Wire Comes In Multiple Gauges – Which Do You Need
Knowing the basic principles of wiring will help you better understand and plan your layout and its cool effects! We’ll go over the various gauge of wire and it’s proffered applications.
Lets Get Started: Industry Standard
Copper wire is the most prevalent type. Understand that wire is broken down into three categories by characteristics.
1. Width of Wire
2. Normal Wire
3. and Solid Wire
The larger the wire, the more current it’s capable of handling. The American Wire Gauge or (AWG) can be a little deceiving as the smaller the number the larger the diameter. For example; 14AWG is better suited to handle larger doses of amps and volts than say 22AWG.
When in doubt as to which gauge is good for your particular layout, the general rule of thumb is to choose a larger size as a smaller gauge will restrict the amount of current allowed through your wire. In other words, It’s better to have to much potential than not enough! Wires that are to small will cause power losses through your layout.
If arranged in the United States, most set ups use a 110 volt household outlet. If this is your situation then a 12 or 14 gauge wire should be used for your power supply since they have a larger voltage capacity.
When connecting track feeders, 20 or 22 gauge wires are suitable if the distance of the wire is not more than ten (10) to thirty (30) feet. Lower gauge wires lose their current over distance to the destination junction.
Solid wire is denoted by a single solid cooper line which is insulated underneath a color-coded wire insolent. This wire can be found in many different gauges and as we mention previously, is most efficiently suited for almost all functions in your layout, depending, of course, on the gauge.
Standard wire is definitely the best choice for versatility. It is not useless! Hardware stores seem to be the best bet for quality wire. Radioshack also carries a wide selection of electrical wiring to use for your project.
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