This is an old discussion on many groups. When speaking of DCC, we
need to add in the fact that we are not sending DC or 60 Hertz(Hz) AC
on these wires. We are sending 10 KHertz SQUARE waves. Wire gauge
means nothing at these frequencies.
A square wave is made up of an INFINITE number of odd harmonics of
the base frequency. The base frequency is a 10KHz sine wave and then
the odd harmonics that make it a square wave go out to over a
Megahertz. Simple calculations do not work with square waves at these
frequencies.
Also, at these frequencies, we need to talk about skin effect. At
these frequencies, current travels over the skin of the wire at, not
necessarily through the core. The more skin over the wire, the better
the transfer of current and more current we can carry without
degradation of signal. Therefore, we need to use stranded wire since
it has more skin. The bigger the wire gauge, the more skin there is.
That is why Number 12 and 10 STRANDED wire has been put forth as the
wire to use in DCC applications by the manufacturers of DCC
equipment. The old DC And 60 Hz AC rules DO NOT APPLY.
The standard needs to be either number 12 or 10 stranded wire for
proper operation in DCC applications.
Val Pistilli
FCC Telecommunications License holder
GATSME Model RR Club DCC Chairman
GATSME Model RR Club Track Chairman
Webmaster
www.ij2006.org
www.phillynmra.org
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www.awlrr.com
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