Layout Cable

[GNRi1959]

I'm buying Peco branded wiring cable (PL-38) at the moment on-line but would like to buy an equivalent in the local electrical stores where its convenient and I don't need to wait for it by mail order. Whats the standard cable to buy for 00 gauge.layouts.

[Broithe]

PL 38 is 3 Amp, 16 strand wire. 3 amp cable of any type will equate to that - the 16 strand element is just what provides flexibility, which is rarely a strong requirement on layouts.

 

You want about 0.5 mm² for three amps continuous.

[GNRi1959]

Thank you, that will help.

Is there a male/female connector that I can use to carry the power from one board to the next?

Edited January 18, 2017 by TonyMcGartland

[Broithe]

There are many possibilities - it depends rather on the number of individual connections at each board joint. It's a planning issue, really.

 

Places like Maplin would have a variety of potentially suitable connectors.

 

Another point is, how often would the boards be disconnected?

[Broithe]

There is a 'plug-in' form of the more usual 'chocolate-block'-type connector that can be very useful - it can even be cut down in size, if you're confident that there won't be any further connections required.

 

[GNRi1959]

To be honest, possibly once a year for the local Modellers Show and nothing more. The ideas you mentioned will be simple and effective. Ta

[Junctionmad]

D connectors make a good interboard connector , especially if you envisage regular movement

 

Double up on a few pins for high current track feeds

 

I personally can't stand chocolate block connectors but that's just my hangup !!