Solenoid Wire gauge or size

[WIMorrison]

A recent discussion has provided some varying views on what weight of wire is suitable for Peco/Seep style solenoid motors and I thought a poll here might be useful to see what size most people use.

[Crosland]

How long is a piece of string the wire?

 

The longer it is (remember the current has to flow out and back) the fatter the wire needs to be to reduce voltage drop.

 

Cue the raft of replies "well it works for me with a piece of wet string"...

[WIMorrison]

I accept that length would have an impact on longer runs however I suggest that the average UK modeller will use the same size of wire throughout the layout

[AndyID]

I've found it necessary to dip the string in salt water.

[kevinlms]

9 hours ago, WIMorrison said:

I accept that length would have an impact on longer runs however I suggest that the average UK modeller will use the same size of wire throughout the layout

A big assumption to make, some people would use whatever is in their spares box.

[kevinlms]

Don't forget that the colour of the insulation makes a world of difference!

 

Seriously, 2 things should be noted.

1/ never use aluminium cable.

2/ Always use stranded cable, as bell wire or phone/data cable breaks. So don't use it even if free.

[AndyID]

Joking aside here's a handy-dandy table of metric wire resistance.

 

http://wfrjr.com/data/formula/data/wireSI.html

 

But as I don't know the resistance of the solenoid coils I don't know what to suggest. "Shooting from the hip" I would think you want to have less than 1 ohm for the round trip, but even that might be too much.