What gauge of wire for turnouts

[Mannix]

I am ready to start wiring my turnouts. What gauge of wire is best to use for that procedure? I will be using a DC transformer for power.

 

[MasonJar]

Do you mean providing power to the rails in the turnout, or powering a switch machine?

Andrew

 

[Mannix]

I will be wiring my switch machines.

 

[MasonJar]

What kind of switch machines? What do the instructions say?

In general, larger wire has less power loss per given distance, and heats up less.

Andrew

 

[Mannix]

The switch machines are Atlas, and I don't have any instructions. Would #22 gauge be about right?

 

[ezdays]

#22 gauge would be fine. One thing, be careful. You used the term, "DC transformer". That's a misnomer. A tranformer puts out AC, a power supply or power pack will put out DC. Atlas switch machines run on AC, usually 12 to 18 volts, and be sure that you do not use a sustained voltage on them, they burn up really quickly when you do. Use either a momentary switch closure or a capacitance discharge unit to provide a quick pulse.

 

[wickman]

I used 22 guage solid wire myself without a problem both on my dc layout and dcc layout for feeders

 

[Relic]

I don't know anything about gauges but I used telephone wire for mine, they only gotta carry power fo a nanosecond. (I also believe whatcha don'know wunt hurtcha)

 

[Mannix]

I was wondering about telephone wire for the switches also. I used 14 gauge for the main track bus and 22 gauge for the feeders. Everything works fine for the DCC.
Thanks for the input from all of you.