Is it possible that solid wire is used in house wiring rather than stranded wire because if the bare end of a solid wire is bent into a loop to fit under a screw head of, say, an outlet, the screw will tighten down on the solid wire for a firm connection? Stranded wire would mush out from under the screw head ccompromising the connection. Either that, or, is solid wire cheaper than stranded, and that is the driver for its use?
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Electrical cable as speaker cable
- Thread starter mga2009
- Start date
A ferrule will solve most connection issues with stranded cables.
True. But in a house wiring scenario, that would be an added expense with the installation time likely being more expensive than the ferrule itself. Also, I wonder what house wiring codes say about that. I am not an electrician so I don't know about that. As for speaker wires, I don't see a problem with using ferrules.
It's a very good question(s). When I was assembling instrumentation panels for oil and gas equipment we used all stranded copper with ferrules but yes, the house wiring is solid core in Canada too.
At least here in the Netherlands (NEN1010), you can use flexible cable as in-wall cables, when pulled through conduits. At least if it’s an appropriate cable. It’s not something that is done by default though, but who knows what you’ll find in an old house…
Speedskater
Major Contributor
In the US there are many different AC power line strandings. From course to fine to very fine.
Strand count x AWG.
Like 7x20, 19x25, 65x30, 165x34 and many more.
The more course strands can often be used for terminal connections, but the fine counts will need ferrules.
Never solder tin the ends of fine strand wire in place of ferrules.
Strand count x AWG.
Like 7x20, 19x25, 65x30, 165x34 and many more.
The more course strands can often be used for terminal connections, but the fine counts will need ferrules.
Never solder tin the ends of fine strand wire in place of ferrules.
Solid core in that kind of environment might get loose over time due to vibration and other movement or simply brake due to metal fatigue if the cables are vibrating . You would avoid using solid core/single core wire in a vehicle for example.
I think the single core in houses are cheap and works for it purpose , multi stranded are more expensive.
You can get instantalion wire as single core or different kinds of stranded if you so choose.
Also installing cables for mounting on walls are easier to handle as they keep thier shape better when nailed to walls etc .
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