Stranded or Solid Cable: Which Is Better?

When setting up installations for electronic devices, networking, or data centers—whether independently or through data center service providers—cabling is essential. Cables primarily serve two functions: conducting electricity from the power source to the device and transmitting frequencies or signal information.
Electrical cables consist of two parts: the conductor and the insulator. The conductor can be made from materials such as silver, copper, or aluminum and comes in two types—solid and stranded. When choosing cables, you should consider factors such as size, operating voltage, cable color, cable code, wire count, and usage specifications. Knowing these details can help minimize application errors when purchasing cables.
Differences Between Stranded and Solid Cables
Stranded cables consist of several fine copper wires bundled together to form one flexible wire. This type of cable is more flexible, resilient, and can better withstand vibrations. Despite having a larger diameter, stranded cables lack strong support and are better suited for shorter distances due to higher resistance. They also tend to be more expensive to produce than solid cables.
Because of their thinner composition, stranded cables are prone to loosening and corrosion, which can make them more vulnerable to electrical interference. However, they maintain their integrity when bent or twisted, making them ideal for tight spaces like patch panels, network interface cards (NIC), hubs, workstations, and racks.
Some advantages of stranded cables include:
- Larger conductor surface for easier installation.
- Longer lifespan compared to solid cables.
- Greater flexibility to withstand vibrations and bends.
- Increased flexibility with finer strands.
- Minor scratches or cuts on stranded cables do not typically cause major issues, unlike solid cables.
- Higher strand count results in greater cable flexibility.
Solid cables, also known as single-core cables, use a single copper wire. These cables are specifically designed for electronic applications or for horizontal and vertical structured wiring. Solid cables are commonly used by data center service providers for structured installations.
Solid cables are often preferred for their affordability compared to stranded cables. They are durable, resistant to corrosion, and have a more compact diameter than stranded cables, though they lack flexibility and resilience to vibrations. Solid cables are stiff and may wear out or break under constant movement, making them less suitable for applications requiring frequent movement, such as robotics or vehicles.
Nevertheless, solid cables are excellent for structured, integrated connections between buildings or within equipment rooms, entry points, and telecommunications cabinets.
Some advantages of solid cables include:
- Strong durability and ease of production.
- More compact diameter than stranded cables.
- Ideal for intricate uses, such as circuit boards and electronic devices.
- Lower cost due to cheaper production.
This overview of stranded vs. solid cables provides the essential details you need to make an informed decision based on your requirements.