Cable Size

Hello again. I'm using 16/02 equipment wire for the switch sides of my point motors.Should the same size cable be used from CDU to switch and from switch to point motor?

Thanks in advance. Daves.

I use 16/02 for all wiring except the main bus which is 2.5mm household mains cable.

I've never had any problems and if you look at the factory installed wires on a Peco point, they're much thinner than the 16/02.

Hi Daves

On Yarslow I have used 7/0.2mm for all 16v feeds and 12v power wires (DC analogue control throughout).  I have not had any issues although where the distances between point motors and control switches is large (up to 15 feet in some of mine), I was recommended to use 16/0.2mm to compensate for the voltage drop.  I didn't need to use the heavier gauge in the end but did notice that, when testing, the resistance/volt drop caused by the use of crocodile clips prevented point motors from throwing - I use SEEP and PECO motors.  When the connections were soldered in place of the croc clips, everything was fine.  I always use a CDU - 880mf for longer distances and 400mf for local.

Hope that helps

Barry

Don't know if you've already seen Brian Lambert's site Dave, but this page is all about points and as you scroll down, motors and wiring.

Electrcial Page 2

He recommends 16/0.2mm as a minimum.


Ed