HO Wiring a Layout with Feeder Wires

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March 24, 2011

Patrick is asking readers for advice:

“I’ve done a lot of reserch on how to wire a layout. I understand that 14 guage wire is for the buss line, and 18-22 guage is used for feeders. I found 20 guage wire, bell wire. I was wondering could I use that for feeders? I am having difficulty understanding about common wires as this is my first actually layout. I have been into trains since I was a teenager, but I really need some help!”

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One Response to HO Wiring a Layout with Feeder Wires

Geof says:

March 27, 2011 at 12:49 pm

Patrick,

Using door bell wire (or even speaker wire) is okay to use. The only ‘downside’ of that type of wire is that it is usually a solid wire type as opposed to the stranded kind. The stranded type is more flexible but will conduct electricity just as well as solid providing that they are of the same gauge.
Note that the smaller the wire’s gauge (or diameter), the higher resistance it will have so avoid using wire less than 24 gauge.
To make things even more confusing, the smaller the wire’s gauge number (e.g., 14), the THICKER the wire will be. This is why you’d use 14 gauge as a bus or common wire since it will provide ‘more’ power because it has less line resistance but it is a bit too bulky for smaller connections.
Here is a very nice link that you should find very helpful with all your electrical questions:

http://books.google.com/books?id=BaSerNUUAZkC&pg=PA55&lpg=PA55&dq=atlas+selector+wiring&source=bl&ots=zunAOQbmi9&sig=EtJg0SswS6rfqw9IIoGBam9opr4&hl=en&ei=PsVaTM9Wk6KxA7a_5OAN&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBoQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=atlas%20selector%20wiring&f=false

Just cut & paste this URL address into your internet browser’s address bar to get there.

Hope this helps,

Geof from the US

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