Uploaded September 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

Wiring a model railroad for DCC need be the confusing job many make it out to be. There are a few basic rules to follow and as long as you know and follow them it can be a fairly quick and easy part of your model railroading adventure. Today I want to share with you what I consider to be the most important of these rules and also discuss why you need to do it that way.

Here's a link to a source for zip cord. Note this is listed as speaker wire. Do not buy CCA, that is copper clad aluminum. Look for the OFC, oxyfgen free copper.

parts-express.com/wire-cables/bulk-wire-bulk-cable/hi-fi-speaker-wire

Chapters
0:00Intro
0:41 DC vs DCC
2:30 Wire sizes
3:30 Rail sizes
4:53 Scale
5:25 The 30' rule
6:15 Twisted pairs and Zip cord
9:27 Signal rejection
11:00 Snubbers
11:57 Stranded vs Solid wire
13:17 Testing existing wiring
15:45 Feeders
17:00 Wrapup