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Difference between Solid and Stranded Wire
Wires are the most fundamental components of an electrical and electronic system that convey electricity from one point to another. In practice, we use two major types of wires for power transmission namely solid wire and stranded wire.
In this article, we will consider various parameters to understand the major differences between a solid wire and a stranded wire. But before that, let's start with some basics of solid wire and stranded wire so that it becomes easier to understand the differences between them.
What is a Solid Wire?
A solid wire is the type of conductor wire that uses only one solid copper (or any other metal) wire per conductor. Therefore, a solid wire consists of a single solid metal core. The solid wires are used in applications where it is required to carry high current, have little movement and longer life.
The major advantages of solid wires are weather resistant, strong, anti-corrosive and inexpensive. Some practical applications of solid wires in building infrastructures, outdoor and heavy-duty applications, and in vehicle controls, etc. However, the solid wires are comparatively heavier.
What is a Stranded Wire?
A type of wire in which each conductor consists of a large number of thinner wires twisted together into a bundle is called a stranded wire. The stranded are more flexible and delicate. Therefore, they are used in such applications where bending and twisting is required such as in case of a door of car.
The main advantages of a stranded wire over solid wire are that these are flexible, malleable and delicate. However, the stranded wire is more complex compared to a solid wire. As the stranded wires get affected by the weather conditions. Thus, these are more suitable for indoor applications, where flexibility is primary concern such as in the circuit boards, computers, car wiring, electrical machines, etc.
Difference between Solid and Stranded Wires
Both solid and stranded wires are extensively used in a variety of practical applications. However, there are many differences between them that are given in the following table −
| Basis of Difference | Solid Wire | Stranded Wire |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A wire which consists of only one solid metal conductor is called a solid wire. | A wire which consists of a bundle of thin wires that are twisted together is called a stranded wire. |
| Wire flexibility | A solid wire is relatively less flexible. | Stranded wire is highly flexible. Therefore, it is easy to band a stranded wire. |
| Current carrying capacity | For the same size, a solid wire can carry more current. | The current carrying capacity of stranded wire is relative less. |
| Corrosion | The solid wires are anti-corrosive in indoor and outdoor applications. | In case of the stranded wire, there are high chances of corrosion, mainly when used in outdoor applications. |
| Resistance | Solid wire offers lesser electrical resistance. | Stranded wire offers comparatively higher electrical resistance. |
| Effect of repetitive motion | The repetitive motion might damage the solid wire. | Stranded wire has relatively longer life in applications that involve repetitive motion. |
| Voltage drop | In solid wire, the voltage drop is lower because of low resistance. | The voltage drop is more in case of a stranded wire. |
| Termination & connection | Solid wires involve easy and perfect termination and connection. | The termination and connection is comparatively complex in case of stranded wires. |
| Skin effect | When a solid wire is used in high power and high voltage transmission line, there is a problem of skin effect. | The stranded wires have less skin effect, when used in high power transmission line. |
| Transmission performance with high frequencies | A solid wire has good transmission performance. | A stranded wire has medium transmission performance. |
| Noise | Solid wire produces less noise due to low attenuation. | Stranded wire produces more noise with attenuation of 20% to 50%. |
| Proximity effect | Solid wires have high proximity effect. | The stranded wires minimize the proximity effect. |
| Suitability | The solid wires are highly suitable for long distance power transfer because these have low voltage drop. | Stranded wires are suitable for comparatively short distance applications. |
| Cost | Solid wires are less expensive. | Stranded wires are relatively more expensive than solid wires. |
| Applications | Solid wires are mainly used in outdoor applications where high current capacity and more durability is required like in building infrastructures. | Stranded wires are used in such applications where flexibility is required such as in electronics devices like computers, chargers, etc., circuit boards, etc. |
Conclusion
The most significant difference that you should note here is that a solid wire consists of only a single solid metal conductor, whereas a stranded wire consists of a bundle of thin wire twisted together.
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