Hello !
The layout I'm building is "E" shape about 10'x20' ... Its "sectional" (but not
modular). (8 sections 6-8 feet each) Under the core benchwork supports I plan
on running the main DCC power for each power district, branching off from the
middle where I'll have a single controller (Zephyr) and a few power districts
and AR's. I was reading up on layout wiring and decided to go for 12 gauge
(was going for 10 but changed my mind). I bought 50' of "romex" 12 gauge inside
home wiring (3 conductor).
I am planning on hooking this up to terminal strips under the benchwork for
every section. Then hook up each section to the main bus. In each
(detachable) section then I'll have its internal sub-bus wiring in 14 gauge.
My goal is that I should be able to remove a section and power it individually
for testing or benchwork, leaving the main whole-layout wiring permanent. Each
length of main buss will be at most about 20' long from the zypher.
Now my question ! I've been reading that for DCC main buss wiring should be
twisted (3-5 turns/foot). I realize DCC doesnt "require" this but that its
"suggested". I'm wondering if in a layout of my size its important enough or
not. I'd prefer to keep the wire in the romex point-to-point and only cut it
open where I connect to terminal strips (about every 8 feet). But then it
wouldnt be twisted, although I suppose I could twist the whole romex cable but
not sure how well that would work.
Is it worth cutting open the romex, pulling out interier cable and twisting it
or will I be OK just keeping it in the romex between terminal strips ?
Suggestions welcome !
=David
The layout I'm building is "E" shape about 10'x20' ... Its "sectional" (but not
modular). (8 sections 6-8 feet each) Under the core benchwork supports I plan
on running the main DCC power for each power district, branching off from the
middle where I'll have a single controller (Zephyr) and a few power districts
and AR's. I was reading up on layout wiring and decided to go for 12 gauge
(was going for 10 but changed my mind). I bought 50' of "romex" 12 gauge inside
home wiring (3 conductor).
I am planning on hooking this up to terminal strips under the benchwork for
every section. Then hook up each section to the main bus. In each
(detachable) section then I'll have its internal sub-bus wiring in 14 gauge.
My goal is that I should be able to remove a section and power it individually
for testing or benchwork, leaving the main whole-layout wiring permanent. Each
length of main buss will be at most about 20' long from the zypher.
Now my question ! I've been reading that for DCC main buss wiring should be
twisted (3-5 turns/foot). I realize DCC doesnt "require" this but that its
"suggested". I'm wondering if in a layout of my size its important enough or
not. I'd prefer to keep the wire in the romex point-to-point and only cut it
open where I connect to terminal strips (about every 8 feet). But then it
wouldnt be twisted, although I suppose I could twist the whole romex cable but
not sure how well that would work.
Is it worth cutting open the romex, pulling out interier cable and twisting it
or will I be OK just keeping it in the romex between terminal strips ?
Suggestions welcome !
=David