Solid vs Stranded Copper Wire - Which is Better?

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Solid vs Stranded Copper Wire - Which is Better?
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• When you talk about electronics - solid and
  stranded copper wires are the two most important
  wires used. Copper wire is popularly used in
  electronics as it is a good conductor. Each type
  of copper wire has its own strengths and
  weaknesses. Copper wiring is used in several
  variants like laminated copper connectors,
  braided copper wire, tin coated wire, etc.

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• Solid wire is made with one strand with a
  non-conductive material for insulation. It is
  generally used in electrical wiring in homes,
  breadboards, and other places where there is no
  need to constantly flex wires. Stranded wires on
  the other hand is a collection of small wires
  that are compressed and insulated with
  non-conductive materials. It is used when there
  is a need to route wires into cramped spaces. It
  is also used in headphone cables, speakers, and
  appliance cables due to its feature of
  flexibility.

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• If you are thinking about whether you should use
  stranded or solid wire, then you are not the only
  one. Choosing a type of wire in a project
  requires the engineers to assess the pressure
  that will be put on the wires during the
  operation. Lets dig deeper to understand the
  difference between solid and stranded copper
  wire

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Solid vs Stranded Copper Wire
Flexibility

• The type of wire to be used depends upon the need
  for flexibility. Equipment in which a great deal
  of movement is required like a robot will need a
  more flexible sort of wiring. When we say
  flexibility, nothing can be better than a
  stranded copper wire. It is more flexible than
  solid wire. Solid copper wire can be used in
  scenarios where no movement is required. Stranded
  copper wires have more surface area than solid
  wire.

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Use Cases

• Stranded copper wires can be used when the focus
  is on rigidity and strength. Solid wire is used
  in electric motors, magnet wiring, or coil. Solid
  wire is more resistant to atmospheric and
  weathering exposures, as its surface area is
  small. Stranded wire is more vulnerable to
  corrosion and should be used in a controlled
  atmosphere.

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Cost

• Solid wire is cheaper as compared to stranded
  wire. They can be produced and used easily in
  situations where the solid wire is not required.
  Stranded Wire costs more. The higher the strands,
  the more expensive it is to manufacture.

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Choosing the Right Wire
Before you choose the perfect wire for your need,
consider the following points

• Determine the wire gauge and how much electricity
  or current the wire will be able to carry.
• Solid wire is used for outdoor equipment and
  rugged duty applications.
• For intricate applications, stranded copper wire
  is a better option as it can be bent and shaped
  to fit into electronic parts.
• Vehicular wiring and robotics also need stranded
  wiring due to the higher frequency of motion.
• Solid wire is cheaper but stranded wire can last
  longer.

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Remember to consider these points when you go out
to purchase your next batch of cables.

• At Ganpati Engineering, you can get a host of
  high-quality wires like bare copper wire,
  laminated copper connectors, bare tin coated
  wire, aluminium wires, etc. Do check the complete
  range to know more.

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Get In Touch

• Address - Gokul Path, Vaishali Nagar,
• Jaipur 302021 (Raj)
• Phone - 91-141-2211977 (Office)
• Mobile - 91-94140 48492 (Mr. Gupta)
• Email - ganpati_at_ganpatiengineering.com
• Website- https//www.ganpatiengineering.com/st
  randed-copper-wire.html