Why are United States (US) Homes Wired using Solid Wire rather than Stranded Wire?

In residential areas of United States, using solid wire for electrical wiring is preferable for several reasons making it superior to stranded wire.

Advantages of Using Solid Wire in Homes

  1. Current Capacity

  2. Cost-Effectiveness

  3. Durability and Stability

  4. Lower Voltage Drop

  5. Ease of Termination

  6. Less Susceptibility to Corrosion

Current Capacity

As compared to stranded wire of same equivalent AWG rating, the solid wire conducts more current.

This addition of air between different strands of a stranded wire reduces overall dimensions but increases resistance, and hence lowers gross current carrying capacity.

Cost-Effectiveness

There is normally a tendency of solid wire to be cheaper than stranded wire.

The fact that this type of wire features a single core renders it especially affordable and accessible to homeowners who are putting primary importance on cost-consciousness.

Durability and Stability

However, as far as constructional superiority and resistance to mechanical harm is concerned, the solid wire is preferable to the stranded wire.

It also keeps its shape more effectively, which makes it ideal for fixed installations when movement is limited.

This durability keeps off instances of developing breaks or failure within the wiring system.

Lower Voltage Drop

This may be attributed to the fact that solid wires have a lower resistance than the stranded wires, and this make them suitable for the longer distances normally observed in residential wiring applications.

Ease of Termination

Solid wire is easier to terminate hence providing easier connection which in a way are easy to install.

Solid wire is preferred by electricians to work on junction boxes and outlets because of their ease of connecting to a circuit26.

Less Susceptibility to Corrosion

In this aspect, solid wires provide better exterior corrosion Vs stranded wires making them more lasting used at homes.

You can also follow us on AutomationForum.co, Facebook and Linkedin to receive daily Instrumentation updates.

You can also follow us on ForumElectrical.com , Facebook and Linkedin to receive daily Electrical updates.