Can I use computer wire (solid core twisted pair) out of cables such as cat5 (network) for running the power around my layout?
"Cat 5 cables typically has three twists per inch of each twisted pair of 24 gauge (AWG) copper wires within the cables."
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable
Thanks in advance!
Computer wire
Re: Computer wire
I don't know.
There will be up to a maximum of 3 n gauge locos on at any given time, so I wouldnt think it would be that much.
There will be up to a maximum of 3 n gauge locos on at any given time, so I wouldnt think it would be that much.
Re: Computer wire
It depends upon how long the wire is, and how much voltage drop you can tolerate.
AWG 24 wire has a resistance of 25.67 Ohms per 1,000 feet, or 25.67mOhms/foot.
Let's say you wanted to connect a 3A load to a battery that was 25 feet away using AWG 24 wire. You'll need two wires, one for the +12v, and one for the return, for a total of 50 feet of wire. 25.67mOhms x 50 feet = 1.2835 Ohms.
Let's figure out what the voltage drop will be across the wire.
Ohm's Law says V = IR (Voltage = Current x Resistance), so:
V = 3A x 1.2835 Ohms = 3.8505 Volts lost in (dropped across) the wiring.
You would then have 12v-3.8505v = 8.1495v across your load.
With a 3A load on AWG 24 wire, for every 13 inches of length you will lose 1/10 volt.
AWG 24 wire has a resistance of 25.67 Ohms per 1,000 feet, or 25.67mOhms/foot.
Let's say you wanted to connect a 3A load to a battery that was 25 feet away using AWG 24 wire. You'll need two wires, one for the +12v, and one for the return, for a total of 50 feet of wire. 25.67mOhms x 50 feet = 1.2835 Ohms.
Let's figure out what the voltage drop will be across the wire.
Ohm's Law says V = IR (Voltage = Current x Resistance), so:
V = 3A x 1.2835 Ohms = 3.8505 Volts lost in (dropped across) the wiring.
You would then have 12v-3.8505v = 8.1495v across your load.
With a 3A load on AWG 24 wire, for every 13 inches of length you will lose 1/10 volt.
Re: Computer wire
What is being said is only use it single for low current applications - Indications, Signal control circuits, LED lighting of buildings / LED signals etc
Use doubled up for track feeds and probably tripled for any solenoid point motor operations
Use doubled up for track feeds and probably tripled for any solenoid point motor operations
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Re: Computer wire
I used solid core CAT5 cables for my point motors without any issues. I used 1 core per connection to the point motors. Not sure about using it for track power though as I've always used speaker wire.
Re: Computer wire
Tried it last night - got heaps of it lying around.
Stranded core cable - nice and small to hide even at the front of the layout
powered my little loco happily. it was speeding round almost fast enough to fly off even at 2/3 full power. the wire didnt get hot at all. I'm pretty happy with it and will continue to use it on my layout
Stranded core cable - nice and small to hide even at the front of the layout
powered my little loco happily. it was speeding round almost fast enough to fly off even at 2/3 full power. the wire didnt get hot at all. I'm pretty happy with it and will continue to use it on my layout