First off, let us describe the various collection of wire and their diverse uses. If you are aware of the many attributes each gauge of wire possesses, you’ll be able to manipulate your layout for optimum miniature prototype operation.

First On the List – Industry Standard

Copper wire is the most prevalent type. Understand that wire is broken down into three categories by characteristics.

1. Thickness of Wire

2. Common Wire

3. and Solid Wire

The larger gauge of wire, the more electricity it can conduct. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) can sometimes confuse people because the larger the gauge the smaller the wire. To demonstrate, 14AWG is a better choice to handle large electric currents than a 22AWG.

When in doubt, use a larger gauge of wire. Modelers do this because too small of a gauge will restrict the electric current flowing through your layout causing power loss. Basically, it is better to have too much as opposed to not enough electric flow.

Generally, modelers living in the United States use 110 volt household outlets. If you are on a 110 volt system, utilize a 12, maybe 14 gauge wire. Either one of these sizes ought to be your power supply wires being that they have a greater voltage capacity.

20 and 22 gauge is acceptable wire gauge used in connecting track feeders as long as the wire itself isn’t stretching over long distances, like 10, 20 or 30 feet. The reason for this caution is the longer the current travels in lower gauge wire the more juice lost at 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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