Advantages of using stranded conductors instead of solid conductors in electrical wiring circuits

Encyclopedia
09/25/2024

Using stranded conductors instead of solid conductors in electrical wiring circuits has the following benefits:


Mechanical properties


Better flexibility


A stranded conductor consists of strands of thin wire twisted together and is softer than a solid conductor. This makes it easier to bend and install during the wiring process, especially if you need to bypass obstacles or wire in tight Spaces.


For example, in some complex electrical control cabinets, the use of stranded conductors can easily arrange the wires in different positions without damaging the conductors due to excessive bending.


Strong tensile resistance


Because the stranded conductor is composed of multiple strands of wire, each strand of wire can share the tension when it is subjected to tension, thus improving the tensile resistance of the conductor. In contrast, solid conductors tend to break when subjected to tension.


For example, in some equipment that needs to be moved frequently or subjected to vibration, such as cranes, elevators, etc., the use of stranded conductors can better withstand mechanical stress and reduce the risk of wire breakage.


Good resistance to bending fatigue


In the case of repeated bending, the life of a stranded conductor is usually longer than that of a solid conductor. This is because the strands of the stranded conductor can slide relative when bending, thus dispersing the bending stress and reducing the fatigue damage of the conductor.


For example, in some wire applications that require frequent bending, such as mobile electrical equipment, robots, etc., the use of stranded conductors can improve the reliability and service life of the wire.


Electrical performance


Large surface area, good heat dissipation


The surface area of the stranded conductor is relatively large, which is conducive to heat dissipation. Under a high current load, the heat generated by the conductor can be dissipated more quickly, thereby reducing the temperature of the conductor and improving the safety and reliability of the electrical system.


For example, in some high-power electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, etc., the use of stranded conductors can effectively reduce the temperature rise of conductors and avoid damage to insulation materials due to overheating.


Good high frequency characteristic


In high frequency circuits, the skin effect of the stranded conductor is relatively small, and the current is more evenly distributed across the cross section of the conductor. This makes the stranded conductor have less resistance at high frequencies and better signal transmission performance.


For example, in high frequency applications such as communications equipment and RF circuits, the use of stranded conductors can reduce signal attenuation and distortion and improve circuit performance.


Strong anti-interference ability


Stranded conductors can effectively reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Because there are certain capacitors and inductors between the strands of the stranded conductor, these capacitors and inductors can form a low-pass filter, which can inhibit the high-frequency interference signal.


For example, in some electronic equipment with high electromagnetic compatibility requirements, such as computers, medical equipment, etc., the use of stranded conductors can improve the anti-interference ability of the equipment to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.


Cost aspect


The cost is relatively low


In some cases, a stranded conductor may cost less than a solid conductor. This is because stranded conductors can be twisted using thinner wires, which are generally easier to produce and process than thick solid conductors, and are relatively inexpensive.


For example, in some large-scale electrical wiring projects, the use of stranded conductors can reduce material costs and improve the economic efficiency of the project.


Sum up


Using stranded conductors instead of solid conductors in electrical wiring circuits has many benefits, including better mechanical properties, electrical performance, and cost effectiveness. In practical applications, the appropriate conductor type should be selected according to the specific needs and situations.


Encyclopedia

The Electricity Encyclopedia is dedicated to accelerating the dissemination and application of electricity knowledge and adding impetus to the development and innovation of the electricity industry.

What is Automatic Voltage Regulator?
What is Automatic Voltage Regulator?
An automatic voltage regulator is employed to regulate voltage, converting fluctuating voltages into a constant one. Voltage fluctuations mainly stem from variations in the load on the supply system. Such voltage variations can damage the equipment within the power system. These fluctuations can be mitigated by installing voltage - control equipment at various locations, such as near transformers, generators, and feeders. Multiple voltage regulators are often placed throughout the power system t
Edwiin
05/22/2025
What is Static Voltage Regulator?
What is Static Voltage Regulator?
Types of Static Voltage RegulatorThe static voltage regulator is superior to electromechanical regulators in respect of the accuracy of control, response, reliability and maintenance. The static voltage regulator is mainly classified into two types. They are;Servo Type Voltage RegulatorMagnetic Amplifier RegulatorThe types of static voltage regulator are described below in details;Servo Type Voltage RegulatorThe main feature of the servo type voltage regulator is the use of the amplidyne. The am
Edwiin
05/21/2025
What is Arc Extinction Circuit Breaker?
What is Arc Extinction Circuit Breaker?
When the current-carrying contacts of a circuit breaker separate, an arc forms and persists briefly after contact separation. This arc is hazardous due to the heat energy it generates, which can produce explosive forces.A circuit breaker must extinguish the arc without damaging equipment or endangering personnel. The arc significantly influences the breaker’s performance. Interrupting aDC arcis inherently more challenging than anAC arc. In an AC arc, the current naturally reaches zero duri
Edwiin
05/20/2025
Air Break Circuit Breaker
Air Break Circuit Breaker
In an air break circuit breaker, the arc is initiated and extinguished in substantially static air as the arc moves. These breakers are used for low voltages, generally up to 15 kV, with rupturing capacities of 500 MVA. As an arc-quenching medium, air circuit breakers offer several advantages over oil, including:Elimination of risks and maintenance associated with oil use.Absence of mechanical stress caused by gas pressure and oil movement.Elimination of costs from regular oil replacement due to
Edwiin
05/20/2025
Inquiry
Download
IEE-Business is dedicated to serving the personnel in the global power industry.
Join IEE-Business, not only can you discover power equipment and power knowledge, but also canhnd like - minded friends!