Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat7 Bulk cable drum and reel

Once you decide the Category Cable you need, the second step will be to understand the difference between Solid and Stranded cables.

Solid Cable versus Stranded Cable

If you are undecided whether to use solid cable or stranded cable, you are not the only one. People around the globe are faced with this dilemma and there are no clear-cut answers; it depends on your particular situation. However, learning more about the two types of cables will go a long way in making the right choice between the two alternatives.

Solid Vs Stranded Cables: What You Should Know

A solid cable means it is exactly as it is called – solid. It uses a single solid copper wire per conductor. The solid bare metal conductor is then insulated using a non-conductor material. On the other hand, stranded cables use a number of small bare copper wires that are wrapped, entwined or grouped together to form a much larger conductor that is then insulated using a non-conducting material. The main difference between the two types of conductor cables is the level of flexibility, or how capable the two types are to withstand constant movement.
Solid cables are used in home and other electrical wiring such as breadboards and other instances where the cables are not required to be flexed repeatedly. Stranded cabling is used in situations where wires must be routed through bending and cramped up spaces. These are also used in situations where considerable and constant vibrations or flexing is needed. Examples of these instances include headphones, speaker cables and other similar appliance cabling.

Ideal Applications of Solid and Stranded Cables

For those working outdoors where solid cables are the best. These solid wires can withstand better than stranded cables when they are exposed to corrosive environments, erratic or inconsistent movements and other unfavorable weather conditions. Solid cables are therefore better suited to cope with these harsh conditions.
For those instances that require intricate applications such as electronic devices, circuit boards and other electronic components, stranded cables are the best. This is because these types of wires are able to withstand bending and twisting in the process of connecting these components.

Solid Vs Stranded Cables: Advantages

Solid cables are cheaper when compared to stranded counterparts. They require less production cost. They are more durable and more capable of withstanding pressure. Solid cables also have a more compact diameter yet this does not compromise current carrying ability. As solid cables are resistant to corrosive effects, they are therefore less likely to fail comparably. However, solid cables are prone to breakage if exposed to constant bending and flexing. They do not have the required malleability to withstand being flexed and bent into awkward shapes. They cannot be used in vehicles and other applications that require frequent movement. On the other hand, stranded cables are extremely flexible and easier to route compared to their solid counterparts. They are able to take in constant pressure, flexing and vibrations without eventual breakage. In this way, there will be no need to constantly replace your cables like you would do if you used solid ones. However, stranded cables are more expensive due to the extra efforts included in their manufacture. They have a larger diameter for the same current compared to solid types. They are not suitable to prevent electronic interference due to the fact that the air spaces between the strands amplify what is called the skin effect.