Where does stranded copper wire find its application?

There is no other wire-like the stranded copper wire that has seen such early popularity and success in the market of copper wires. It is very much different from a solid core copper wire in terms of design as well as features. A single copper wire uses a solid copper wire per conductor that is mostly used between a wiring center and a wall box. Whereas a stranded cable is made up of multiple strands of wires that are wrapped around each other. This peculiar design of a stranded copper wire makes it more flexible and thus finds it more applicable than a non-flexed solid copper wire. 

A stranded copper wire has better attenuation which further makes it more usable for shorter distances. Solid copper wire wins the competition when the distance is long, but the stranded copper wire has come up with some new versions of itself that are applicable for long distances as well.

When compared to the wires of similar diameters, it is more solid due to the presence of thinner conductors. Most of the builders prefer stranded copper wire considering its strength, reliability, and durability. You might think that all of this would make a stranded copper wire costlier, but the reality is something else. It is more economical and lasts longer due to the lesser surface area which further decreases the chances of environmental corrosiveness. 

In places where there is a requirement of repeated bending, stranded copper wire fits the best. The super flexibility of stranded copper wire makes it more usable in wiring circuit boards, headphones, and other connections like these. Not only this it finds its application in residential wiring. 

Cords like AC lines, musical instruments, welding cables, etc. are some of its light usage applications. It is also used in heavy types of machinery like mining machines, trailing machines, etc. When a solid copper wire is applied in connections like multi-circuit boards, they fail to work. As their rigidity leads to the production of a lot of stress that can result in the movement while assembling or servicing. 

The pros of stranded copper wire are not limit just to flexibility; it is more resistant than you can expect out of a copper wire. It’s designed in a way to bear more resistance through the unavoidable gaps in between the strands throughout the cross-section. Its tin coating brings in exceptional durability and strength. The way stranded copper wires are manufactured is unique. It mostly follows hot dipping or electroplating. 

The most commonly used forms of stranded copper wires are magnet and resistance wires. Magnet wires are used to wind electric motors, generators, transformers, etc. They perform better at higher frequencies as then the appliances require proximity effect and stranded copper wire understands from its core. 

Stranded copper wires can be insulated in different forms and with different materials. Apart from this one can get them in different patterns through twisted at different angles and designs. 

After considering all these factors, we hope you would select the right kind of copper wire for your appliance. In any sense, stranded copper wire wins the race due to its flexibility, pliability, and resistive nature.