Wire for control panel

Started by Frenchie, January 23, 2025, 05:22:20 PM

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Frenchie

Asking for a "friend". ::)
I don't know the full details and my French is about as good as his English but he is asking if he can use 0.7mm single core wire as the common return on his control panel.I'm quite happy with Gaugemaster's 7*0.2 so I've never given it any thought.
I told him I didn't know the answer but I knew lots of people who do. I hope. Please.

Newportnobby

Personally I would not use single strand wire and stay with multi strand.

ntpntpntp

#2
Is that 0.7mm diameter or 0.7mm squared (makes a difference :) ) ?

This table would seem to imply 0.7mm diameter is probably good for 3 amps, whereas 0.7mm squared is more like 6 amps.

https://www.jst.fr/doc/jst/pdf/current_rating.pdf



Multi-strand is generally easier to work with than single core.  Personally I'd go for 16*0.2 for a common return, or maybe even 24*0.2 if it's got to carry current for several locos.   I usually run 16/0.2 for DC track circuits (not common returned) and 24/0.2 for main bus wiring (DC or DCC).
Nick.   2021 celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Königshafen" exhibition layout!
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=50050.0

PLD

Personally, I'd always go for multi-strand wire. More flexible and less prone to breakage.
7x0.2 as a minimum, but that's adequate for most jobs.

jpendle

We use 28 AWG single strand wire for many applications in my day job.

I use the 26AWG wire than I strip from Cat5E network cable for the wiring on my layout.

The KEY point being that single strand wire is not meant to be wiggled around randomly. It should not be used where the wire will be subject to flexing or other kinds of movement because it will eventually break.

So for wiring of a control panel single strand wire should be fine as it won't be subject to movement.

For things like wiring looms that will be connected and disconnected frequently then multi strand wire is better.

So why do we use single strand wire at work, I hear you all ask? We use wire wrap connections rather than solder joints and wire wrapping uses single strand wire.

Regards,

John P

Regards,

John P
Check out my layout thread.

Contemporary NW (Wigan Wallgate and North Western)

https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=39501.msg476247#msg476247

And my Automation Thread

https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=52597.msg687934#msg687934

Greygreaser

Most common 'sizes' and hence better prices are for multiple stranded wires based on a filament of 0.2mm, described variously as hook-up, equipment, flexible, switch gear etc wire. They come in various multiples but the greater options for colours are for 7x0.2, 16x0.2, 24x0.2 and 32x0.2 strands.
Data on current capacity varies a bit with voltage rating but 1.4A, 3.0A, 4.5A and 16.5A at 1000v RMS is quoted frequently for those sizes. Therefore you can assume that DC/DCC use up to 24volts will achieve these current ratings.
I would always go one above for the extra few pence in cost so you have enough capacity to add more motors/accessories later without adding more wires. You'll also see less power drop if you extend a cable in length to accommodate layout changes.
Prices on eBay, Switch Electronics and CPC Farnell by example are more competitive than small packaged coils from model retailers. I found that the more i used the more i needed :dunce: so buy a decent length roll of each colour.
A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.

Frenchie

Thanks for those replies. As I said I've always used Gaugemaster. The only problem I have is stripping it to provide a common return across a number of switches. I'll pass on your comments. Many thanks.

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