What Is The Difference Between Stranded And Solid Cables?

Every copper wire has its unique and different properties. Their different type of manufacturing processes will let you know when to use which variety of wire. This particular knowledge will save you time, cost, and trouble. When it comes to appearance, every wire looks the same. However, the difference between the bare copper wire and the stranded wire becomes crucial when using them. There are many wires in the market and you need to find out which one will suits you better.

Manufacturing of Copper Wire

For manufacturing solid cable, rods are used drawn down employing a series of mini dies to meet the gauge requirements. When copper is opened up, it will get brittle and thinner. To correct the frangibility, it has to go through annealing. During this process, the cable is heated to make it more strong and ductile. 

Manufacturing of Standard Copper Wire

Standard cable has multiple strands twisted together to make a huge gauge product. To make stranded bare copper wire, single wires are drawn and annealed. After getting ready, they undergo to process that twists them around a center wire.  

Depending upon the type of gauge required, these strands can be made up of seven or more strands. More the number of strands, more the flexibility. There are a few types of wires that are twisted. For example:

• Class B Wires: These have standard control cables. The direction is reversed as more layers are added. 

• Class K Wires: It is associated with a switchboard. Rope-laid wires don't have a particular pattern similar to them. Wires are twisted together with bunches of cables. 

• Class M Cabling: It is used for flexibility. It is made up of smaller wires. 

Comparison Between Stranded and Solid Wire

Strength

Hard copper is stronger. This is due to the high conductance and strength of many mini cables that stick together.

Cost

Hard copper is less costly to produce. The process of making is faster and includes some strategies. It only requires to be annealed and drawn. 

Flexibility

Hard wire is rigid and hard. These qualities are perfect for an application that needs strength. 

Load Capacity

The solid wire has low surface area than other wires which offers it a much load capacity. Solid wire has a lesser voltage drop. The solid wire warms up quicker than the stranded wire. 

Stranded wire is composed of a larger surface area because Stranded Copper Wire manufacturers made it from a few different wires. Over the long run, there is a bigger voltage drop. Due to air gaps, the stranded wire doesn't warm up as instantly. 

Corrosion

A solid wire has fewer chances of corrosion but stranded ones are more prone to it. The air gaps between the stranded cable make it more available for corrosion. 

Application

Rugged cable is required where toughness is key because it is hard and strong. It performs well outside and it is sunlight resistant. Stranded copper gives a great choice for inside the room or home as it is additionally flexible to bend in any situation.