Should l use solid or stranded THHN wire?
Whether to use solid THHN wire or stranded THHN wire, you can choose the cable type that meets your specific needs based on the THHN wire structure, performance and application scenarios .
1. The structural difference between solid THHN wire and stranded THHN wire
The biggest difference between the structures of solid THHN wire and stranded THHN wire is the number of conductors. Solid wire refers to a single conductor wrapped in an insulating layer . It is larger and heavier than stranded wire. Generally, solid THHN wire can be considered for small-sized wires, which have better current carrying capacity and durability. Large-sized wires can also be reasonably selected according to usage requirements.
Stranded wire is usually composed of multiple twisted or braided metal strands. These wires are concentrically wound together in a spiral form, like a rope . This structure makes the stranded conductor have better flexibility and bendability.
2. Performance comparison of solid THHN wire and stranded THHN wire
Conductive performance: With the same cross-sectional area, the conductive performance of a solid conductor is usually better than that of a stranded conductor. This is because there is an air gap between the stranded conductors, so their DC resistance is also higher than that of a solid conductor.
Flexible performance: Stranded conductors are more flexible and can withstand more bends, making them easier to pass through pipes and ducts in walls; a solid conductor is rigid, thick, hard and strong, making it difficult to bend. Therefore, in some places where bending is required, such as corners, if it is bent too many times and for too long, it may break.
Durability: Solid conductors have a simple structure and are less likely to loosen or break, so they are more reliable. However, stranded conductors may degrade in performance over time due to friction and wear of the metal wires.
3.Scenario selection of solid THHN wire and stranded THHN wire
Choosing solid THHN wire or stranded THHN wire also needs to consider the specific application scenario factors, and choose the appropriate conductor type according to the different characteristics of the cable conductor.
For occasions that need to withstand large current loads and do not require high flexibility, such as some fixed laying and high-speed cable transmission areas, solid THHN wire is a good choice .
For occasions that require frequent bending or twisting, such as some narrow spaces and indoor environments, twisted THHN cables are more suitable for complex wiring environments.
4.The prices of solid THHN wire and stranded THHN wire are different
Although the more strands a conductor has, the better its flexibility, the number of strands affects the price . The more strands that make up the cable, the higher the cost . This is because the production process and procedures of stranded THHN wire are more complicated and the manufacturing process is more troublesome than solid THHN wire. Twisted THHN wire involves an extra step of twisting the conductors together, which increases production time and cost . Therefore, solid THHN wire is usually cheaper than twisted THHN wire.
5.Summarize
The decision between solid THHN wire and stranded THHN wire is based on the specific needs of the project, which may include strength, cost, flexibility, load capacity, corrosion resistance and end use. Understanding the characteristics of each type will help you make the right choice . It is recommended to continue to pay attention to State Grid Cable for more information.
