Why conductors of a cable may be stranded
Conductors of a cable may be stranded for several reasons, including:
1. Flexibility: Stranded conductors are more flexible than solid conductors. The multiple strands make it easier for the cable to bend and move without breaking or damaging the conductor. This is especially important in applications where the cable needs to be moved or flexed, such as in portable electronic devices, robotics, or cables that are frequently unplugged and plugged in.
2. Increased surface area: Stranded conductors have a larger surface area relative to their overall cross-sectional area compared to solid conductors. This increased surface area improves the conductivity and reduces resistance. It allows for better transmission of electrical signals, resulting in less signal loss or interference.
3. Strength and durability: The multiple strands of stranded conductors enhance the overall strength and durability of the cable. They can withstand higher levels of stress, tension, and strain without breaking or suffering from fatigue failure. This is especially crucial in applications where the cable is exposed to harsh environments, constant movement, or vibrations.
4. Decreased skin effect: Stranded conductors help mitigate the skin effect, which is the tendency of alternating current to flow more towards the surface of a conductor. With multiple strands, the current can flow more evenly across the cross-section of the conductor, reducing the concentration of current near the surface and minimizing the skin effect.
5. Redundancy: Having multiple strands in a cable provides redundancy. If one strand breaks or gets damaged, the other strands can still carry the electrical current. This increases the reliability and longevity of the cable, as it is less likely to fail completely due to a single strand failure.
Overall, the use of stranded conductors in cables offers improved flexibility, increased surface area, enhanced strength, reduced skin effect, and increased reliability. These advantages make stranded conductors a common choice in a wide range of applications where flexibility, durability, and efficient signal transmission are essential.