Electrical question, multistrand vs single strand wires

saitrix · 22 Nov 2006 at 15:06

Hi,

I am wondering, how does a multistrand cable act. Say for example you have a wire make of 30 0.5mm dia wires compared to a single 1.37mm wire? (Both of those have the same cross sectional area). Would the 30 strand one just act as if it was a single larger diameter wire?

Kreeeee · 22 Nov 2006 at 15:11

benjo plz. · 22 Nov 2006 at 15:17

Biggest difference would be flexibility.

Daveyboy · 22 Nov 2006 at 15:28

less resistance in the larger cable

rpstewart · 22 Nov 2006 at 15:30

This is all a bit hazy (the physics degree was 11 years ago). There is a limit to the current carrying capacity of a single strand of wire because the magnetic field caused by the current can only penetrate a short distance into the conductor. As a result a solid core cannot carry anything like the current of a stranded conductor of an equivalent cross section.

MikeHunt79 · 22 Nov 2006 at 16:25

So by the sounds of it, multicore cable is better?

I guess single core does have it's uses however, like in ethernet cables.