need 16 or 14 gauge for that.
As for the "12V" portion of the description, it's irrelevant in this application.
Rich
I am not sure what you meant by "irrelevant"...12V wire is for 12V applications (auto lighting, low voltage landscape or pool lights, etc.) so it is relevant if he's trying to use it for train power feeds of 16-20V. 18 gauge is of course indeed too small for such an application.
@Farmall-Joe posted:Rich
I am not sure what you meant by "irrelevant"...12V wire is for 12V applications (auto lighting, low voltage landscape or pool lights, etc.) so it is relevant if he's trying to use it for train power feeds of 16-20V. 18 gauge is of course indeed too small for such an application.
Any wire that is suitable for 12V wiring will do fine at 18-20 volts. As you observe, it's the wire size or gauge that is significant here. In general, any commercially available wire insulation will be suitable up to 24 volts.
@Farmall-Joe posted:I am not sure what you meant by "irrelevant"...
I mean what I said. For a model train application that rating means nothing.
Thanks as always for you insights on this.
I do realize and know that 16g and 14g are generally recommended for power. BUT... from 45 years of building Christmas layouts (11'x14' with a 2nd layer most years) I have NOT shied away from using 18g for runs up to 10'. My house hasn't burned down yet
For this post I was mostly interested in the '12V' detail. THat bothers me for power
- walt
