Why You Must Use Stranded Copper Wire Over Solid Wire

Stranded copper wire is widely used in all major electrical applications like any other copper and copper-alloy wires. Stranded wires are a collection of individual wires that make it more robust and durable than the other types of copper wires. They are very resourceful and have a high service life. Stranded wire is available in three types of bare copper stranded wire, tinned copper stranded wire, and hard copper stranded wire.

Why stranded wire is preferred over solid wire:

Easily customizable:

The stranded copper wire can be molded into any shape or size to fit the requirements of the users. Being robust, risks of any damage is very low. The wire is widely used in electric and electronic devices, computer accessories like mouse, networking cables, automobile industries and every other business where a wire must be molded and bent.

Wide applications:

The stranded wire is also widely used in audio headphones, musical instrument cables, line cords, mining machine cables, control cables, welding electronic cables and similar to connect different moving machine parts and cables

Resistant to heat:

Stranded wire offers more resistance to heat and other rough temperatures. It can be stretched to any level without losing its power and strength. The stranded wire is a good conductor of electricity. The isolated wires blend together to form a larger surface area. They work well for the heavy load products that lose their strength due to constant usage.
  

Flexible:

The solid copper wire is stiff and hard to bend or customize. It requires a lot of force and possibilities of getting damaged in the process is high. So, it is recommended to use the stranded copper wire in such applications to ensure quality is not sacrificed. It also is used is materials that get weakened by repeatedly being subject to loads and tends to get damaged.

More consistent and sturdy:

Copper wire will also work ideally for cables moving through a circuit board and for enclosed knobs/ switches. Solid wire will lose its strength when used continuously in conduits or in the termination points in cabinet junction boxes. They will break in between and can cause severe damage. Stranded wire, on the other hand, grow stronger the more they are bent.  keeps growing stronger as and when bent.

How to use:

Because of its flexibility copper wire can be used to pull and setup in any way without any hassles. It may lose its shape if it is not kept in a spool.  Although it is higher in costs than the solid wire, the benefits it offers makes the users prefer it more. 

Wire not suitable for breadboards:

The stranded copper wire can be used in every application without any complications except in solderless breadboards where the solid wires work better. This is because stranded wires can be moved easily as they do not stick to one surface. Solid wires, on the other hand, are stiff and can be easily routed through a straight path. Solid wires also are more suitable for laying of wires in buildings, complexes, and construction of houses as it is stiffer and straight.