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Multiple stranded cable is used in transmission lines because the high voltage potential of each line causes the electrons to tend to run only on the surface of the line due to repulsion. You want to maximize the surface area of the line, hence the multiple stranded lines, so that you maximize the efficiency of the line. In fact, some transmission lines have a non-conductive core, adding strength while maintaining low weight.

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15y ago
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15y ago

Stranded wire is used in locations where there is mechanical vibration, such as your car or supplying power to a motor. Solid wire will mechanically weaken and break in conditions where there is continuous vibration.

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12y ago

To make the conductor flexible.

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Q: Why is stranded wire used?
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What is the minimum wire size used in a commercial building?

The minimum size wire that engineers spec for industrial and commercial installations is #12 and it usually is stranded not solid wire.


Should solid copper or stranded copper be used with the pressure terminals of a duplex receptacle?

Either one can be used. Electricians prefer to use a solid wire and use the screw terminals rather that the pressure terminals. An eyelet can be formed with solid wire where as using stranded wire takes a bit more preparation to use. The stranded wire has to be wound tighter at the termination end. This is so that when the stranded wire is tightened under the screw terminal the wire does not splay into individual strands some of which do not get under the terminal screw. With some of the strands not tightened under the screw, this is the same as using a smaller size wire. The breaker feeding the receptacle is matched to a specific wire size. The now smaller wire size has a breaker greater than the ampacity of the wire. This could lead to overheating of the wire under full load and eventually cause a breakdown of the insulation. Once the insulation has broken down, the breaker will trip due to a short circuit. This wire will have to be replaced. This could involve opening the wall board to remove the burnt wiring should this happen.Most residential wiring is done with solid copper wire. In industrial applications, stranded THHN wire is used because many wires are run through conduits from service boxes and many different colors and gauges can be run to different locations. I personally would not use stranded in a residential application.


True or false stranded wire has a slightly smaller diameter than solid wire?

They should be the same but have different purposes. Stranded wire will flex easier than solid wire. And if one strand breaks there are sufficient numbers of other strands to continue the electrical current. When a solid wire breaks all connection is lost.


How many 10 stranded conductors can you pull in a 1 inch conduit?

Need to know the wire # size to compute wire fill in conduits


What is the advantage of stranded wires?

Flexibility is the main advantage of stranded wires; however for high frequency AC (i.e. radio frequencies), stranded wires increase the surface area, minimizing the skin effect (i.e. high frequency current avoiding the core of a wire, increasing its resistance at that frequency). This is not an issue at typical power frequencies (e.g. 60Hz) as the skin effect is still insignificant at those frequencies.

Related questions

Is there a difference between wire rope and stranded wire?

Yes, wire rope consists of multiple strands of wire twisted together to form a larger, stronger cable. Stranded wire refers to individual wires twisted or braided together to form a single strand. Wire rope is typically used for heavy-duty applications that require extra strength and durability, while stranded wire is more commonly used in smaller-scale applications.


What types of wire are used in transmission lines?

Stranded aluminium, with a steel core.


What is the meaning of solid wire?

Solid wire is a type of electrical wire that is made from a single piece of metal, such as copper or aluminum. It is commonly used in electrical wiring for residential and commercial applications due to its durability and reliability. Solid wire is typically stiffer and less flexible compared to stranded wire.


How do you strip insulation off stranded wire?

To strip insulation off stranded wire, use a wire stripper tool and adjust it to the appropriate gauge size of the wire. Place the wire into the stripper tool and squeeze the handles gently, then pull the insulation off the wire. Be careful not to cut the wire strands while stripping the insulation.


What size is the bare stranded copper ground wire that is shipped with the sdc?

The bare stranded copper ground wire that is shipped with the SDC is typically 10 AWG (American Wire Gauge). It is commonly used for grounding electrical systems to prevent electrical hazards.


What is the minimum wire size used in a commercial building?

The minimum size wire that engineers spec for industrial and commercial installations is #12 and it usually is stranded not solid wire.


Does ground wire need to be a solid wire?

No, ground wires do not need to be solid. They can be either solid or stranded depending on the application and the relevant codes and standards. Stranded wires are more flexible and are commonly used in areas where there is vibration or movement.


Why are appliances cord made of stranded wire?

Appliances cords are made of stranded wire because it is more flexible and less likely to break than solid wire. The multiple strands of wire in a stranded conductor also make it more resistant to fatigue and bending, which is important for a cord that may be moved and adjusted frequently.


What is a wire made of many strands?

A wire made of many strands is typically known as a stranded wire. This type of wire is composed of multiple smaller wires twisted or braided together, providing flexibility and resistance to fatigue from bending. Stranded wires are commonly used in applications where flexibility or vibration resistance is required.


Is stranded copper wire a better conductor than solid copper wire?

no


What is themost common wire used for a door contact?

The most common wire used for a door contact is 22-gauge stranded wire. It is flexible, easy to work with, and provides reliable connections for door contact sensors.


Do you have to use Solid or stranded wire for life safety systems?

For life safety systems, it is typically recommended to use stranded wire. Stranded wire is more flexible and less prone to breakage due to movement and vibrations, making it a more reliable choice for critical applications where durability is important.